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Graduate School of Education and Psychology Offers Scholarship to Help Alumni Survive the Downturn
Pepperdine University recognizes the stress that its community members are facing during the current economic crisis, and has responded with several programs to bolster alumni resources. Starting in summer or fall 2009, a new scholarship program called Waves EDGE (Education Development Growth and Excellence) is available for Pepperdine alumni interested in pursuing one of the six master's or five doctoral degrees offered at Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP).
"Waves EDGE was created to demonstrate GSEP's concern for all of our valued Pepperdine alumni, and reach out to them in a meaningful way during these difficult economic times," says Margaret Weber, dean of GSEP. "Our goal is to ensure that those who want to retool after recent job losses or enhance their skills with an advanced degree are not denied that opportunity due to any financial restrictions."
Scholarship recipients will be awarded $5,000 toward a master's degree, and $10,000 toward a doctoral degree, to be disbursed over the first three terms of their program. To qualify, applicants must meet the admissions requirements and be accepted to their program of choice, complete a 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and submit the three-question scholarship application. Awards will be based on financial need, clarity of career goals, and alumni affinity for the university's mission.
Dean Weber reiterates, "One of the core values at GSEP is our mission to serve. Establishing this scholarship program is our way of acknowledging the significant challenges facing communities both locally and globally, and lending a hand to those in our extended Pepperdine family."
To apply for a Waves EDGE scholarship, visit: http://gsep.pepperdine.edu/financial-aid/scholarships
Pepperdine also offers many other ongoing opportunities and resources to alumni and the wider community, such as career services, counseling services, and continuing education.
GSEP manages three counseling clinics at which members of the Pepperdine community can receive low-fee counseling services. The clinics are open to the public, and provide affordable, high-quality, individualized counseling within a supportive and accepting environment. To make an appointment, call the clinics toll-free at (866) 396-8970, or for more information visit gsep.pepperdine.edu/clinics/.
"It's normal to feel some anxiety, depression, anger, or helplessness about real losses you or your loved ones may have suffered," says Stephanie Woo, associate professor of psychology at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, "But the thoughts or conclusions you draw about the current economic situation can make an important difference between keeping the negative feelings in check and letting them spiral out of control."
Also, graduates of Seaver College or any of the five graduate schools, can utilize career services include counseling, job listings, resume review, career assessment, and career contact information for alumni to use. They can also connect with fellow alumni through chapter events across the U.S. and abroad. Through the recently launched PAN Online, alumni can also reach out to former professors, classmates, and internship contacts to explore new avenues of employment.
Pepperdine’s new iTunes U initiative is another great resource for alumni and anyone with an Internet connection from anywhere in the world. The channel offers lectures, classes, and symposia to engage in lifelong learning. The University Web site also includes video and audio clips of many lectures given by distinguished visitors and faculty.
Finally, Pepperdine University’s commitment to providing a place of faith and worship for students does not end upon graduation. The Center for Faith and Learning, Church Relations, and the Boone Center for the Family offer a range of events from the 5th Annual Women in Ministry Conference to the Annual Bible Lectures that are open to anyone. Also, every day of the year, from early morning until late at night, Stauffer Chapel offers a place of prayer, contemplation, and worship.
