David Kloke, a nontraditional student completing his degree in business administration, is getting some help from WSU Complete, an adult degree completion program. The program encourages adults to work full-time while taking classes on nights and weekends.

Kloke is using his job at Intrust Bank to gain credit through the Wichita State University Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning. Combined with WSU Complete, Kloke is working toward his degree while getting co-op credit.

“WSU teachers and staff have been very supportive and helpful in making sure that I meet my goals,” said Kloke.

A Wichita native, Kloke had been going to school off and on for 15 years. Now, he goes to school full-time at WSU, works full-time, and has a wife and two daughters at home.

“There’s not a lot of free time,” he said.

Full-time student, part-time pace

The WSU Complete program provides students eight week classes in the evenings and on the weekends. Through the program, adults can get a degree in sports management, business administration, criminal justice or general studies. Kloke chose business administration.

“The best part about the program is that it allows me to be a full-time student at a part-time pace,” he said.

Kloke was one of the first students to request information about WSU Complete. He considers himself the guinea pig of the program.

“David is a perfect example of why the program is essential in the support of returning adults,” said Susan Norton, director of satellite campuses and workforce development at WSU. “I am happy to have David as a shining ambassador for the WSU Complete program.”

Business majors in the WSU Complete program have an option to complete six hours of internship credit toward their degree. Co-op helps returning adults continue in their current career while receiving college credit.

“David has been able to demonstrate to his employer that he is resourceful, dependable and professional,” said Sara Muzzy, coordinator in the Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning.

“Whether you are returning to college or changing your career, cooperative education links classroom education with real-world work experience,” said Muzzy.

With help from co-op and WSU Complete, returning adults gain credit for working while finishing up their degrees.

Convenient hours

Classes are offered on nights and weekends at Wichita State’s West campus. The convenient hours and part-time schedule help ease adults back into the routine of going to class and work.

“Since WSU offered the program, it has allowed me to work toward my dream of graduating from WSU and being able to better myself, be a better student and be a better person,” said Kloke.

For more information on WSU Complete or co-op, visit http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/offices/wsucomplete/index.asp or http://www.wichita.edu/thisis/offices/coop/.