The DU graduate program is ranked second on an annual list of volunteer-producing schools released Wednesday by the Peace Corps.
The list ranks schools by the number of students who serve in the Peace Corps based on school size. Graduate school programs are ranked as one category. DU’s undergraduate program, which is included in the list of “medium” schools (5,000–15,000 students) is ranked 18 out of 25.
Currently, the graduate program has 28 Peace Corps volunteers abroad and 43 returned volunteers currently enrolled in classes, according to the list released by the Peace Corps. There are also 23 undergraduate students volunteering abroad.
While many graduate students serving abroad are part of the Korbel School of International Studies, the ranking takes into account students from all departments serving or who have returned from serving in the Peace Corps.
According to David Proper, director of communications for Korbel, the ranking reflects DU’s commitment to service learning.
“This shows our education goes beyond the classroom and book learning,” Proper said. “We have an environment that stresses learning with purpose.”
According to Proper, one of the most significant ways DU stresses service education and service in the Peace Corps and other organizations is through two programs for credit offered to graduate students.
DU is one of the 266 schools nationwide to offer the Master’s International Program, which gives students the chance to finish their graduate school studies through service in the Peace Corps. The program awards students 18 credits for their 27 months in service, which typically comes at the end of their time in the graduate school.
Additionally, DU offers students the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, which gives returning volunteers the chance to enroll in Korbel school with an 18-credit waiver upon starting their studies.
“The environment really encourages an international perspective,” said Proper. “The campus as a whole, not just at Korbel.”
Piper Frode, a Peace Corps Fellow at Korbel, said the high ranking can also be attributed to the high rate of returned volunteers.
“Many (students) have already felt that need and have the drive to get out in the community,” said Frode.
Frode said DU also makes a strong effort to reach out to students and encourage them to enter the Peace Corps.
“We have a very active returned Peace Corps community,” said Frode.
According to Frode, there will be an informational week, called “PC week” held April 1-5 when returned volunteers will reach out to students, including undergraduates, and answer questions about service abroad.
She also cited a Peace Corps informational night held at the Korbel School this past fall.
The University of Florida was ranked first on the list of graduate school volunteers, which also included the University of Washington, Tulane University and Colorado State University.
DU’s undergraduate program was tied at 18 with the Washington University of St. Louis, Tulane University, Northwestern University, Loyola University of Chicago and the University of Notre Dame.
Update, 10:32 p.m. Feb. 20, 2013 by Anita Balakrishnan: In the 11th paragraph, changed “Tiper” To “Piper” to fix typographical error.
