Frequently Asked Questions
The Church of the Nazarene, organized on October 8, 1908, is the largest denomination in the Wesleyan-Arminian theological tradition. The doctrine that distinguishes the Church of the Nazarene and other Wesleyan denominations from most other Christian denominations is that of entire sanctification. Nazarenes believe that God calls Christians to a life of holy living that is marked by an act of God, cleansing the heart from original sin and filling the individual with love for God and humankind. This experience is marked by entire consecration of the believer to do God's will and is followed by a life of seeking to serve God through service to others. Like salvation, entire sanctification is an act of God's grace, not of works. Our pursuant service to God is an act of love whereby we show our appreciation for the grace that has been extended to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 2. Why should I attend MidAmerica? At MidAmerica Nazarene University, our mission as a Christian institution is to educate the whole person. To integrate faith with learning. To provide a source of energy that creates spiritual vitality, shapes the intellect, paves the way for a rewarding career, awakens concern for others, and builds deep and lasting relationships. MidAmerica Nazarene University provides an education that enlightens the intellect and illuminates the soul. And that means a brighter future for you. 3. What advantage does MNU have over a secular school? The characteristic that makes MNU most distinct from a secular school is also the characteristic we believe gives MNU its greatest advantage -- our commitment to integrating Christian faith and values with learning. At MNU, you experience the light of God every minute of the day. In the classroom, your professor leads you in prayer. And throughout the class, Christian values and ethics are often integrated into subject matter. Thrice-weekly chapel services, as well as fall and spring revival services, hall devotions, and various small group opportunities, are an integral part of university life. You're also taught to give yourself away to others. While students at other institutions soak in the sun on spring break, you'll find MNU students going to the Ukraine, Belize, or other parts of U.S. where people literally have nothing. Our students are giving medicine, they're giving clothes, and most importantly, they're giving of themselves. They have learned to become servant leaders. 4. What advantage does MNU have over a public school? In addition to MNU's uniqueness as a Christ-centered university, one of the main advantages MNU has over most public schools is the personal attention students receive from their faculty. The care for students is perhaps the greatest attribute of MNU faculty. It's not uncommon to find faculty members in residence hall rooms talking with students or even inviting students into their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. Small classes (16:1 student/faculty ratio) and the fact that faculty do not use teaching assistants, allow them to get to know you as an individual. They are able to recognize the possibilities in students. They nurture and prepare. They believe in you as you unfold, discover, map out, and engage your future. Simply put, the student is the priority! 5. What advantage does MNU have over other schools? MidAmerica offers a unique campus environment ... warm and committed faculty, Godly students and university leaders, top-notch and varied academic programs, unwavering commitment to our Christian beliefs, a beautiful Colonial-style campus with a strong emphasis on residential living, Midwestern hospitality . . . it all adds up to make MNU a special place. Let us tell you more about MNU. 6. What type of school is MidAmerica? MidAmerica Nazarene University is a comprehensive liberal arts university offering undergraduate and selected professional and graduation degrees. Sponsored by the North Central Region of the Church of the Nazarene, the university is committed to serving the church and its global mission. A Christian community in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, MidAmerica Nazarene University seeks to transform the individual through intellectual, spiritual, and personal development for a life of service to God, the church, the nation and the world. MNU is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. 7. Do you have graduate studies programs? Yes, MNU currently offers master's degrees in business administration, education, educational technology, nursing, and counseling. More graduate programs may soon be on the horizon. 8. What about accelerated degree completion programs? The Division of Innovative Adult Education offers one degree completion programs: The Bachelor of Arts in Management and Human Relations (MHR) is a field-based, accelerated program designed for adults (25 years and older) who wish to earn a degree while pursuing professional/vocational obligations. Admission to the program requires at least 60 semester hours of transferable classroom coursework with a 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA. A prescribed 32-hour major program is followed by a group of students who pursue the entire program as a single class unit. Skills are taught in a seminar style and focus on organizational behavior, leadership, interpersonal skills, management problems, and a values-oriented management approach. MidAmerica is in Olathe, Kan., a residential community of approximately 120,000 people, located 20 minutes from the heart of Kansas City. 10. Can you tell me about the Olathe community? Olathe is a city of about 120,000 people, including more than 2,700 MNU alumni! It is located just 20 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City, with all of the cultural advantages of a major metropolitan area. Olathe is the second largest among the 21 communities in prosperous Johnson County, and the fifth largest city in the state. In 2008, the US Census Bureau ranked Olathe the 24th fastest-growing city in the nation. The same year, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Olathe #11 on its list of the "100 Best Cities to Live in the United States." Olathe offers a life style of exceptional quality. A drive through Olathe's attractive gently-rolling neighborhoods shows a well-planned, pleasing community. Olathe's Fire and Police Departments are among the finest in the state. The city's school system is one of the best in the nation. Outdoor recreation offers a variety of activities, including running, jogging, bicycling, fishing, boating, team sports and just relaxing. The Olathe area is popular for hot-air ballooning and sailboarding. Olathe has two public lakes: Olathe Lake with 172 acres of water surface, and Cedar Lake with 45 acres. The city's Recreation Division maintains year-round activities including music and dance, sports, health and fitness programs for all ages. Baseball diamonds, tennis courts and fitness trails are available throughout the city. a Olathe's quality of life and its attractiveness as a place to live have an ever-increasing number of people looking toward Olathe as a place to call home. 11. How do you pronounce 'Olathe?'? Olathe (pronounced Oh-LAY'-tha) is a Shawnee word meaning "beautiful." 12. How do I get to MNU? (driving directions) From the east or west: Take Interstate 70 to Interstate 435 south to Interstate 35 south; exit at #218 (Highway 150). From the north or south: Interstate 35; exit at #218 (Highway 150). To Mur-Len or "back" entrance: At Exit #218, head east on Highway 150 (Santa Fe Street) to Mur-Len Road and turn right; turn right just before the first stoplight, turn right through wrought iron gates. Visitor parking at Campus Center. To College Way or "front" entrance: At Exit #218, head east on Highway 150 (Santa Fe Street) 1/2 block to Clairborne. Turn right onto Clairborne and go to College Way. Turn left and follow College Way down to the wrought iron sign. Visitor parking in the circle drive. 13. How many students are enrolled at MNU? Enrollment for fall 2009 was 1,743. 14. What is the average classroom size? 20 students per class. 15. How much does it cost to attend MNU? You will find the cost of MidAmerica Nazarene University to be more affordable than comparable private universities. (see Comparing College Costs) MNU charges block tuition, which means a set amount for 12-17 credit hours. Fees, which include mandatory student insurance, activity and technology fees are additional. There is a residential charge than includes a meal plan of 14 meals per week. In addition, you should plan to pay for books with cash or credit card since some financial aid may not arrive until 30 days after classes begin. You may also be interested in our 2010-11 cost information. Most students attending MNU qualify for some type of financial aid. In fact, 96 percent receive financial aid. Financial Aid Forms Yes! MidAmerica Nazarene University, a comprehensive liberal arts university of the Church of the Nazarene, is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (Address: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504; Phone: (312) 263-7462). The University is authorized to offer associate, baccalaureate, and the master of education, master of educational technology, master of arts in organizational information, master of business administration and master of arts in counseling degrees. Accreditation of the teacher education program has been achieved from the Kansas State Board of Education, and the nursing major has received approvals from the Kansas State Board of Nursing and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. MidAmerica Nazarene University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The Athletic Training Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), the Kansas Independent College Association (KICA), the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS), the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), the NLN, and the Olathe Area Chamber of Commerce. 17. What ACT or SAT scores do I need to be admitted at MNU? Graduates of accredited high schools with an ACT score of 19 or above on the English and Reading (previously called Social Science) areas and 19 or above on the Mathematics area (SAT verbal of 440 or above; Mathematics score of 470 or above) may be admitted in good standing. Students with an ACT score of 11 or below in English (SAT Verbal of 300 or below), Reading or Mathematics (SAT Math of 260 or below) or an ACT composite of 11 or below (SAT Composite of 550 or below) will be required to meet the minimum ACT entrance requirements as stated above prior to being provisionally admitted into MidAmerica's Developmental Program. A suggested course of action would be to successfully complete a Remedial Program at another college prior to retaking the ACT. (See the MNU Catalog for more information on provisional acceptance and other admissions information.) 18. What are MidAmerica's ACT and SAT codes? MNU's ACT code is 1445. MNU's SAT code is 6437. MNU offers more than 40 undergraduate degree options, as well as master's degrees. Academic Programs 20. Does MNU have job placement and career planning services? Yes! MidAmerica is dedicated to helping you through every step of the career-search process through career counseling, resume development, mock interviews, career fairs, special events, workshops, and a computer-assisted career-planning guidance system. 21. What is the success rate of MNU graduates? Beyond a shadow of a doubt, it is important to graduate with marketable career skills. And MNU unquestionably provides an education that prepares students for promising careers. MNU is located in Johnson County, an area with an extremely low unemployment rate and plenty of part-time job opportunities that allow students to make ends meet while attending classes. Local companies know what kind of employees they're getting when they see MNU on an applicant's resume. Our students have an excellent reputation for having good moral values and a strong work ethic. Among the companies that actively recruit MNU students are: Andersen Consulting, Bayer Corporation, Cerner Corporation, Citicorp, Fred Pryor Seminars, Gateway Computers, Hallmark, Pharmacia and Upjohn, Sprint, Olathe Medical Center, Olathe First National Bank, The IRS, UPS, and Universal Press Syndicate. MNU graduates also find they are well prepared to continue their education in graduate programs including medical school. 22. Can you tell me about the Bell Cultural Events Center? MNU's Bell Cultural Events Center is a 40,000 square-foot building that houses our drama, vocal and instrumental music programs. Features include a 500-seat performance auditorium, a black box theatre, and a spacious lobby. 23. Can you tell me about the MNU campus? MidAmerica is situated on a beautiful 105-acre campus in Olathe, Kan., a residential suburb of Kansas City. One of the things that makes the MNU campus so attractive is the consistent use of Colonial-style architecture for all of the university's academic, administrative and residential buildings, as well as Weatherby Chapel. Athletic facilities include Pioneer Stadium (football), Robbie Jones Field (baseball), Williams Field (softball) and and Cook Center. The Land Gymnasium provides space for basketball, volleyball and weight training. Located at the heart of MidAmerica's campus is a beautiful plaza and sculpture, "The Harvest Prayer." This bronze, life-size sculpture created by Scott Stearman depicts a pioneer family praying over their land and plow for a bountiful harvest. While MNU is a Nazarene university (and a majority of our undergraduate students are Nazarene) we seek all students who value moral character and personal integrity, and who are in harmony with the University's mission as a distinctively Christian liberal arts institution of the Church of the Nazarene. MidAmerica Nazarene University is assigned by the Church of the Nazarene to recruit from a seven-state region which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, a majority of our undergraduate students come from these states, but we also have a considerable amount of students (17 percent) from other areas of the country and around the world. (For more information go to international student enrollment) 25. What activities, events, clubs are available for students (student life)? What happens on campus when you're not studying or going to class? Our students enjoy a fun and active life through dozens of campus-wide events. Special events include: Spirit Week, Homecoming, Colony West Fest, TWIRP weekend, Late Night Skates, and a lot more. From the day you walk on campus, you are provided with opportunities to get involved in leadership. That means not only in student activities, but also in the operation of the campus and the development of the future of the campus. "Student ownership" is stressed at MNU. The Associated Student Government offers plenty of opportunities to get involved as do the intramural program and a number of organizations ranging from Gospel Station to Mock-Trial to Missions Club. Learn more about student life at MNU. 26. What are some special opportunities for campus visits? In the fall, high school juniors and seniors may choose to take part in SCOUT MNU (Students Checking Out University Turf), two days of activities designed to help prospective students get a feel for what university life is really like. SCOUT MNU gives students a chance to stay in the dorms, sit in on classes, meet professors and have a lot of fun through special social and sporting events. MNU also offers several Junior and Senior Visit Days throughout the winter and spring months. For information about Campus Events, contact the Admissions Office at {ml0} or (800) 800-8887. 27. What forms are required for financial aid? The first step in applying for student financial aid is to contact the MNU Student Financial Services Office for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and an institutional financial aid form. The FAFSA form may also be obtained from high school counselors or any college financial aid office or can be completed online. Remember, however, you also need to complete MidAmerica's own institutional aid forms. Students may also be required to submit a signed copy of their federal income tax filing. Dependent students may also be required to submit a signed copy of their parents' most recent federal income tax filing. Email Student Financial Services at {ml1} or call (800) 800-8887 to receive these forms. (see the Student Financial Services page for details) Priority deadline for completing the process is March 1. Students should file the FAFSA as early as possible after January 1. Many aid programs are determined on first come/first serve basis. 28. What is the school identification number needed for the FAFSA form? 007032 29. What is MNU's severe weather policy? MidAmerica Nazarene University rarely cancels classes for snow. In the event it is necessary for classes to be cancelled, the decision will be made by 6:00 a.m. For evening classes, the decision will be made by 3:00 p.m. for classes meeting that night. Contact will be made with the following stations:
Commuter students should work directly with professors if weather conditions make it very difficult to make it to class on days when classes are not cancelled. 30. What high school classes are required to attend MNU? Admission requirements for MNU are described in the MNU 2009-10 Catalog. You need to graduate from an accredited high school and complete at least 15 units of study. While MNU does not require specific subjects for entrance, it is recommended that you take the following for optimum preparation: Math 3 units In addition, students are advised to participate in a college preparatory curriculum. 31. What are the average GPA and ACT scores of incoming freshmen? The average GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.39. The average ACT score is 22.97. 32. How can I find out more about the rules and lifestyle guidelines for traditional undergraduate students at MNU (i.e., curfew, dress code, who can live off campus, etc.)? MNU recommends that all prospective traditional undergraduate students read the MNU 2010-11 Handbook. |
About MNU
FAQs
2030 E. College Way
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
913.782.3750
800.800.8887
Olathe, KS 66062-1899
913.782.3750
800.800.8887
