EPIE Partnership – China
Partnership Overview
Fort Hays State University (FHSU) partners with EPIE, a specialized educational collaboration focused on supporting non-degree seeking (NDS) students from China who aim to advance their education in U.S. English-speaking universities. The partnership primarily serves five types of students based on their current educational status and goals:
- Type 1: Fully enrolled degree-seeking students in universities in English-speaking countries (primarily the U.S. and Canada).
- Type 2: Chinese high school graduates who have received an admission offer from a university in an English-speaking country.
- Type 3: Chinese university graduates accepted into graduate programs abroad in English-speaking countries.
- Type 4: Current Chinese high school students seeking concurrent enrollment in a-+ U.S. university for preparatory or expanded study opportunities.
- Type 5: Current Chinese high school students wishing to obtain a U.S. high school diploma.
EPIE acts as a resource center to properly evaluate the needs and eligibilities of these students to take courses under the FHSU system without pursuing a full degree immediately.
Program Structure and Support
- Teaching Assistants (TAs): Each course is assigned a TA who facilitates communication between professors and students, particularly using WeChat as a more responsive channel if preferred by faculty. They help guide students academically but encourage direct communication with instructors.
- General Assistants: Provide detailed course orientations, including navigating Blackboard, syllabus overview, FHSU policies, and actively monitor student progress through daily interactions on WeChat.
- Privacy and Education Rights: TAs are trained on FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) to ensure student privacy and confidentiality, with heightened attention to younger or high school students.
- Tutoring: EPIE contracts tutors to assist students struggling with academic content.
Course Prerequisites and Enrollment
- Each student’s home institution sets varying prerequisites for courses.
- Students must obtain approval from their home institution advisors or deans to transfer credits. Requests from institutions to enroll in courses without prerequisites are declined.
- EPIE representatives work closely with students to assess eligibility and determine the best courses aligned with their educational goals.
- EPIE also assists with transcript procurement and translation, streamlining the enrollment process and eligibility evaluation.
About EPIE
EPIE provides specialized services tailored to non-degree seeking students from China seeking U.S.-based higher education opportunities. By facilitating enrollment and academic success in FHSU courses, EPIE helps broaden access to American educational experiences without immediate degree commitment. The program prioritizes personalized guidance, technical support, and culturally responsive communication methods to ensure student success.
About Fort Hays State University
Founded in 1902, Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a renowned public university in Hays, Kansas, dedicated to offering affordable, flexible, and high-quality education globally. FHSU serves over 15,000 students worldwide through campus-based and online programs and maintains a strong commitment to developing global citizens.
- FHSU offers a wide range of degree programs through four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Education and Technology, Business and Leadership, and Health and Biological Sciences.
- It has consistently high graduate employment and further study rates (over 95%) after graduation.
- The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and recognized for its global partnerships, including cross-border, pathway, study abroad, and exchange programs.
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