The Voice - Student Newspaper

Communiversity set to open for Fall 2009 semester

By Justin Shepard
Online Editor, The VOICE

A unique idea gaining popularity across the country has come to the West Valley. The idea? It's several different schools offering community college courses and university courses at one single campus. It's been deemed, a communiversity.

Located in Surprise, AZ, the communiversity is scheduled to open in time for the fall term beginning in August.

The project, led by Rio Salado College, is a partnership between three of the Maricopa Community Colleges and several universities. Glendale, Rio Salado and Phoenix Community College's will be the participating junior colleges. As many as five universities will also join in on the communiversity. With a lack of accessible schools in the West Valley along with expanding communities in the area with many youth, the area is in much need of such a place.

Instead of students having to travel long distances to attend their desired institution, they will have a variety of options all in one location.

The communiversity will offer focused classes to high-school graduates and adults and allow them to earn an associate degree, just as a typical community college does.

Once an associate degree is earned, students can continue toward a master's degree.

Student's can receive in-person, online, or hybrid instruction at the communiversity.

The project will also have several benefits for the City of Surprise. The growing city is working to attract more healthcare facilities and technologically advanced workplaces.

According to azcentral.com, "These employers demand an educated workforce. That's why Surprise is leasing part of its new City Hall site to Rio Salado for $1 a year."

The communiversity is located at 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza. People who are interested in attending for the fall semester are now able to register via online, telephone, or in person.

For more information on the Communiversity at Surprise, visit http://www.gc.maricopa.edu/AboutTheCollege/Locations/Surprise.htm.

Please send comments to jshepard@gccvoice.com