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MNU Book Studies

Continuing Education

Whether you’re in need of courses or book study to renew your state license or certification, or seeking coursework to learn new techniques, MNU’s experts are committed to enriching your learning experience as you adapt to new standards and acquire fresh skills.

MNU Book Studies

Whether you’re in need of courses or book study to renew your state license or certification, or seeking coursework to learn new techniques, MNU’s experts are committed to enriching your learning experience as you adapt to new standards and acquire fresh skills. We offer year-round book studies and collaborate with partners who provide a diverse selection of book studies. Please note that students are responsible for purchasing the required books. You can expect to receive a new course information email within 3-5 business days.

First-Year Teacher Handbook

Online, open enrollment, self-paced, 1-credit hour, $140 for the course and tuition

Start strong and stay grounded. First-Year Teacher Handbook is the go-to survival guide for new educators navigating their first year in the classroom. From classroom management to lesson planning and work-life balance, this book study offers encouragement, structure, and actionable strategies to help early-career teachers thrive.

First-Year Teacher Handbook

Online, open enrollment, self-paced, 1-credit hour, $140 for the course and tuition

Start strong and stay grounded. First-Year Teacher Handbook is the go-to survival guide for new educators navigating their first year in the classroom. From classroom management to lesson planning and work-life balance, this book study offers encouragement, structure, and actionable strategies to help early-career teachers thrive.

First-Year Teacher Handbook

Online, open enrollment, self-paced, 1-credit hour, $140 for the course and tuition

Start strong and stay grounded. First-Year Teacher Handbook is the go-to survival guide for new educators navigating their first year in the classroom. From classroom management to lesson planning and work-life balance, this book study offers encouragement, structure, and actionable strategies to help early-career teachers thrive.

First-Year Teacher Handbook

Online, open enrollment, self-paced, 1-credit hour, $140 for the course and tuition

Start strong and stay grounded. First-Year Teacher Handbook is the go-to survival guide for new educators navigating their first year in the classroom. From classroom management to lesson planning and work-life balance, this book study offers encouragement, structure, and actionable strategies to help early-career teachers thrive.

New book studies coming Spring 2026

Our partner organizations also provide book studies. Click on the partner’s name to be directed to their course offerings.

  • Ignite and Inspire: Online courses for today’s modern educator
  • Kokopelli U: ​Kokopelli U is anytime, anywhere online professional learning for continuing education. ​A variety of opportunities for book studies or interactive web-based courses are available each semester.
  • Teachers Trek: Teacher Treks are courses for educators that are online, asynchronous, and personalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transcript & Homework

You will submit a reflection paper for each class. Unless otherwise stated by the session’s facilitator, a template in Microsoft Word is used to walk the student through the reflection process.

No.

MNU is required to function within the normal range of practices in higher education. Post-dating university credit is not one of those practices. In order to maintain academic integrity and ensure the quality of your experiences with MNU and its continuing education partners, it is necessary that we establish and uphold policies published. Thank you for your support. Please contact the continuing education office with questions/concerns.

Current Homework Templates

When you are ready to submit a reflection paper, you will send that document as an attachment to med@mnu.edu. When MNU receives this paper, you will receive an automated message indicating it was received. Please be sure MNU messages aren’t going to your SPAM folder or that MNU is not blocked by your email provider. Issues related to homework submission should be sent to the Continuing Education Office at med@mnu.edu.

Current Homework Templates

Grading Timeline

After homework has been submitted to med@mnu.edu, MNU then has two weeks to grade the assignment and post the grade to the student account. During the summer months (May-September), due to high volume, MNU may take up to four weeks to grade and post the grade to the student account.

Checking Grades

You may view your grades by visiting the student gateway. Enter the credentials you created, then click on the “results” tab to view your grades. The title of your course is a drop-down menu; therefore, if you took more than one class, select your course and your results will appear.

MNU and our partners will issue a letter grade (A, B, or C).

MNU will only issue an “F” grade for the following situations:

  • Student submitted an assignment but did not complete the assignment requirements
  • Student did not turn in assignments during the required time.
    • STAR assignment – required within seven (7) days,
    • General assignment – required within seven (7) days
  • Did not meet requirements set by instructor or partner
  • Submitted an assignment in an unacceptable file format and did not resend when asked to resubmit.

Continuing education grades do appear on MNU official transcripts as grad-level courses and will be included in the overall GPA calculation.

Ordering Your Transcript:

Official transcripts must be requested through the online request page found at: https://www.mnu.edu/registrar-office-and-transcripts/

  • Telephone or paper request submissions are not accepted.
  • Once a transcript has been released, you will need to complete a new request and provide payment if additional transcripts are needed.
  • Issues regarding your transcript request can be directed to the Registrar’s Office at: 913-971-3626 or registrar@mnu.edu. Please have your transcript order number available.
  • Issues regarding your grades can be direct to the Continuing Education office by emailing med@mnu.edu.

If you have outstanding course grades that you need to show on your transcript, select “After grades are posted”, on the order request form to ensure your transcript will be held until all course grades are posted.

  • After Grades Are Posted, is only an available option if there are outstanding grades on your academic record.
  • After Degree is Awarded, is for degree seeking students.  Your transcript request will not process if this option is selected, as you are not degree seeking.

Costs, Fees & Payment

As of August 2012, the Higher Learning Commission, (HLC) determined 1 college credit requires 15 hours of seat time.

Usually workshops and training will earn .5 credit for a daylong session (5.5 hours of seat time and a two-hour reflection assignment, totaling 7.5 hours). Traditional college-level course work will earn a pre-determined number of credit hours. This is identified by the institution offering the course at the time of enrollment.

This depends on the organization with whom you’ve contracted for the workshop, class, training, etc. Contact the organization to determine costs.

Visa, Mastercard, AMEX and Discover debit and credit cards are accepted for payment when you register.

Payment is given upon registration through a secure online provider called TouchNet. Once payment is submitted, a receipt is sent via email from TouchNet through contedaccts@mnu.edu. Issues related to payment should be sent to med@mnu.edu.

If you have logged into the MNU portal and see a “cashier hold” when trying to access your grades or account information, this means your payment hasn’t been posted to your student account. You may access your student account and make your payment.

Transfers

You may transfer registration from one course to another, if you have not started the course, the new course is with the same continuing education partner, and you have received the instructors’ approval.

Transfers must be from one course to another provided by the same partner.

Transfer requests must be submitted by email to med@mnu.edu.

Withdrawals

Withdrawals with a refund are allowed if you have not started the course or submitted an assignment, and only within seven (7) days from the registration date. If it is a partner course, the student must receive approval first.

Withdrawals without a refund are allowed at any time. Please know a “W” will appear on your official MNU transcript.

All withdrawals must be requested by email to med@mnu.edu. The email must include your name, title of the course, course number, and reason for requesting a withdrawal, and evidence of approval by the Continuing Education partner.

No refunds are allowed past the seven (7) days after registration or if you have started the course; however, you may still withdraw from the course.

There is a $15.00 processing administrative fee for all refunds if approved. The amount will be deducted from the amount originally paid. Once MNU processes the refund, it may take up to ten (10) business days to credit your account.

A 100% refund will be granted for every paid registration when a course, conference, or workshop is canceled and an alternative option is not provided.

MNU may withdraw students from a course without a refund for the following situations:

  • Student did not complete the course during the allowed timeframe.
  • Requirements for the course were not met.

Timeline of the withdraw will depend on the course structure and requirements requested by the partner. After six months if you have not started or completed requirements, you will be withdrawn from the course, unless otherwise stated.

***Due to extenuating circumstances, extensions may be granted by submitting a request to med@mnu.edu.

Any continuing education student with an unresolved fee balance will not be able to enroll in additional continuing education courses until the outstanding balance has been resolved. Please contact MNU Continuing Education if you have an unresolved balance by emailing med@mnu.edu. You will receive, via email, instructions regarding paying an outstanding balance.

1098-T’s are available by January 31 of each calendar year. Our Cashier’s Office has detailed information about accessing your 1098T Student Tax Form. Please email med@mnu.edu to receive your username and password which is different from your Student Gateway account.

Navigate Your Teaching Career

Find the education degree that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science cooperative program:

  • 3+2 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 2 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU and a bachelor’s degree from MNU, or
  • 3+3 Option: Students spend 3 years at MNU and then transfer to WashU for 3 years to earn an undergraduate engineering degree from WashU, a bachelor’s degree from MNU, plus a master’s in engineering from WashU.
  • Combines the best of MNU with the strength of a top engineering school
  • Students participating in the 3+3 options receive a 50-60% tuition discount at WashU
  • GRE is not required for admission

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

  • Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 or better in science and mathematics courses
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at WashU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of transferable college credit
  • Complete the following courses:
    • Chemistry: one semester of general chemistry with lab
    • Computer Programming: One course or certified proficiency in a high-level language
    • English Composition: One course or certified proficiency
    • Humanities and Social Sciences: At least 15 hours (see WashU website for specific prerequisites)
    • Mathematics: See WashU website for specific prerequisites
    • Physics: One year calculus-based physics with lab
  • See WashU website for department-specific prerequisites

To learn more about program offerings at MNU and degree specific prerequisites, visit engineering.wustl.edu/dualdegree

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Craig Masters at cmasters@mnu.edu

Dr. Jon North

President

EdD; Ethical Leadership, Olivet Nazarene University
MBA; MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA in International Development, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Dr. Jon D. North was elected the sixth president of MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2025 and is the first alumnus of MNU to hold this position.

Before he was elected president, Dr. North served MNU as the senior vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the MNU Foundation. Over the past 15 years, his leadership has elevated the university’s landscape. Under his direction, the MNU Foundation’s assets quadrupled, laying a strong financial foundation for the future.

He also spent 17 years with Heart to Heart International, a global humanitarian aid organization based in the Kansas City metro. As an active member of the Kansas City community, Dr. North serves on various non-profit and community boards.

Dr. North and his wife, Faith, are both MNU graduates, as are their four adult children and two daughters-in-law. The Norths live in Olathe and are active members of Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, Kansas.

Darrel Anderson

Vice President for Finance

Master of Accountancy, University of Missouri
BA in Business Administration, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Darrel Anderson brings a wealth of strategic finance, budget development and cash flow management to his role as MNU’s Vice President for Finance. Anderson has more than 30 years of public and private experience. He has held the CFO position at a variety of companies, including his position as the CFO for the State of Indiana’s Department of Revenue. Anderson’s interest in finance began at MNU, where he earned his undergraduate degree in business administration.

He and his wife reside in Olathe.

Lisa Hood

Vice President for Strategic Expansion

MLA; Psychology, Baker University, 2015

Lisa Hood has been with MNU since 2015, previously serving as School of Professional and Graduate Studies director of business partnerships and community relations.

As vice president, Hood provides leadership for the SPGS strategic growth initiatives and recruitment along with student services and support systems.

Her career prior to MNU includes positions at two other universities. She served at the Institute for Professional Development and Helix Education assigned to Baker University and worked as associate director of admissions at both Avila University and Baker University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Emporia State and a Master of Liberal Arts with a concentration in psychology from Baker University. In addition to her current responsibilities, Hood teaches sociology courses at MNU.

Hood and her husband, Joe, live in Olathe. They have two college-aged daughters.

Mr. G. Todd Garrett

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

MEd; MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA; Physical & Health Education, MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Mr. G. Todd Garrett serves as the Vice President for University Advancement & Athletics. Mr. Garrett has served MidAmerica Nazarene University with distinction for nearly three decades, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Christian mission and remarkable success across multiple roles.

As a 1994 MNU graduate, Mr. Garrett began his professional journey as an educator in the Olathe Public Schools before returning to MNU as the Head Baseball Coach from 1998 to 2006. His career has progressed through increasing levels of responsibility, including Director of Athletic Development, Director of Development & Corporate Partnerships, and, most recently, Director of Athletics since January 2017.

Todd and his wife, Karen, are both MNU graduates, as are their two adult children and their daughter-in-law. The Garretts live in Gardner, Kansas and attend Life Church of Overland Park, Kansas.

Daniel Rincones

Vice President for Student Development

MA, LPC, SATP MA; Counseling, 2015, MidAmerica Nazarene University
Post-graduate Certificate; Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider, 2017, MidAmerica Nazarene University
BA; Bible, Theology and Religion, 2009, MidAmerica Nazarene University

Daniel began his career in student development as a resident educator and assistant chaplain at MNU. He also served as youth pastor at Christ Community Church of the Nazarene in Olathe from 2008 to 2013.

Daniel served as director of residential life beginning in 2015 and transitioned to dean of students in 2020 before being named vice president in 2021. He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Counselor Education at MNU and serves local clients as a licensed professional counselor.

“I am thrilled about the opportunity to continue my work with MNU students,” Daniel says. “Our mission of creating a transformational experience in the lives of today’s students is more important than ever as they navigate young adulthood and societal issues while they earn their education.”

Rincones and his wife, Kylee, a licensed professional counselor employed by the Olathe School District, reside in Olathe.

Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & K-State Cooperative Program:

  • Exposure to graduate-level courses not offered at MNU
  • Opportunity for an accelerated pathway for a master’s degree from K-State Olathe
  • Access to additional professional development resources offered through K-State

To qualify for program entry at MNU students must:

  • Be a junior or senior at MidAmerica Nazarene University
  • Be majoring in biology or similar field
  • Maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher
  • Have the recommendation of MNU faculty

To qualify for program entry at K-State students must:

  • Complete a minimum of 75 hours of undergraduate degree prior to applying for program
  • Complete a minimum of 90 hours of undergraduate degree prior to attending K-State classes
  • Provide a short essay detailing why the student wants to participate in the advanced sciences program
  • Complete the application process

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.  For more information visit https://olathe.k-state.edu

For additional information, contact Jill Speicher at jspeicher@mnu.edu

University Cooperative Program

Advantages of the MNU & Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences partnership program:

  • Students spend 3 years at MNU and 4 years at KCU
  • Requirement for Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is waived
  • Students graduate with a degree from both institutions (B.S. from MNU and D.O. from KCU)
  • The Program is available at both Kansas City and Joplin campuses

To qualify for entry into the program at MNU students must:

  • Enter the program at MNU at the beginning of the freshman year through the application process
  • Have a minimum ACT score of 28
  • Participate in community service
  • Have a dedication to the field of osteopathic medicine
  • Meet regularly with the MNU pre-professional committee

To qualify for program completion at KCU students must:

  • Complete all General Education requirements at MNU
  • Complete a minimum of 99 hours of course work at MNU
  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.25
  • Maintain a science coursework GPA of 3.5
  • Participate in KCU-Com’s weeklong Summer Learning Enhancement Program
  • Complete the following course with a grade of “C” or higher at MNU:
    • Biological Sciences 12 hours
    • Chemistry 13 hours
    • Biochemistry 3 hours
    • Physics 8 hours
    • English Composition 6 hours

 

Other restrictions and qualifications may apply.

For additional information, contact Rion Taylor at rgtaylor@mnu.ed