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Bowie State University News February 1, 2011 National Exchange Program at Bowie State Changes Student Lives Students from Across the Country Explore New Campus Experiences (Bowie, Md.)-Often times, exchange students are thought of strictly on an international basis. However, many exchange programs are also available on a national level, where students are able to experience a different university without the expense of traveling and living overseas. Since 1993, Bowie State University, along with nearly 200 other institutions across the country, participates in the National Student Exchange (NSE). The program includes colleges and universities from the United States, its territories and Canada. "Often students do not realize they have the option of participating in an exchange program without moving to a foreign country," said Ms. Nora Dozier, coordinator of the National Student Exchange Program at Bowie State University. "With increased affordability and practicality, the national program increases access to exchange programs for our students, as well as students through the nation." Through the NSE program, students can explore a variety of other campus academic and life experiences through exchanging up to a year at participating institutions. Students are able to enroll in courses not offered at their home campus, explore new areas of study, experience new cultures and personal growth, live in a different geographic location, as well as prepare for future studies or employment. Since the University began participating, more than 100 students have participated either as outgoing or incoming students. The University has had outgoing students going to or incoming students coming from other NSE campuses including the University of the Virgin Islands at St. Thomas, California State University Los Angeles, University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, Kansas State University, University of Minnesota-Moorhead, Florida International University, West Chester University of PA, University of Rhode Island, Stony Brook University, Jackson State University, and University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Furthermore, several students from external institutions have transferred to Bowie State because of their experience during their exchange. "In addition to providing students with diverse experiences, the National Student Exchange Program also increases exposure for the University," noted Don Kiah, assistant vice president for enrollment management at Bowie State University. "We have seen many students transfer to our campus after having participated in the program. It really helps students find the atmosphere and institution that works best for them." One recent example is Leonard Smith, a Bowie State graduate and former senior class president who transferred in 2006 from California State University, Fresno after completing an exchange program. "I officially transferred to Bowie State after experiencing my first year there as an exchange student," said Leonard. "I quickly identified the aspects of a supportive, diverse and traditional institution. Bowie State not only gave me an education, but an understanding of human life in terms of accountability to being a successful, accountable and productive member of society." Leonard graduated from Bowie State University in May 2009 with a bachelor's in communications and a concentration in public relations. Upon graduation, he moved to Silver Spring and is currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational communications from Bowie State. He works full-time in property management in Montgomery County. The National Student Exchange program offers a number of opportunities for both Bowie State University students, as well as students across the United State. Students must meet the NSE eligibility requirements including full-time enrollment and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. To learn more about the program, click here<http://www.nse.org/>. # # # ABOUT BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds who seek a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The University places special emphasis on the science, technology, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education for more information about BSU, visit the website atwww.bowiestate.edu<http://www.bowiestate.edu/> SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 404.592.4820 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.