Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/index.html

Programs

Faculty

Zach Frank, DPT, Dean and Associate Professor
Michelle Shipley, MS, Associate Dean and Associate Professor
Stacy Conner, PhD, Associate Dean and Associate Professor
Sarah Hagler, SAS Academic Advisor
Nicole Vavra, SAS Academic Advisor and Recruitment Coordinator
Beth Kuhn, Office Coordinator
Alicia Moulden, Administrative Specialist

Brief History

In the fall of 1981, a new academic division was established within the Office of Continuing and Special Instructional Programs to offer degrees in those areas not directly related to existing University departments. In the spring of 1983, the General Faculty of the University, the Board of Regents, and the Kansas Legislature recognized the importance of these growing applied programs to the mission of an urban university like Washburn and established the School of Applied and Continuing Education.

In the spring of 1992, this academic unit was renamed the School of Applied Studies (SAS). Continuing Education became a separate unit. That same year the departments of Criminal Justice and Social Work were transferred to the School, joining the existing departments of Allied Health, Human Services, and Office, Legal and Technology. Today, the School of Applied Studies consists of Allied Health, Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Education, Family & Human Services and Social Work.

Vision

The School of Applied Studies will be an outstanding educational setting and resource center for the creation of a learning community that embraces exemplary leadership, scholarship and integrity.

Values Guiding Our Vision

Commitment to Academic Excellence: To have highly qualified and talented faculty & staff as well as discerning and productive graduates.
Commitment to Scholarship: To engage in scientific research, innovative studies, and scholarly endeavors that have beneficial and practical consequences.
Commitment to Technological Empowerment: To foster literacy in relevant technology in order to best utilize its importance and potential.
Commitment to Public Service: To strengthen our creative partnerships and outreach.
Commitment to Diversity: To strive for a vibrant and inclusive learning environment that respects and embraces the many different dimensions of diversity and international perspectives.
Commitment to Compassionate Professionalism: To prepare dedicated and caring professionals, who adhere to the highest ethical standards and performance competencies.

Mission

The School of Applied Studies has the primary function of offering quality professional programs in areas which respond to community and state needs.

The mission for the School of Applied Studies will be accomplished when all graduates are:

• Lifelong learners who are committed to continuing education and scholarship.
• Competent individuals who possess the necessary skills in their professional field of employment.
• Complex thinkers who have the ability to problem solve, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate.
• Informed individuals who are sensitive to cultural diversity.
• Effective communicators who have the necessary verbal and written skills to work in our global society.
• Responsible individuals who demonstrate commitment to professional values and ethics.
• Technologically literate individuals with application skills relevant to their profession.

Accreditation and Approval

Programs within the School of Applied Studies are approved or accredited by the following agencies:

• Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences: Master of Criminal Justice (ACJS)
• Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE): Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association: Physical Therapist Assistant (CAPTE)
• Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC): Respiratory Therapy
• Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education: Health Information Technology (CAHIIM): Health Information Technology
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs, Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (CAAHEP): Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS)
• Council on Social Work Education: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work (CSWE)
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy (JRCERT)
• National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences: Clinical Laboratory Science in Conjunction with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (NAACLS)
• CAEP - Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (Education - Master, Baccalaureate)
• KSDE - Kansas State Department of Education (Education- Master, Baccalaureate)

Academic Advisement

Students who have selected a major in the School of Applied Studies should be advised by a faculty member teaching in that area, the department chair, or the Dean’s designate. The students should meet with their advisor at least once each semester to ensure all program requirements are met.