The Student Experience About the SPS Student Experience Wake Forest University lives our school’s motto of Pro Humanitate in all we do. This, along with the SPS vision, mission, and highly-relational approach set the foundation of the SPS Student Experience. We are motivated to: meet the needs of adult learners by providing affordable, high-quality degree and non-degree programs in a variety of modes; understand and provide support for the unique needs and lived experiences of working professionals all without compromising academic integrity; connect leading-edge professional practices and market-relevant programming in alignment with the broader Wake Forest University mission and institutional values. Important Links Helpful Links for all SPS Students: Canvas Tech Support Tuition & Financial Aid Wake360 – Immersion Weekend 2022-2023 Academic Calendar 2023-2024 Academic Calendar Student Handbook Satisfactory Academic Progress WAKE WAKE Meet the SPS Student- a Lifelong Learner SPS students are working professionals who bring a diverse array of experiences in the workplace and from their educational backgrounds to the classroom. (Did you know: 14.5% of SPS students have one or more advanced degrees). They represent a wide variety of ethnicities, industries, and geographic locations. Because they come from all age groups, they are juggling everything from childcare, to their own children taking college classes, to taking care of parents – all while working. Cheryl Hancock Makes One of Greatest Career Moves- Pursuing a Graduate Program for Herself WAKE Meet the SPS Student- a Lifelong Learner Many are also managing changes in the workplace or trying to figure out how to return to school. Some have been out of school for many years and need refreshers on how to study, manage time, or feel confident in this new pursuit. What we love most is that our students are lifelong learners who want access to faculty, peers, alumni, and professionals in the field. They are interested in networking, professional development, and other career resources. School of Professional Studies Student and United States Air Force Airman Shares His Experiences What Student Support Looks Like A Student Success Manager is assigned to each student to be that guide by the side throughout the entire SPS journey. They serve as an advisor and provide access to a variety of resources – from academic integrity to time management tips. Support is also provided by campus colleagues in the Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success (CLASS) for students interested in academic coaching on topics such as time management, executive skills and strategies for test anxiety. Additionally, CLASS supports access for all students through implementation of accommodations for disabilities that impact academic environments. There are times when support is best provided by taking a break. Students may need to take a break from coursework for a mini session (7.5 week courses) or a full semester. SPS offers support during a continuous enrollment period, permitting students to return to their coursework when ready without having to jump through administrative hoops to access the course management system and email. Finally, support needs to be offered at times convenient to the adult learner and also from someone other than SSMs and faculty. The Pearl Cafe offers 24/7 resources and also encourages peer-to-peer, alumni to student, and program advisory board members to student connections and knowledge sharing. More about the Pearl Cafe The Pearl Cafe is a virtual, one-stop-shop within Canvas where SPS students, alumni, and program advisory board members can connect, learn from one another, and build community. It also is a place where students can access academic, wellbeing, technical, administrative, and career resources throughout their entire SPS journey. Meet Your Student Support Team Loréal Maguire, D.Ed. Wake Forest University Linda Aubrey Higgins Wake Forest University Brooks Brown Wake Forest University Melissa Ratliff Wake Forest University Kenneth George Wake Forest University Krysta Serafini Wake Forest University Eric Nelson Wake Forest University Nancy McKinnon Wake Forest University Lauren Burns Wake Forest University About the School of Professional Studies Why “The Pearl” Cafe? By 2024, Wake’s School of Medicine will live on the Wake Forest Charlotte campus located in the Pearl Innovation District in an area of Charlotte formerly known as Brooklyn; “a city within a city” where thriving African American businesses, faith communities and families lived, worked and played. As urban renewal overtook this area, families were displaced and more than 200 businesses and 12 churches were destroyed. One landmark that remains from the Brooklyn area is Pearl Street Park, the first African American park in Charlotte that continues to be a well-loved gathering place. Naming our virtual gathering site, rich with resources, the Pearl Cafe is a nod to this important Charlotte history that speaks to the importance of our collaboration the Charlotte community. Learn More About The Pearl Join Us! Please join us for an event online, in Charlotte or in Winston-Salem. Read more about SPS Program Advisory Boards Lauren Burns, July 13, 2022 Program Advisory Boards are an integral part of SPS’s degree programs and aligning them with current industry needs and trends. Read More Social Media & Influencer Marketing Strategist Shares Her Journey to SPS – and the Lessons She’s Already Putting Into Action Lauren Burns, January 10, 2023 In her first semester in Wake Forest’s SPS Digital Marketing Masters Program, Social Media & Influencer Marketing Strategist Brianna Briggs shares her thoughts on how… Read More Pro Humanitate, defined Lauren Burns, July 12, 2022 These two words (pronounced “pro hyoo-mani-TAH-tay”) are core to our university community (second only to Go Deacs!). It is our motto and our way of… Read More Cheryl Hancock Makes One of Greatest Career Moves- Pursuing a Graduate Program for Herself Lauren Burns, February 1, 2023 SPS Project Management grad student Cheryl Hancock does a Q&A reflecting on a full-time working mother’s journey into graduate school. Read More 3 Things to Know About How SPS Designs Academic Programming Lauren Burns, December 21, 2022 Learn more about the people, processes, and research that goes into how Wake Forest designs and delivers online programming. Read More “Through this program, I have a chance to embark on a dream.” : What Medical Technologist Angelia Futrell is Learning in Her Project Management Masters Program Lauren Burns, February 6, 2023 Angelia Futrell is a Medical Technologist with over 30 years of professional experience across multiple disciplines. She is also a graduate student, pursuing a Masters… Read More