With more than 7,000 global volunteers being returned to the United States due to COVID-19, many Returning Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) are left with time to explore new career or service options. For many, one of those options just might be a return to graduate school.

This week, several university colleges and programs are collaborating to recruit Returning Peace Corps Volunteers to begin graduate programs related to their previous experiences. Hosted by the Walton Graduate School of Business and the Graduate School and International Education, the webinar features a joint Zoom information session scheduled for Friday, May 1, to provide general information about graduate programs in more than 15 academic areas.

After an overview of the university, participants will break out to individual rooms for discussion by the programs or colleges.

"As Returning Peace Corps Volunteers, these potential graduate students have proven a commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement, and have demonstrated by their participation in the Peace Corps the qualities we seek in graduate students," said Curt Rom, associate dean of the graduate school and international education. "We are looking forward to talking with some excellent potential students about becoming part of our university community."

Some of the U of A's top-ranked graduate programs are participating in the recruiting webinar, including:

Sam M. Walton College of Business

• M.B.A. and other master's degrees
• Information Systems
• Accounting
• Economic Analytics

College of Engineering

• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Clinton School of Public Service

• Master of Public Service

College of Education and Health Professions

• Education Policy
• Counselor Education
• Human Resource and Workforce Development Education

Interdisciplinary Programs

• Environmental Dynamics
• Public Policy
• Statistics and Analytics

To request information, or to register for the event, contact Shanedra Barnes at sbarnes@uark.edu in the Graduate School and International Education.

Universities throughout the U.S. are working to recruit top-notch RPCVs, offering to waive application fees, testing scores and deadlines in light of the pandemic. Peace Corps volunteers typically commit to a 2-year program overseas.

The University of Arkansas is one of only 100 Peace Corps Prep partner schools in the United States. Approximately 20 U of A alumni serve as Peace Corps volunteers annually and there are approximately 20 returning volunteers among the current faculty, staff and students.