Adult Student Viewbook Fall 2011

ADULT STUDENT SERVICES

EDIN

BORO

UN

IVERSITY

Accelerate Your Degree You may be eligible for credit for coursework from another university, knowledge in a particular subject area, or experience gained through employment or other activities. Edinboro encourages adult students to apply for these types of credits toward their degree requirements.

Transfer Edinboro University accepts credits in transfer from institutions of higher education that are accredited by regional accrediting bodies. Coursework completed at institutions that are not regionally accredited may be accepted by the University following evaluation by the academic deans in consultation with department chairpersons. Credits that were earned more than10 years ago generally are accepted, but will be evaluated by the department chairperson and academic dean for their applicability toward meeting current degree requirements.

For more information on transfer credits, go to www.edinboro.edu, keyword “transfer.”

CLEP®

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a series of examinations in college subjects that allow you to earn college credits for what you already know, regardless of how the knowledge was acquired – be it advanced coursework, independent study, work experience, professional development or extracurricular activities. Edinboro University awards undergraduate credit for successful scores on CLEP exams. The exams are approximately 90 minutes long and are administered on a computer. Students receive instant score reports following completion of the exam.

Competency Exams If you feel that you already have the knowledge and skills to meet the objectives or outcomes of a particular course, you may be able to earn under-graduate credit by completing a course competency examination. Administered through the academic departments, the exams are another option for earning credit by testing.

To petition for credit, fill out the request form online at www.edinboro.edu, keyword “competency.”

As an adult student, oneof your most significant

concerns is how to find the time to complete your

degree. At Edinboro, we have several ways to help.

A GREAT TIME TO EARN YOUR DEGREE

Life Experience Credits You may earn life experience credits by developing portfolios that document your learning and experience from employment or other activities as they relate to specific courses. The learning experiences must be equivalent to what would otherwise be achieved through coursework at Edinboro. The Office of Adult Student Services administers the life experience process. Students submit an application and the portfolio documenting their experienceto the Office of Adult Student Services. Before you apply, discuss your plans with the Adult Student Services Office, your advisor and the chair or faculty in the appropriate academic area. These individuals can help you be successful in your pursuit of credit.

To learn more about any of these options for degree acceleration, go to www.edinboro.edu, keyword “prior learning.”

Flexible Learning We do our best to bring the classroom to you. With our locations in Edinboro, Erie and Meadville, as well as evening, weekend and online learning opportunities, it’s easy to fit classes into your busy life. Take just one class at a time or several, depending on what works in your personal schedule.

Priority Scheduling We understand that you may need to schedule your classes around other major life responsibilities. That is why Edinboro allows adult students to schedule classes one day before students with the same class standing.

To take advantage of this program, complete the Priority Scheduling Application which can be found at www.edinboro.edu, keyword “priority scheduling.”

Academic Advisors Upon entering Edinboro University, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you to create a plan of study – enabling you to look ahead at the next steps for fulfilling your degree requirements. Your advisor will also help you develop successful strategies for academic success and offer insight relevant to your career plan.

• Honors Program

• Scholarships

• Dean’s List

• Graduation Honors

• Academic Honor Societies

Our Recognition of Success:At EdinboroUniversity and across the nation, adult students achieve great academic success.

Alpha Sigma Lambda With over 300 chartered chapters, Alpha Sigma Lambda is the oldest and largest chapter-based honor society for adult students. This national organization is devoted to the advancement of learning and recognition of superior scholarship and learning in adult learners who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of family, community and work. Edinboro students who meet eligibility criteria are invited to be members of the prestigious group.

For more information about Alpha Sigma Lambda, visit www.alphasigmalambda.org. To learn more about the University’s chapter, visit www.edinboro.edu, keyword “adult,” or contact the Office of Adult Student Services at 814-732-2701.

A GREAT VALUE IN EDUCATION

Edinboro offers the region’s lowest tuition fees for undergraduate education. Plus, if you take at least six credits (two classes) per semester, you may qualify for financial aid, including grants and loans.Each year, millions of dollars in financial aid are available to Edinboro students through a variety of federal, state and University grants. In addition, Edinboro annually awards hundreds of scholar-ships, including aid specific to adult students. The University also offers several other options for financial aid.

Employer Reimbursement If you are working, you may have employer-paid education benefits. Edinboro’s Employer Tuition Reimburse-ment Agreement allows you to defer payment of your tuition and fees until after grades are available at the end of the semester.

Tuition Payment Plan With this convenient program, you can make installed payments for your school expenses over the course of the semester.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver At Edinboro, adults who are 62 or older and receive Social Security (or equivalent) retirement benefits are eligible for full remission of tuition.

Trade AdjustmentAssistance (TAA) andWorkforce Investment Act (WIA)

TAA is a federally funded employment program that assists workers whose jobs have been impacted by foreign imports,

while WIA provides federal job training funds for adults and dislocated workers. Edinboro offers several certificate programs, as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs that are approved for TAA and WIA funding.

For more information on financial aid or scholarships, call the Financial Aid Office at 814-732-5555, toll-free at 1-888-611-2680, or go to www.edinboro.edu, keyword “financial aid.”

Typically an adult student is someone age 25 or older who is pursuing an associate or baccalaureate undergraduate degree. In fact, the average age of our adult students is 34.

Other factors considered include:

• Legal dependents • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces • Independence for financial aid purposes

Regardless of your situation, Edinboro’s Office of Adult Student Services offers a full range of support to help you achieve your goals.

So who doesEdinboro Universityconsider an adult student?

The mission of Edinboro

University’s Office of Adult

Student Services is to

empower prospective and

current adult learners to

meet their educational

goals through programs

and services that remove

barriers to their success.

GREAT SUPPORT FOR ADULT STUDENTS

Great resources on campus• Ranked as one of the most technologically advanced university environments

• Conveniently located computer labs – several open all night – and wireless “hotspots”on campus

• S.C.O.T.S., the student-centered online transaction system, allows you to conveniently register for classes, add/drop courses, check financial aid and even pay your bill

• Baron-Forness Library, with a wireless network, computer labs and interlibrary loan Wired to the world via the

latest technologicalinnovations.

State-of-the-art learning centers as well as contemporary facilities for recreation:

• Modern seven-story library with more than 500,000 bound volumes and 1.4 million microform units, plus Kurzweil equipment for the visually impaired

• Free tutoring programs and writing center

• New state-of-the-art music facility

• One of the top 10 universities for students with disabilities

Office of Adult Student ServicesFrank G. Pogue Student Center405 Scotland RoadEdinboro, PA 16444Phone: 814-732-2701Fax: 814-732-2909Email: [email protected]

www.edinboro.edu keyword: Adult

The State SystemEdinboro University is a part of a family of 14 universities across the Commonwealth known as the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

On July 1, 1983, the state legislature joined together the 13 state-owned colleges by creating the State System of Higher Education. As its founding legislation states, the mission of the State System is to provide high-quality education at an affordable cost.

As a system of public institutions, the influence of the universities reaches far beyond the campuses. The 14 universities enroll nearly 106,000 students. Once graduated, students join a network of more than 617,000 alumni worldwide.

How to applySimply apply online or request an application by writing, e-mailing or calling the Admissions Office. With Edinboro’s rolling admissions process, there are no admissiondeadlines and you can applyat any time.

Edinboro University Admissions OfficeToll-free: 1-888-846-2676Fax: 814-732-2420Email: [email protected], keyword “apply online”

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