Purdue University Acquires Kaplan University

[dfrecore]

I think it depends on the industry. If you work for a security company, you would be lucky to have any kind of retirement benefits. I came across a couple of companies that didn't even offer health insurance before Obamacare. I didn't start seeing tuition reimbursements until I got my first government job. I also worked for a large non-profit with tuition reimbursement.

I have definitely never worked anywhere with retirement benefits (unless you count me putting my own money into the 401(k) plan, with a company match). Out in the real world, there is no such thing as "retirement benefits." Can't even imagine...

[davewill]

It's pretty common with tech companies. Helps keep their employees up to date. Also helps to home grow engineering talent.

[sanantone]

I have definitely never worked anywhere with retirement benefits (unless you count me putting my own money into the 401(k) plan, with a company match). Out in the real world, there is no such thing as "retirement benefits." Can't even imagine...

That is what I'm talking about. You're lucky to even get a 401k with a match. In the government, we refer to these types of benefits as retirement benefits/plans/programs i.e. pension plans, 457b, partially-paid insurance premiums, etc. You might use different terminology.

[sanantone]

Steve Schultz, Purdue’s legal counsel, said the exemptions were put into the bill intentionally to be clear that the new online university will be a different animal that Purdue and its regional campuses.

First, Schultz said, it won’t receive state money. And second, the New U will operate more like a nonprofit corporation and will not, he said, “meet the definition of a ‘public agency’” under state open records or open meetings laws.

“By design,” Schultz said, “it will be autonomous, be separately funded, have separate and distinct operations, and have the ability to remain nimble and innovate in the sector it serves.”

Bangert: Law shields Purdue's new online school

[bjcheung77]

I like the sound of this: "the New U will operate more like a nonprofit corporation".
So, sounds more like they're going the non-profit way of things... I hope that's true!
Whatever floats their boats, as long as the "students" get a great deal out of it.

[sanantone]

I like the sound of this: "the New U will operate more like a nonprofit corporation".
So, sounds more like they're going the non-profit way of things... I hope that's true!
Whatever floats their boats, as long as the "students" get a great deal out of it.

The price is going to remain the same, and they'll still be for-profit. What does "operate like a non-profit" mean? Does that mean they'll stop using aggressive sales tactics to take advantage of economically disadvantaged students and veterans?

[futuremrsmlb]

The information is found here: Purdue University Agrees to Acquire Kaplan University Under Related Links - FAQ
This new institution will be a seperate NON PROFIT.

Q. What is the timeframe for finalizing this transfer of KU’s academic programs to a separate non-profit institution—the new university?
A. Once all regulatory and accreditor approvals are received, the definitive agreement will become effective. It is expected to take about six to seven months for the transaction to close.

[futuremrsmlb]

I like the sound of this: "the New U will operate more like a nonprofit corporation".
So, sounds more like they're going the non-profit way of things... I hope that's true!
Whatever floats their boats, as long as the "students" get a great deal out of it.

we have been told the degree programs won't change and since I'm so close to finishing this is very important for me.

[futuremrsmlb]

That's great news! Hope you can finish it by the end of the year.
Wow, having the employer pay for that is amazing. You're very lucky to have them do it.
Mine only pays for the Cisco/Microsoft Certs after I pass them, but that's better than nothing.

And as a side note, it really doesn't matter how long you've been with them, its knowing you get to "FINISH!".
Persistence pays. I've been waiting about twice that length, and i'm just getting to the Bachelors level, haha...
Keep on trucking... wish you the best!

It took me 13 years and finding this forum to finish my bachelors degree. I feel it's generic (professional studies, just a fancy way of saying general studies hilarious) so continuing with my graduate degree seemed necessary. It's certainly not needed for the job I currently have. So, hopefully finishing will open new doors for me.

I have to mention the caveat to 100% tuition reimbursment is you have to sign an agreement binding you to the company for 2 years beyond your graduation date. I think I can give them 2 more (long and arduous) years

[futuremrsmlb]

Great news on the school tuition reimbursement that's excellent. I own a business, so technically my employer pays full tuition too but seems like you might have a better school deal

Interesting take on Kaplan possibly staying as a For-Profit. One would imagine there would be a transition if not early then over time. However, this could also be a really strong earner for Purdue causing a moral conflict come decision time.

They really spoil us here and honestly the benefits package is what keeps most of us. Otherwise, I'd be long gone! It's a love/hate relationship and extremely high stress environment.
Everyone here talks about leaving but the benefits are just too good to us LOL

We have a pension plan that is 100% funded by the company, 401k with company match, 100% tuition reimbursement for undergrad degrees, $2000/course for graduate degrees and new hires start with 3 weeks of vacation. After 5 years it goes up to 5 weeks of vacation. Great perks that are all needed to keep people here
I am hoping to use my grad degree to move on. I am willing to forego these luxuries to find a position that I dont need high blood pressure meds for (im only 31) :willynilly: