University of Akron

1600 South Arlington Street, Suite 100, Akron, OH

The University of Akron (UA), located in Ohio, is a public research university. UA offers 300 undergraduate academic degree programs and also many programs at the graduate levels. UA has many new or updated buildings on campus with modern amenities and high-technology classrooms.  In addition to its degree programs, UA offers workforce and career training, continuing education, distance training via online courses, and international study programs.

UA has a highly acclaimed faculty, is considered a "Best in the Midwest" college by the Princeton Review, and has many top-ranking academic programs. Some of UA's most recently top-ranked programs include chemistry, business, science and technology, and engineering.

History

In 1870, the Ohio Universalist Convention founded the University of Akron was founded as "Buchtel College." Originally a church-focused school, the emphasis shifted to non-denominational interests and curricula by 1907. In 1913, the trustees created the Municipal University of Akron, which became the University of Akron (UA) in 1926.  In 1959, the University of Akron became the fifth university in Ohio to offer a doctoral degree. In 1967, UA became a state university.  In the 1990s, a new campus was developed, with 9 new buildings reaching completion in 2004. In 2008, the on-campus sports stadium, InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field, was completed. In 2010, UA was named an Ohio Center of Excellence for its biomedicine, healthcare, and enabling technologies programs.

Academics

The academic calendar for the University of Akron follows the semester format, with fall and spring semesters, and two summer sessions.

Colleges and Schools

The University of Akron has 14 academic colleges and schools, including:

• College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering
• Graduate School
• Honors College
• Law School
• Summit College
• University College
• Wayne College
• Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Business Administration
• College of Creative and Professional Arts
• College of Education
• College of Engineering
• College of Health Sciences and Human Services
• College of Nursing

Student Life

There are more than 200 student clubs and organizations available at UA for student involvement and enrichment. Students at UA can choose from groups focused on politics, faith, ethnicity, academic interests, hobbies, music, careers, and more. There are local chapters of national fraternities and sororities. More than 12 intramural sports and clubs are available for student participation. Campus-sponsored events and activities include inner-tube water polo and ultimate Frisbee tournaments. The Student Recreation and Wellness Center has more information about intramural sports and athletics activities.

Traditions

The University of Akron's school colors are blue and white, and its mascot is "Zippy" the kangaroo.

The athletic teams for the UA were christened the "Zippers" or "Zips" in 1925, after a campus-wide contest was held to choose a nickname.  The origin of the "Zippers" was inspired by a zip-up style of rain boots, or galoshes, that were invented by the B.F. Goodrich Company of Akron, Ohio.

Athletics

Many of the University of Akron's "Zips" athletes have become professional NFL players. The UA "Zips" athletic teams compete in 19 intercollegiate sports, including:

Men's Sports:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Football
• Golf
• Rifle
• Soccer
• Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)

Women's Sports:

• Basketball
• Cross Country
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Rifle
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Tennis
• Track and Field (indoor and outdoor)
• Volleyball

Satellite Campuses

In addition to its Akron Campus location, the University of Akron offers many courses at locations around the Ohio region via its distance-learning program. Satellite locations include:

• Wayne College (Orrville, OH)
• The Medina County University Center (Medina, OH)
• The Wayne College Holmes County Higher Education Center (Millersburg, OH)
• Midpoint Campus Center (Brunswick, OH)
• Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy (Rootstown, OH)

Community Life

The UA is integral to the regional economy of Akron, Ohio, with partnerships in local business and government providing students and graduates with many learning and career opportunities.  Communities bordering the university's Akron campus have been refurbished into healthier homes through UA programs and initiatives.

The city of Akron offers many opportunities for recreation and entertainment, with a vibrant downtown area and many parks for outdoor activities. The UA campus has easy access to the downtown area, and to highways and airports.

Some of the region's points of interest include the EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, the Akron Art Museum and Cleveland Museum of Art, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park, among others.