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University of Akron

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The University of Akron
MottoFiat Lux
(Let there be Light)
TypeState university
Established1870 as Buchtel College
PresidentDr. Luis M. Proenza
Undergraduates18,723 (Fall, 2005, all campuses)
Postgraduates3,913 (Fall, 2005, all campuses)
Location
Akron
,
Ohio
,
United States
CampusUrban, 218 acres
MascotZippy, Kangaroo
Websitewww.uakron.edu

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 2005 was approximately 23,400 students. The school offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees [1] and 100 graduate degrees [2]. The University's best-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.

The Goodyear Polymer Center on the University of Akron campus.

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 (placed on the outskirts of campus in accordance with its goal to be less of a commuter school), and several public streets were closed to consolidate the campus, provide a more friendly environment for pedestrians and to add 30 acres (120,000 m²) of new greenspace.

The University has begun work on a new satellite campus in neighboring Medina County and is shopping around ideas for workforce centers in the suburbs.

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

More renovations, additions and expansions are in the works as well.

Organization

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

Athletics

File: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. Zippy is one of only two female college mascots in the United States.

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

In 2005, The Men's Basketball team, under head coach Keith Dambrot, won their first ever Division 1 post season game, led by point guard Dru Joyce, by defeating Temple in the NIT and also won the most games in a season, 23. 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 I-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 Men's soccer team was also the first team in the history of UA sports to have a #1 rating in the whole nation. Needless to say, attendance at athletic events over the last two years has been up.

Student Life

There are over 200 student organizations at the University of Akron, including 22 Fraternities and Sororities.

Some of these include:

  • Associated Student Government- this organization is the official undergraduate representation.
  • Zips Programming Network- ZPN plans over 100 events each year for the student population, for traditional and non-traditional students. ZPN is responsible for the Battle of the Bands, Homecoming, Game shows, Comedians and more.
  • Residence Hall Program Board- they plan events for the 2000 or so residence hall students, and collaborate with ZPN on major events like Sibs Weekend.
  • The Buchtelite- the official independent voice of the University of Akron. Published twice a week during the semester.
  • WZIP 88.1 FM- The largest student run college radio station in terms of listenership. Plays top 40 for most of the time, but has special Polka, sports, Rock and News programs.
  • Tel-Buch- The university's yearbook, produced for over 90 years.
  • College Republicans and College Democrats host a number of political and social events every year.

Akron U

The University of Akron is commonly incorrectly referred to as "Akron University" (or "Akron U") not only nationally, but especially by locals.

Famous alumni

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