New student Android app

University of Phoenix recently announced the release of Phoenix Mobile app for Android users that allows students to participate in class discussions anytime, anywhere. An iPhone app was released earlier this year.

Available to enrolled students with an eCampus login ID, the complimentary app offers those on the move the ability to participate in classroom discussion forums; draft and post discussion messages; view, edit and save drafts created on the web; view message flags, discussion questions and class announcements; and receive alerts when grades are posted or when instructors post new threads or respond to student messages—all via their Android mobile device.

Download Phoenix Mobile for Android at http://bit.ly/apollo_android.

UOPX unveils upgraded prospective student site

Phoenix Prep Center found on Phoenix.edu boasts a new look and a new name. Formerly known as The Visiting Student Center, the new name underscores the goal of the site—to set prospective students on the path to success. Phoenix Prep Center gives incoming students a personalized experience through a dashboard full of information, tools and resources tailored to their individual needs.

Key features include updated readiness assessments, academic assessments, tuition cost-calculator, learning tools, career resources, local resources and all-around easier access to the information that matters most to prospective students.

Students who use these tools to answer key questions and concerns and build self-awareness will be ready to have informed discussions with their advisors and make knowledgeable decisions.

Explore the new and improved experience at http://bit.ly/uopx_studentsite.

Apollo Group moves up in 2011 Green Rankings

Newsweek magazine placed Apollo Group, parent company of University of Phoenix, at 83rd among the 500 largest U.S. public companies in the magazine’s annual “Green Rankings” of environmental performance. Apollo Group’s sustainability efforts over the past year included projects that were projected to reduce more than 1.3 million kWh (enough to power 100 homes for a year) and 750 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions. “Whether through our sustainability-related degree programs, green approaches to education itself or our sustainable business practices, Apollo is committed to innovation in education and environmental stewardship,” says Seth Mones, vice president, Sustainability Policy and Programs. Newsweek’s Green Rankings assess environmental footprint, environmental management and disclosure.

UOPX employee lobbies for Special Olympics

In September, James Henderson, Southern California Campus college chair for the College of Criminal Justice & Security, attended an exclusive event to announce Los Angeles as the host of the 2015 International Special Olympics at Staples Center. Henderson had the opportunity to meet Maria Shriver, Tim Shriver and Michelle Kwan as he celebrated this great news with fellow Southern Californian business and civic leaders. For the past 18 months, Henderson has actively recruited faculty, students, staff and alumni to volunteer and participate in several Special Olympics fundraising events in Southern California, including the Torch Run, Air Plane Pull and Polar Plunge. The College of Criminal Justice & Security has had an enthusiastic presence at each event, and University of Phoenix is proud to support this great cause.

Pictured above: Southern California CJ&S Campus College Chair James Henderson (center) with Maria Shriver and Tim Shriver at the 2015 International Special Olympics announcement event in Los Angeles.

Dr. Bill Berry named dean of School of Business

Dr. Bill Berry, executive director of the School of Business at the University of Phoenix since May 2010, was recently named dean of the School of Business. During his tenure with the University, Dr. Berry has held a number of positions. Before taking over the executive directorship, he was associate dean for the School of Business, director of Academic Affairs for the Springfield, Missouri Campus and campus college chair for the Colleges of Graduate Business and Management, Undergraduate Business and Management and Information Systems & Technologies in St. Louis, Missouri. In the past, his roles have included the recruitment, training, development and support of faculty to ensure the academic integrity and rigor of programs delivered by the school on his campus. He has also served on the Graduate Business and Management program council, acted as the Midwest Region FlexNet champion, participated in curriculum development and served as rEsource liaison. He is qualified as a certified advanced facilitator and mentor for University of Phoenix Online and at his local campus.