Concordia University Ann Arbor’s returning students have a new degree option. The recently approved Associate of Arts degree aims to honor students and credential them in a manner that might make it easier to transfer to other colleges.
CUAA’s new Associate of Arts degree has three concentration options:
- General business
- Educational studies
- Arts and sciences
The duration of the program is a maximum of two years. Returning students, or those enrolled at CUAA by Aug. 26, 2024, are eligible for the degree. The opportunity expires by the end of the 2026 academic year.
The degree program consists of 25 core (general education) credits, 21 credits in a student’s area of study, plus 14-15 elective credits. In other words, all courses completed by students enrolled at CUAA in the 2024-25 academic year can count toward this degree.
A way to honor students
Associate Vice President of Student Success Erin Laverick, PhD, drafted the degree proposal, which the CUWAA Faculty Senate approved earlier this month. Laverick, who has served in leadership positions at CUAA since 2020, says she was highly motivated to find a way to honor students’ hard work.
“They deserve it,” Laverick says. “If they earn an associate degree, they can walk at graduation. I think that’s an amazing way to celebrate our students and support them.”
Additionally, Laverick hopes the degree option will encourage CUAA students to finish their college degree, even if it is not at CUAA. Having an associate degree oftentimes makes for a more seamless transfer process to another institution, she explains.
A culture of care
The associate degree is ultimately a gesture of support for students whom Laverick calls a “a joy to teach.”
“At Concordia, it’s a culture unlike anything I’ve been apart of,” Laverick says.
Throughout her time at CUAA, students have gone above and beyond to show support for her. They’ve shown up at her son’s hockey games. They’ve written unsolicited ‘thank you’ notes. And when Laverick was diagnosed with cancer and going through chemotherapy treatment during the 2022-23 academic year, the men’s basketball team gifted her a jar of handwritten notes of encouragement.
“They’re just the kindest students I’ve ever taught,” Laverick says. “It’s unlike anything I’ve experienced in higher education. It’s such a gift to go into a classroom and teach these kids. They’re fun, and they work hard.”
Laverick attributes the students’ beyond-average kindness to the culture that has been established at CUAA. The idea of Christian living and what it means to serve others is baked into the curriculum. Juniors and seniors model behavior to incoming students, as do faculty, staff, and coaches.
The Associate of Arts degree is just the latest way that Laverick says Concordia can model service to its students.
“At the end of the day, we’re here to serve students,” Laverick says. “Next year will look different, but this is one way we can support them.”
Want in?
CUAA students, to determine eligibility for the Associate of Arts degree, contact your academic advisor. You must officially declare your intent to pursue the degree to be considered eligible.