University of Akron

From Free net encyclopedia

Template:Infobox University The University of Akron is an institution of higher learning located in Akron, Ohio.

The school was founded as Buchtel College by the Ohio Universalist Convention in 1870. In 1907 it became a private, non-denominational college. In 1913 ownership was transferred to the City of Akron due to financial problems. In 1967 the university became a state institution.

Enrollment in 2004 is approximately 23,400 students. The school offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees [1] and 100 graduate degrees [2]. The University's most well known program is its College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, (Akron is known as the "Rubber City"), which is located in a 13 story reflective glass building overlooking Akron's downtown. The University's School of Law has both day and evening programs leading to the Juris Doctorate degree and recently added a Master of Laws program in intellectual property law. The university also has a branch campus, Wayne College, located in Orrville, Ohio. Image:Ua goodyear polymer center exterior.jpg

1 A New Landscape for Learning
2 Organization
3 Athletics
4 Famous alumni
5 External links

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A New Landscape for Learning

A $300 million construction program was completed in the fall of 2004. Called "A New Landscape for Learning", the program included the construction of nine new buildings, the renovations or updating of 14 other buildings and structures, and numerous capital improvement projects. The New Landscape for Learning included a new College of Arts & Science Building, Honors Residence Hall and Classroom complex, a new Student Recreation and Wellness Center, and a new Student Union. Multiple new parking decks were constructed to address high demand for parking (despite its goal of being less like a commuter campus, however these were placed on the outside of campus), and several public streets were closed to consolidate the campus, provide a more friendly environment for pedestrians and to add greenspace. The university added 30 acres (120,000 m²) of new landscaped greenspace as a part of the projects.

The school is currently working with the City of Akron to form the University Park Alliance, which is currently working with the neighborhood around campus to improve the quality of life. This includes a new residence hall, new shops and restaurants, street improvements, and a new stadium on campus to replace the aging and distant Rubber Bowl.

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Organization

The University of Akron is comprised of the following colleges, schools, and campuses:

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Athletics

Image:AkronZipsLogo.jpg The University of Akron's athletic teams are known as the "Zips," originally short for "Zippers," overshoes that were nationally popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and a product of Akron. The university's mascot is "Zippy", a kangaroo.

Akron's major football rivalry is with Kent State University, who they play for the Wagon Wheel.

In 2005, The Akron Zips football team won their very first MAC championship giving them a chance to play in the Motor City Bowl, Akron's first Division 1-A bowl game appearance where they lost to the University of Memphis. That same year the Women's Cross Country team and the Men's Soccer team also won the MAC championship in their respective sports. The Mens's soccer team was also the first team in the history of UA sports to have a #1 rating in the whole nation.

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