12/03/13 A life overflowing with work, children, and filled schedules can make going back to school seem too difficult. News of tuition increases can make it seem too expensive. For some it may be the fear of going back to school after years away from classrooms and homework. Ancilla College is offering two ways adults can become successful college students in 2014.
On Wednesday, December 11th, Ancilla is holding a free workshop for adults who are interested in returning to school. “College for Adult Learners” is set for 6 to 7:30 pm on Ancilla’s campus in room 231. Workshop materials, food and parking are free.
“The workshop will feature information on Ancilla programs, classes and degree options plus offer insights into financial aid options for adult students returning to school after several years’ absence,” Ancilla’s Sarah Lawrence said.
Lawrence, the assistant director of Admissions at the college, said offering a free workshop was an easy way for adults to get a chance to see the college. “We’re offering the workshop in the evening so working adults can come in after work and see the options we have available,” she said.
“Over half of students in Indiana who attended college in the last ten years did not finish with a degree. At Ancilla we can work with adults to get back into college and learn the skills they need to succeed with flexible evening, online and Saturday courses,” Lawrence said.
Ancilla College is also trying to make it easier for adult learners to try out college by offering a free course to adult students as part of the “We Believe in You” program. “We Believe in You” allows any adult, 21-years and older, who has not yet earned 10 college credits, to take a class with up to three credit hours at no cost (free tuition and fees).
In addition, all students in the program will have an academic advisor to assist them with every aspect of attending college for the first time, including help with the registration process, completing a financial aid application, choosing educational opportunities, and more. Spring classes begin Jan. 6, 2014 at Ancilla’s campus near Plymouth.
“We Believe in You” was created in 1988 by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the religious order that sponsors Ancilla College. “Over 50 people have taken part in this program,” said Admissions Director Eric Wignall.
“Many of them have gone on to take more classes and several have completed college degrees. They started with one course to test the waters and took advantage of the opportunity to restart their education. Adult students can use the ‘We Believe in You’ grant on top of other financial aid from federal and state programs to launch a college degree,” Wignall said.
Originally the program was designed for students who had never attended college, but this year the program was expanded to students and military veterans who may have taken a few courses but did not continue with a degree program. “If you are an older student who tried college, but earned less than 10 credit hours, you can come to Ancilla and get the extra help and information you need to be successful today,” Wignall said.
Both the free workshop and college course are ways that Ancilla is engaging with the region’s workforce. “College is not just for 19-year-olds. Working adults at any age can still earn a college degree, moving their education and career forward,” Lawrence said.
“Taking a college course in writing or computer technology can jump-start a college degree at any age. Faced with a difficult jobs outlook today I expect to see more students across Northern Indiana to take that first step in college and receive up to three credits of coursework for free,” she said.
For more information on the workshop or “We Believe in You,” please contact the Ancilla College Admissions Office at (574) 936-8898.
