How K-State Olathe meets students where they are

For many students, college is a traditional experience. They move away from home for the first time, they live in student housing and they take courses during the day.

Many university programs are designed with this traditional student in mind; however, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute, more than 33% of learners are non-traditional. For these returning students, finding flexible programs that meet them where they are is essential. 

Kansas State University - Olathe focuses on meeting the needs of students in the Kansas City area who are working professionals and who have families or other full-time responsibilities. Our programs are designed with student success in mind regardless of our learners’ current commitments. 

Here are just three ways that we reach students where they are. 

Location 

K-State Olathe is conveniently located in Johnson County, Kansas, making it an ideal choice for learners who work in the Kansas City metro area, Lawrence or surrounding communities. 

One of our graduates, Emily Robinette, now works for Ceva Animal Health. She chose K-State Olathe for a variety of reasons, including its close proximity to her place of business.  

“I live about an hour north,” said Robinette. “I chose K-State Olathe because it’s near my work, so I was able to do the programin and around my work schedule." 

Learners who attend classes in-person at the Olathe campus will enjoy free parking, as well as convenient access to major highways, including K-10 and K-7. 

Course Style Flexibility 

We understand that one of the biggest challenges facing returning students is time. Learners who work full-time or who have family commitments require flexibility in order to get their degrees. Because of this, our campus offers a variety of class options for our students. 

“The flexibility of the veterinary biomedical science program here was really eye catching to me because there were a lot of different options for each of the courses,” Robinette said. 

Depending on the course, learners may be able to take classes that are online, in-person or a combination of both. 

“Olathe met the needs that I was looking for,” Robinette said. “I was looking for a program that would work with a working student, and that would allow the flexibility to take courses when I needed to and as I needed to. If I needed to take a heavier load one semester or I needed to just take one course or do summer courses, all of those options were available.” 

Industry Focus 

Many K-State Olathe professors have a background in industry, which means their classes are focused on helping you develop the skills you need to succeed in your chosen industry. Our professors are regularly looking for opportunities to help support our students, including bringing in industry professionals as guest lecturers. 

“One of our biggest goals is to provide guidance and direction to our students,” said Paige Adams, D.V.M., Ph.D. “We want to provide them with the most informed advice and help them understand their career options in animal health as well as how to achieve their career goals.” 

If you’re thinking about returning to school and you want a university that meets you where you are, it’s time to consider K-State Olathe.