Thinking About Beginning or Returning to College?

Do you have thoughts running through your mind that are similar to these?

• I'm too old to be a college student.
• I may not be able to study/understand/keep up with the schoolwork.
• I can't afford to go to school.
• I've been out of school too long.
• I have never been to college.
  

You are not the first person to have these and other similar thoughts! However, the reality is many other adults face the challenges of beginning or returning to school every year and they do become successful students. At Cleveland State almost half of our student population is over 24 years old and they bring rich life experiences to the classroom!

Who is a Nontraditional Student?

You are a nontraditional/adult student if any of the following descriptions characterize you:

• Have experienced a break in your education
• Are a military veteran
• Are a single parent (no matter your age)
• Considered financially independent for purposes of determining financial aid
• Working full time while enrolled
  

Understanding that beginning or returning to college is a life changing experience, the Adult Student Services Center Office is designed to provide supportive assistance during the initial transition into college throughout graduation. At the same time, we recognize that adults frequently have obligations beyond the classroom that require their time and attention. In response to these conditions, this office has extended hours, Monday -Thursday until 6:00 p.m. in order to accommodate any student who is unable to be on campus during regular operating hours.

Are You a Prospective Student?
Trained staff is available in the Adult Services Office to help you learn about every aspect of becoming a college student. Information that is frequently requested includes:

• How to submit an application for admission to the college
• Financial Aid options and how to access them (It is a process - You need to start early!)
• How to read the college catalog and semester class schedules
• What is a part time student?
• Who is my academic advisor?
• Am I going to "fit in" as a college student? (Oh yes, you certainly are!)
• Can I schedule a visit to the campus before enrolling? (Yes, absolutely.)
  

The Adult Student Services Center Office also provides individual assistance with questions and concerns relating to your educational experience. When visiting the campus for the first time, adults can receive a complete package of information on getting started in school as well as a tour of the campus.

Workforce Investment Act and Trade Adjustment Act
The Office of Adult Services is the campus link for students attending college under through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Trade Adjustment Act (TAA). In order to be eligible for either program, the prospective student should contact his/her local Tennessee Department of Labor Office or the local area Tennessee Career Center.

Regents Online Degree Program
The Adult Services Office also serves as the campus contact for the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP). This online method of course delivery offers the Associate of Applied Science in Professional Studies: Concentration in Information Technology, Associate of Arts in General Studies (University Parallel) and Associate of Science in General Studies (University Parallel). Students may also elect to take individual RODP courses in conjunction with the traditional "on the ground" courses. Call 423-472-7141, ext. 393 to receive a free Regents Online Degree Program CD.

Financial Aid
If you are wondering whether you are eligible for financial aid as a nontraditional full time or part time student the answer is, "You are." Remember, financial aid is not age specific. Financial aid is available to adults and may include grants, loans, and/or student work programs. Eligibility is influenced by many factors, so learn if you meet the criteria by visiting the Financial Aid Office, located in the George L. Mathis Student Center, Room 102 or call 1-800-604-2722 or 423-472-7141, ext. 284.

Academic Questions
When you contact us, we will refer you to an academic advisor for the certificate or degree program in which you intend to major.
Undecided about courses you want to take or exactly what you want to major in? This is a very common concern among nontraditional/adult students. In response to this uncertainty, students are referred to the Office of Student Development for assistance in identifying areas of academic interest in which you might consider pursuing as a college/career major.

Resources and Activities for the Nontraditional Student

• For currently enrolled students, the Office of Adult Services is an advocate for students with college administration and staff, and a reference source for general information relating to the college.
• A workshop, presented annually during the summer that is designed specifically for the nontraditional adult who is considering attending college. This workshop offers helpful information about all aspects of beginning or returning to school.
• Tours, which arranged by appointment, are conducted on an individual basis for students and family members, to provide knowledge and a "hands-on" familiarity with the campus.
• An annual "Welcome to Cleveland State" event, held in the fall, for nontraditional/adult students and their families.
• A "Meet the President and Vice President's" activity to facilitate open
  dialogue between students and administrators.
• A Nontraditional Student Organization, which meets on a monthly basis, and offers networking opportunities and social activities.
• Individual assistance with questions and concerns relating to your educational experience.
• Scholarship resources and information for the nontraditional student.

Directions to Cleveland State Community College - Main Campus
The college is located between Exit 25 and 27 on 1-75, 30 miles northeast of Chattanooga.

If you are traveling North from Chattanooga:

• Take Exit 25
• Turn left at the end of the exit ramp on to 25th Street;
• Turn left at the first traffic light on to Westside Drive;
• Go approximately one mile;
• Turn left on to Norman Chapel Road
• Go under 1-75;
• You will see Cleveland State sign
  If you are traveling South From Athens:
• Take Exit 27;
• Turn right at the end of the exit ramp on to Paul Huff Parkway;
• Turn left at the first traffic light on to Adkisson Drive;
• The college is approximately one mile on the right

Thank you for visiting this web page. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit to the campus please call 1-800-604-2722, ext. 393 or 361 or 423-472-7141, ext 393 or 361. You may also e-mail
The Adult Student Services Center is located in the George L. Mathis Student Center, Room 117. The office is open: Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.