Park University: Parkville, Mo.

Classification: Four-year private college or university.

Modules Used:

  • Module 1: Get a Grip on Your Finances: Smart Spending for Students.
  • Module 2: Seek out Financial Aid: Funding Resources and Financial Obligations.

How Used: Freshman seminar.

Program Description: The freshman seminar at Park University is designed to help students learn more about the university and make a successful transition during the first term. This required course provides students with information about topics ranging from study skills to effective money management. After attending a USA Funds® Life Skills® training workshop, the director of student financial services informed the coordinator of the freshman seminar about the program. The associate director of student financial services, who is one of the seminar instructors, reinforced the information at a meeting with the instructors. Although there was an adopted textbook in place, half of the instructors decided to use USA Funds Life Skills Module 1: Get a Grip on Your Finances: Smart Spending for Students and Module 2: Seek out Financial Aid: Funding Resources and Financial Obligations to supplement the textbook's coverage of topics such as budgeting, money management, occupational choices and earning power after graduation. The flexibility of the materials made it possible for the instructors to successfully integrate the USA Funds Life Skills materials at appropriate times throughout the semester.

Staffing Requirements: The student-financial-service staff assists instructors with the delivery of Modules 1 and 2 on an as-needed basis.

Recommendations: Campus buy-in is an important consideration if USA Funds Life Skills is to have a lasting impact. After the initial endorsement by the freshman-seminar instructors, the student financial-services staff would like to reach out to other campus units, to get them involved in delivering the program to more students.

Campus Contact:
Valerie Jordan, Associate Director of Student Financial Services
Phone: (816) 584-6729
E-mail: valerie.jordan@park.edu