Davenport University is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the greenest city in the US according to Fast Company Magazine. Wherever you go, however you get there, most likely some aspect of green technology is ultimately involved. Public transportation in the city aspires to be part of this green movement as the majority of buses are hybrid and others literally have green roofs. Grand Rapids, Michigan runs on 20% renewable resources and is determined to be at 100% by 2020.
Davenport is the second largest university in Michigan. Its main campus holds residential housing while the 13 other campuses do not. Davenport University is a private, non-profit, career-oriented university that has programs of study in a variety of fields that can lead to an associate, bachelor and or master degree. Davenport is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Davenport was started back in 1866 as a career college. It was not until 2005 that Davenport developed more of a traditional college environment by integrating residential housing, an athletic program, a library and a student center into campus life.
Davenport University
Academics
Like its humble beginnings, Davenport University is still focused on degrees in health professions, business and technology. Davenport University, on par with its contemporaries, provides online degrees in over 40 programs and 350 courses that are fully accredited. With over 6,000 students enrolled worldwide, Davenport prides itself on its online education program stating that it gives the same high quality small class size offered on campus. Online courses are just seven weeks long and are offered six times a year, allowing you to complete your degree at a faster pace.
According to US News and World Report, Davenport’s most popular majors all fall within the business division and include: accounting, business commerce, HR management/personnel administration, marketing management, and of course, busines administration. Davenport’s business division has over 30 majors. Students can choose from accounting fraud investigation, international business, or paralegal studies just to name a few popular options currently available. The health science division offers a Bachelor of science in Nursing and the technology division offers network technology, security and information assurance.
The Sustainable Business Development Specialty is a recent specialization offered to those wanting to have an extra certificate in the masters program or as a post baccalaureate certificate. This specialty allows students to learn to understand and apply sustainability concepts at work. Sustainable management in essence is decreasing environmental impact of businesses yet maintaining the prosperity of the business overall. This specialty according to Davenport University “prepares students for management careers based on sustainable business practices and focuses on the financial capital, ecological (environmental) capital, and social capital of an organization — the Triple Bottom Line.”
Other programs Davenport University tend to promote are those in technology. A new program of study is now available called the Technology Management Bachelor of Science degree. This degree prepares students to be able to manage several information technology positions. Students will be introduced to accounting and finance courses but can concentrate on areas such as networking or information security.
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Case Management opens the door to working with insurance companies, law offices that concentrate on workers compensation, or government agencies. Students in this degree program learn key skills such as assessing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the care of clients.
Davenport University also focuses on programs catered to high school students such as the High School or Career Tech Credit articulation agreeements and the Dual Enrollment Program. The High School/Career Tech program articulates credits from high school to count towards a college degree. Recently, Davenport has entered into agreements with public schools in Detroit to articulate credits that students have earned in high school as college credits, once they complete their high school education.
Dual Enrollment students are students that take college courses will still in high school, these courses give the students college credit and decreases the amount of time a student will stay in college. To be accepted into the Dual Enrollment program, students are required to have a minimum 2.5 GPA and an ACT score of 19-English and 18 math. These courses are not offered at the high school, the student’s high school schedule must allot time slots for these college courses, and the student and advisor must be sure s/he meets all prerequisites before starting college courses.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Davenport University.
With the exception of the Dual Enrollment Program mentioned above, all incoming freshmen are admitted through Davenport’s open door policy and must submit an official transcript in order to be admitted. Homeschooled students must submit documentation pertaining to being home schooled, transcripts that show high school grade equivalents, ACT or SAT scores and must pass both sections (English and math) of the Compass test.
Graduate students must submit official transcripts, complete the GRE or GMAT, and send a resume and two letters of recommendation.
International students are required to present high school transcripts and must possess a minimum 2.0 GPA; transcripts must be evaluated by the ECE or WES and sent to Davenport University. Students should also provide proof of English proficiency by taking either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. International students can be admitted either as full-time degree-seeking students or English as a second language (ESL) students. Full admission students do not require ESL prerequisite courses. International students must also submit a financial statement, a copy of their passport and a recent passport picture.
Financial Aid
Davenport University is a tuition driven school. This means the school is concentrated on keeping classes full to make revenue. The financial aid process is pretty standard: Students need to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so that the financial aid office can then communicate to the student for which federal grants or loans the student may be eligible. The school itself gives 15 institutional scholarships to those who meet certain criteria. Scholarships are given based on ACT scores, GPA, and financial need. Davenport also awards Foundation Scholarships, but besides this tuition program, students are also encouraged to apply for private scholarships for additional funding.
Student Financial Aid Details
How many students use Financial Aid, and how much do they use?
Davenport University 1878th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best Michigan scholarships and financial aid
Enjoy annual events like Panther Prowl, a day of fun activities designed to familiarize incoming students with life at Davenport. Pantherpalooza is the big event at the beginning of the year. During this event which hosts carnival rides and free food, students are able to meet different department representatives and become acquainted with different student organizations. If you choose to attend Davenport University, be ready to participate in Constitution Day, Homecoming, the Fall Crawl (a 5K run/walk that supports the Hope Network), the Spring Fling (a final “jam” event to end the school year), the DU Day of Service (which counts toward the community service honor roll for students) and finally Sibs and Kids Weekend in which students can bring younger siblings or other young family members to special events and sleepovers catered just for them on campus.
Davenport University is packed with fun organizations. It has over 50 organizations that offer something for everyone; however, DU does not have sorority and fraternity chapters. There are academic organizations such as the Business Professionals of America and the Health Information Management and Technology Student Association. There are service clubs such as the Community Action Team or Holland Peace Jam. And finally, there are social clubs like the Campus Music Group and the Climbers Association of Davenport or special interest groups such as the Student Veterans of America at Davenport University.
Students can also take advantage of Davenport’s study abroad program. Students have study abroad options on virtually every continent. Popular destinations include China, Kenya, London, Italy, Australia and Germany. Students are encouraged to spend a semester or year abroad, depending on their preference as well as select program offerings.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Davenport University?
Davenport University has a brand new student center. This center houses a fitness center, auxiliary gym, student meeting and social areas and a field house. The field house seats 1500 students and is the home court of DU’s women’s and men’s basketball team and women’s volleyball team. DU is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the American Collegiate Hockey Association, the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association and the United States Bowling Congress. DU offers many intercollegiate sports for both men and women, such as lacrosse, bowling, rugby, soccer, ice hockey, cross country, tennis and track and field and softball.
Davenport University
Additional School Information
Davenport University offers residential halls at Letttinga, its main Campus. Every student has a private bedroom that is fully furnished. Students have 3 halls to choose from South Hall, Cook Hall and Mejer Hall. South Hall offers traditional dorm room living and also quad suites that house up to four students. Cook and Mejer Halls have apartment style designs. Each “apartment” is a suite that has one bedroom, two bedrooms or four bedrooms with fully furnished kitchens.
Bibliography
Davenport University. Web. 10 of May 2011.<http://davenport.edu/tabid/58/default.aspx>
City of Grand Rapids. Web. 12 of May 2011. htp://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/
Experience Grand Rapids Convention and Visitor Bureau. Simple View. 10 of May 2011. <http://www.experiencegr.com/>
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Grand Rapids, MI 49512-9396
Surrounding community
Fringe rural area (less than 5 mi. from an urban area)
Feel free to add comments or additional information regarding Davenport University, or discuss this school in the University Discussion Forum
over 1 year agoGina reginapmp ((at)) gmail dot com
I graduated from U of M in 1998 with an engineer degree then graduated from Davenport in 2003 with my BAS. Later I would again graduate from Davenport in 2005 with my Masters. I achieved a second Masters from another university in Grand Rapids, MI. All in all, I must tell you that Davenport by far comes with less bull. I have found that each course I have taken has been applicable directly to my responsibilities in my career. It is true that you will need to take the driver's seat in shaping the experience you ultimately want to have with regard to your education. Be encouraged and keep moving forward. It is all necessary as I am certain that if we did not have to work so hard, it would not feel so good when you get to where you are going.
over 2 years agoLarry Wantmore theromanticone69 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Wow if the school is like the women/s soccer coach...coaches the women are beasts. The unsportsman type behavior, throwing women to the ground with going for the ball, arguing with the ref with every call....yellow or red by the way and purposefully taking out a girl in the box which would have been a goal..........just because the ref "did not see it" does not excuse the behavior. Congrats coach on teaching unsportsman conduct. I was at the game as a guest of Davenport and not bethel by the way. The bethel women outplayed the team and conducted themselves in a very professional manner. N dont tell me who won........i know who won.....in my mind and heart...BETHEL COLLEGE DID
over 2 years agojamie norklee ((at)) hotmail dot com
WHO IS DAVENPORT? I have been attending in an attempt to complete my degree for nearly 6 years...in that time they have changed their degrees and courses more times than I can count...every year I think. What makes this most painful is that they make the student meet with some minimum wage boob to figure out what courses you need to take, and then, IF the course is not cancelled, you might get to take it on campus. They used to offer good courses online, but now not many courses run online, and if they do, the idiots teaching should be shot...they don't care about students or the school...just the $$$$$$$$$. Like the fellow students I know I was embarrassed when the President was convicted of drunk driving, but happy when they fired him. I actually had some hope that bringing someone new in would be an improvement, but unfortunately the same idiots in middle management are still there...seems the only good ones are fired before too long. I am on the east side of the state, and remember awesome leadership, like the provost and vice provost, who would do everything possible to take care of their students. Now...I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS UNIVERSITY WANNABE TO ANYONE. They are overpriced, put athletics above academics, and keep closing campuses and firing their best people...what a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
over 2 years agoBecca
Alike every comment made i have also had a bad experience with Davenport University. I would never recommend this school. I had changed advisors 3 times by the time i was finished. Also I applied for graduation in January and have yet to receive my diploma from them. The thousands upon thousands of dollars i took out in student loans, just let me know that my school has certified me for in school deferment when i have not attended in almost a year. Now i have to try to get in touch with someone from the school who will not be able to help me as they have always not been able to help me. Half the teachers i had at Davenport were awesome. The others should have not been hired because they didn’t know what they were talking about. My friend also attended davenport. She has ADD. With that, she has a really hard time taking tests in time periods because she can’t concentrate and her mind wonders. If you were to ask her a question out loud though she can recite the textbook. The school would not recognize her condition and when she asked for assistance with test taking she was denied. As a result she had to take a class 6 times before she finally passed. They never once offered to help her. With davenport being so expensive and apparently exclusive they should have helped her after she failed the third time. Yet, they made over 6,000 dollars off her retaking the class. Then once she passed it registered for next semester in classes. Half way through the semester they told her she had not registered for the classes and that she was not aloud to attend class anymore. Davenport is not worth the almost 1,300 dollars a class you will have to pay to go. From my experience, Davenport doesn’t care about their students. They only care about how my much money they can squeeze from unsuspecting students
almost 3 years agoBrenna Kalns kalnsgemini ((at)) yahoo dot com
All of you must be going to the main campus because I go to an off-campus branch of Davenport University in Midland and it's wonderful. I've had absolutely no problems whatsoever. The staff is very helpful and proficient in their work and really seem to care about their students. I've had the best teachers consistently. I only have great things to say. Maybe you all should consider going to an offshoot of DU. With such a big school I'm sure that many students fall through the cracks.
about 3 years agoBeth S bethsan1998 ((at)) yahoo dot com
In the course of a year, I've only had my advisor change once, but I can say that DU advisors are consistantly wrong, so it doesn't really matter which you have. My advisors have been impossible to get a hold of unless you schedule an appointment, which is a complete waste of time to ask a simple question. They don't return emails or phone calls for months at a time and even better, I was registered for two classes per my advisors "guidance" neither of which I needed for my degree. When I was finally able to get him to respond to me to drop the class - I had to pay 25% of the cost of each class because they had already started! Not to mention that for a year he has supplied me wrong information on my degree program, and with three classes to go, I have to CHANGE MY MAJOR in order to meet the requirements.
This is school is clearly looking to make a quick buck from their students, which is sad with the time, effort, and heart that students put into their education - and how much we loose from our wallets in return. I would NEVER recommend Davenport to anyone. I could not be more disappointed with the treatment and so called assistance and guidance that was barely made available to me.
over 3 years agoKathy morgan dot koen ((at)) inbox dot com
I can't agree more with Dawn. I also attended Davenport University. It is true that the advisors change often and sometimes without further announcement or notification to the students. When you ask questions, most of the staff only able to say,"We don't know why is that happening." They screwed up my paperwork almost every semester. Dropped my class in the past and sent me a letter to notify me, but it was only 3 days left before the semester started. Ultimately poor administration system regardless "system upgrade".
If the system are always being upgrade and monitored, then how come it does not work when students need it?
Financial Aid office also can't seem to figure out on how to do their job correctly. Their reasoning is always the same regardless who said it,"We don't have enough people working on the paperwork for thousands of students." If you guys are so short handed, why not employ more people? Are you just too cheap to hire employees who knows how to do their job correctly without making too much mistakes? Their answer is a hilarious answer for a big university like Davenport.
The class scheduling also not too convenient especially for higher level classes. Not everyone can attend night classes in case these people still don't realize it. Why keep on pushing only having night classes? Aren't you people really want me to graduate? Or is it your hopes that students just enter, stay for few semesters and then leave without a degree? If it not then accommodate students' need more, not just DU's money concerns.
As far as for instructor, 50% ok, 50% (oh my gosh, where the heck you get these people from?)
Some of them teaching to the wall (not students); some of them don't care about the students; some of them although CPA but does not seem understand what they are teaching (accounting class).
A simple note: don't just hire someone because of their nice resume. How about do some in-class teaching test? a.k.a let them show you guys their teaching style before hiring them.
Many students paying the tuition, books, related college expenses with money, not corn. Many of us paying Davenport's tuition charges with student loan (plus interest too), so we want a qualified instructor. We don't want someone who think they can teach. In reality, these instructors do not give students any actual learning experience or new knowledge in class.
over 3 years agoDawn dedwards99 ((at)) yahoo dot com
I attended Davenport University. The academic advisors change often and give incorrect information making it very hard to complete your degree. Furthermore, the advisors promise you academic scholarships that you never get no matter how much you try to maintain a high GPA. I would not recommend anyone serious about their education to attend Davenport. Please ...take it from me. I've had to suffer long with Davenport.
over 4 years agoLaura Byers laura dot byers ((at)) davenport dot edu
Your website erroneously states that Davenport has no admission requirements and admits 100% of applicants. Both statements are incorrect (Davenport does have admission requirements and does not admit those who do not meet the requirements). Please visit our website for more information or feel free to email me; I would be happy to direct you to the appropriate department to detail the requirements. In addition your website states DU is located in Grand Rapids and that the population is a little more than 11,000. DU's main campus is actually in Caledonia (near Grand Rapids) and that population estimate may be correct for Caledonia. Grand Rapids, Michigan has a populaton of 193,087.
This website and associated pages are not associated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Davenport University. StateUniversity.com has no official or unofficial affiliation with Davenport University.
reginapmp ((at)) gmail dot com
I graduated from U of M in 1998 with an engineer degree then graduated from Davenport in 2003 with my BAS. Later I would again graduate from Davenport in 2005 with my Masters. I achieved a second Masters from another university in Grand Rapids, MI. All in all, I must tell you that Davenport by far comes with less bull. I have found that each course I have taken has been applicable directly to my responsibilities in my career. It is true that you will need to take the driver's seat in shaping the experience you ultimately want to have with regard to your education. Be encouraged and keep moving forward. It is all necessary as I am certain that if we did not have to work so hard, it would not feel so good when you get to where you are going.