Davenport University (DU)

About

Davenport University, located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, was founded in 1866 by Conrad G. Swensburg, a union veteran of the civil war. The school was known as the Grand Rapids Business College, but went through a number of name and located changes over the next five decades. By 1910 the school was set to close its doors due to waning interest and financial difficulty, and saved through the efforts of a new teacher by the name of Michael E. Davenport. Mr. Davenport rounded up the remaining members of faculty, managed to keep the school open, and over nearly three decades operated the school as president and oversaw a turnaround of the schools educational offerings. Since that time the school has several presidents, each contributing to the expansion and refinement of the schools offers. In  the late 1970's the school became a university, and began offering a number of bachelor degree programs in the 1980's, and master degree programs in the 1990's. Today the school operates ten campuses and offers programs relevant to the changing work environment of the country. The school is constantly evaluating and updating its offerings, resources and models to better reflect the changes in demand and the need for modernity.

Academics

Davenport University offers programs of study in developing and high demand fields. These programs are renowned for their quality as well as how well they reflect the needs of the work force. Students entering into one of these programs will choose from a large number of programs the one that best suits his or her interests. The programs are broken down into one of three areas of study: business, technology and health. These programs will result in an associate's or bachelor's degree and provide the student with all the skills and knowledge necessary to obtain work immediately after graduation. Master degree programs are also available, though less numerous than undergraduate programs and focused primarily on business related studies.

Programs offered include:

• Finance
• Paralegal Studies
• Networking Technology
• Phlebotomy
• Nursing

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Davenport University must complete and submit an application, along with all pertinent transcripts and test scores. Students are also encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to discuss academic goals and career ambitions. Once submitted in full, the application and information provided will be reviewed and a decision on admission made and reported to the student as quickly as the process allows. Certain programs and degrees will have different requirements and more stringent prerequisites when considering an applicant for admission.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the resulting Student Aid Report (SAR) of which is necessary to determine need, eligibility and awards. Scholarships are available through the school, state and federal government, as well as through external sources. Scholarships from external sources typically require a separate application and are awarded based on guidelines from the overseeing body, thus scholarships may be awarded for reasons other than need.

Athletics

Davenport University participates in a number of intercollegiate athletic programs as overseen by multiple bodies. These include the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the National Cheerleaders Association, the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the National Dance Alliance, the Men's College Lacrosse Association, and he United States Bowling Congress (USBC). The school's mascot is the Jaguars. The school supports these athletics programs, and encourages student membership and support because it provides a healthy competitive environment and creates an atmosphere of support among students and faculty. Athletic programs also provide the opportunity to develop skills that may be useful in the future, including teamwork and discipline.

Athletic programs at Davenport University:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• Track and Field
• Baseball (Men Only)
• Softball (Women Only)
• Lacrosse (Women Only)
• Volleyball (Women Only)

Non-Varsity athletic programs:

• Bowling
• Ice Hockey (Men Only)
• Lacrosse (Men Only)
• Rugby (Men Only)
• Cheerleading (Women Only)
• Dance Team (Women Only)