The University of Toledo is getting the word out about its new college that focuses on adult learners.
The UT College of Adult and Lifelong Learning (CALL) will have an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, in Rocket Hall rooms 1830-1840 on Main Campus.
The college provides access, career and life coaching, degree completion, and academic support to new, continuing and re-entering adult learners. CALL also helps students transition to college life and establish foundations for educational attainment, career success and lifelong learning.
“We are hoping to promote awareness of the college as it is one of the new colleges on campus,” said Mary Jo Borden, assistant director. “This college was formerly University College, so we are hoping to reach out to students on campus as well as prospective students and inform them of the change.”
Citing statistics from a presentation given by Carol Aslanian of Education Dynamics, Borden said 75 percent of college students can be classified as nontraditional, whether it’s because they are parents, attend part time, work full time or are financially independent.
According to Dr. Dennis Lettman, dean of the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning, demographic and economic forecasting data suggests that adult learners will continue to be a growing segment of college enrollments and will be needed to provide a skilled work force. Because of its flexible nature and innovative programs, the college helps to make an education more accessible to adults.
A 30-minute presentation, “Returning to Learning,” will include discussions on career and life planning issues, prior learning and how experiences you have had can be used in your academic journey, and how to make the transition back into schooling. It is geared toward prospective students, but anyone interested can attend, Borden said.
Representatives from the Office of Undergraduate Admission, Rocket Solution Central and Learning Ventures will be available to answer questions about admission, financial aid and online learning. Available as well will be applications for the Adult Learner Access Award, which provides qualified students $500 toward their first semester at UT.
“We can be an easy portal for adult learners who are thinking about coming back to school,” Borden said. “We listen to their strengths and interests and can help guide them to an undergraduate degree that fits them best, even if it is creating their own degree based on those interests.”
For more information, contact Borden at 419.530.3132 or visit www.utoledo.edu/call.
