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| Get motivated & let the staff in the School of Continuing Education Eastern Illinois University help you get started. |
I recently saw the above quote posted on a friend’s Facebook
page and immediately thought of the adult learners I work with at Eastern
Illinois University. I direct the B. A. in General Studies degree, an adult
degree-completion program offered at various locations in Illinois and online.
New and prospective students often feel the need to explain why they did not
complete their bachelor’s degree “when they should have” or at the “right
time.” What does that mean exactly? Is there a “right time” to earn your
college degree? I would argue that time is different for each of us.
We speak of “traditional’ and “non-traditional” learners in
higher education. What does that mean? At one time the typical college student
was between 18-22 years of age. Most
students lived in residence halls where they were immersed in campus life.
Today, more than 40% of the undergraduate students in the United States are
over 25 years old. Rather than being immersed in campus life, they are involved
in their own lives. They manage multiple priorities including career, family
and community activities.
“F.A.I.L, first attempt at learning”---I wish I had thought of that! We are all lifelong learners. We don’t need a degree to prove that. We learn throughout our lives. When I had my children I did not go to school to learn how to be a mother. When we bought a house, my husband and I did not attend classes to study how to purchase or care for our new home. We learned through experience; we learned through trial and error.
In spite of the lifelong learning we engage in outside of
the classroom, there is much fear and trepidation over returning to college as
an adult student. One of our currently enrolled students posted this on
Facebook. “My advice
to someone thinking of completing their BGS degree would be to just do it. Stop
making excuses and start working to better your life. Don't wait as long as I
did!”
You
do not have to do this alone. The staff in the School of Continuing Education Eastern Illinois University will help you get started. We will work with you
from the application process until you complete your degree---and beyond! Let us help you meet your goal of completing
your bachelor’s degree.
Some of the special features of our degree program include:
1) We will accept up to 100 semester hours of transfer credit, including 78 hours from community colleges.
2) Students have the opportunity to earn credit for knowledge gained outside of the traditional classroom, including workforce training.
3) As a non-profit, state university our tuition is affordable. We even offer textbook rental, saving you the cost of purchasing expensive textbooks.
4) We care about your success! Our small classes allow you to engage with your instructors, ask questions and get personal assistance. Our adult-friendly advisors will assist you with all aspects of earning your degree.
Are you ready to take the next step? If you are, we are here for you!
Phone us at 217-581-5618
Carrie Johnson, Ed.D.
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