Former U.S. Navy Vessel Converted into Floating Campus for National Polytechnic College of Science
LOS ANGELES -- January 26, 2009 -- The National University System, a network of affiliated institutions committed to meeting the emerging demands of education in the 21st century, announced today it has converted a former U.S. Navy vessel into a unique floating campus for one of its affiliates, the National Polytechnic College of Science.
The vessel, rechristened "Discovery," maximizes classroom and campus space where very little exists in the busy Port of Los Angeles. As a result, Discovery offers a one-of-a-kind learning environment for students at National Polytechnic who are pursuing careers in commercial diving, underwater welding, advanced dive medicine and nondestructive testing.
"Discovery is unlike any other educational facility in the world," said Dr. Jerry C. Lee, chancellor of the National University System. "On the one hand, it's a learning environment that provides students with training that closely simulates the conditions they will experience in the real world. On the other, Discovery has the same first-rate facilities and classrooms that you would find on any campus of every affiliate of the National University System. It truly is unique."
Prior to its arrival at the Port of Los Angeles, Discovery underwent a year-long retrofit at the Marine Group Boat Works in Chula Vista near San Diego. The 110-foot long, 34-foot wide vessel is now a fully functional campus with two 25-person state-of-the-art classrooms, central office complex, faculty offices, computer lab, on-board 8,000-gallon training tank, dive stations, hyperbaric chambers, welding stations and maintenance shops. Classes aboard Discovery will begin in February 2009.
For more information about Discovery and the National Polytechnic College of Science, please contact David Neville at (858) 642-8153 or visit www.natpoly.edu.
About the National University System
The National University System was established in 2001 to meet the emerging challenges and demands of education in the 21st century. The System is uniquely aligned to connect a diverse population of students to a network of innovative educational programs that are relevant to their lives, careers, and the marketplace and are delivered in a format that respects competing life priorities. Dr. Jerry C. Lee has served as the System's Chancellor since it was founded. The affiliates of the National University System include: National University; National Polytechnic College of Science; National University International; the Division of Pre-College Programs, which includes National University Virtual High School and National University Academy of Health Sciences; Spectrum Pacific Learning Company, LLC; and WestMed College. For more information, visit the National University System's Web site: www.nusystem.org.
About National Polytechnic College of Science
Originally established in 1967, National Polytechnic College of Science is a non-profit higher education institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The College's mission is to provide access to quality educational programs, faculty, and resources in technical fields that prepare a diverse student body for successful entry into the workforce and for career development. National Polytechnic offers associates degree programs and certificates in four areas of study; Allied Health, Engineering Technology, Marine Technology, and Security Management. National Polytechnic has three campuses in Southern California, including two in Los Angeles and one in San Diego. For more information, visit National Polytechnic College of Science's Web site: www.natpoly.edu.
