EIU B.A.in General Studies Blog

EIU B.A. in General Studies Alumni  Monica Schaffer We asked EIU BGS students: How does the BGS program benefit the adult learner in achieving their goal of earning a degree? Here is what Monica Schaffer shared with us: The BGS program at EIU makes it possible for adult learners to return to the educational theatre in a welcoming environment that promotes growth in learning. Adult learners have many different motivations to return to college.  These motivations could be a new job, promotion, marriage or even a divorce. Another driving motivation to return is to increase or even maintain self-esteem with self-direction. Not only are there motivations, but there are roles that adult learners have in common over the traditional age learner. The characteristics that seems to represent many adult learners are being a single parent, having dependents, spouse, financially independent or just attending part-time. The curriculum that is provided through EIU is broad in ...

Written by Dr. Carrie Johnson, Director of EIU B.A in General Studies Program   As the administrator of a degree-completion program designed for adults wishing to complete their bachelor’s degree, I repeatedly have prospective students tell me they did not finish their degree when “I should have done it.” I reply by telling them “I would not have a job without people like them and I love my job!” Let us take a moment to discuss adult learners returning to college and dispel the myth that they are doing this at the “wrong time.”   Although most of us think of a college student as being between the ages of 18-23, this is not currently accurate in the United States; the truth is that close to 40% of today’s college students are 25 and older.  What does an adult student bring into the college classroom?  Here is a short list of pros and cons I have developed from my experience: As you can see, the strengths and challe...

B. A. in General Studies offers an adult degree program with many different options for adult students interested in earning their Liberal Arts Degree with Eastern Illinois University. Students applying to complete their college degree have the opportunity to do so through online courses or with EIU faculty at several locations including Parkland College, Harper College Professional Center, and our partner location in the Chicagoland area, Triton College. EIU BGS faculty also frequently visit community colleges across Illinois and offer informational table visits to help adult students take advantage of transfer and degree options that EIU has to offer through the School of Continuing Education. Find out how you can apply past work experience to credits towards your degree and get information Eastern Illinois University Veteran programs and fee discounts. Learn more about programs offered for students outside the State of Illinois here: http://bit.ly/2jyLD7z   Stop by...

We asked B.A. in General Studies graduates to share their continuing education story, in hopes of inspiring others to pursue their college degree, and accomplish their dream of being a college graduate. Through the BGS adult degree program, students can take advantage of online classes as well as multiple locations throughout Illinois, offering adults the ability to continue working, and sharing responsibilities of family while they continue their education. Here is what Lauren Raef had to say about her experience going back to school as an adult at Eastern Illinois University as part of the BGS program at the School of Continuing Education .  Read her advice for adults considering returning to college, how she overcame fears and challenges so that she could proudly say she was a college graduate.   Why did you choose EIU BGS to continue your education and get your college degree as an adult? I chose EIU BGS because I had been a traditional student at EIU 2 ...

Marta Amazon - EIU BGS 2016 Graduate  We spoke with Marta Almazan , a 2016 EIU B.A. in General Studies Graduate to find out about her experience returning to school as an adult and how it feels to earn her degree with Eastern Illinois University as part of the B.A. in General Studies Degree Program .  “I truly enjoyed all my classes and professors.  I feel I’ve gained so much from each one. Thank you.” Marta Almazan - 2016 Graduate  What motivated you to apply for the BGS program?  “What motivated me to apply to the BGS program was that I wasn’t getting anywhere.  Jobs are getting harder to find.  I felt I had to complete my degree to have a fair fighting chance to prove myself to employers.”    What was your favorite BGS memory?  “I have many very good memories of the BGS program.   I have made new friends and the professors were ALL very caring and willing to help.” What are your plans ...

EIU B.A. in General Studies Chicago Faculty  The General Studies program has the pleasure of being able to take advantage of all these tremendous instructors. Since the coursework required for our degree covers a wide range of subject matter, you'll have the opportunity to experience first-hand the wide-ranging excellence of the faculty here at Eastern Illinois University.  Jackie has been with EIU for three and a half years as a recruiter and academic advisor. She thrives on connecting with her advisees on both a personal and professional level. She also teaches the introductory course in the program in the Chicagoland area and online . “Jackie Janesku works as an advisor for students enrolled in the B.A. in General Studies in the Chicago area. Jackie has a background in hospitality and human resources and has been in her current position for four (4) years. Jackie's role is unique as she is the only member of our team located outside of Centr...

EIU B.A. in General Studies Faculty Members  We recently asked our professors to tell us a little bit about themselves, including what they enjoy about teaching at EIU and how teaching adults has impacted their teaching. We also wanted to spotlight some of the work and achievements that our faculty members have accomplished outside of EIU BGS .  We are very excited to share their stories and experience with our fans to showcase pride the faculty & students share in the School of Continuing Education at Eastern Illinois University and in the B.A. in General Studies program.  Dr. Teresa Britton teaches Philosophy at EIU-BGS  I like that BGS students attend (class); they are really smart students.  They are eager to learn and know how to have fun too. Teaching for EIU is great as I am part of a large and talented faculty connected to a larger professional world.  We are active and engaged scholars and researchers and it feels g...