Every Adult College Student Ought to Know

Where Are You Going in Life? If You Have the Will, We Will Show You the Way.

Piedmont Community College is our host institution.

Read inserts from the book, "Every Adult College Student Ought to Know." By Carlette Hardin by clicking on the graduation cap.

(Inserts from 100 Things Every Adult College Student Ought to Know)

By- Carlette Jackson Hardin

It's never too late to follow a dream. If you have always dreamed of going to college or returning to college, it's time to start. In fact, 1n 1995 there were 6.1 Million* adult students who were following their dreams by being in college. It is estimated that by the year 2007 the number will have increased to 6.4 million. Go for it! You won't be alone.

*National Center for Education Statistics- 1999

2. There is no need for guilt. Understand that you are seeking to improve your situation through education. The best gift you can give yourself or your family is an education. When you receive your diploma, most everyone will agree the sacrifices made by you and your family were worth the effort.

3. It won't help to dwell on what you should have learned 10-20 years ago. You can't turn back the clock, but you can make up for lost time. Don't dwell on the past. Determine that starting today you are going to absorb as much knowledge.

4. You are self-motivated. You aren't seeking a degree because it is what is expected or what your parents want you to do. You are seeking a degree because you have decided that is what you need to do. You are seeking a degree because you have decided that this is what you need to do to have the best life possible for you and your family. You are eager to learn, and that means you will be willing to do the work, ask for assistance, and stretch your limits.

5. Entry into college can be a gradual process. You don't have to take a full load the first term you attend. Take one course and see how you feel about being in as academic environment. If you are comfortable and successful, you can increase your load the next term.

If you decide to go full-time your first term, don't take too many classes as an effort to make up for lost time. You have taken the right step by getting started, but be realistic. You can't make up for the years you lost by loading on extra hours. Enroll for the hours you can handle while balancing your family and other responsibilities. It may take a little longer, but the result will be better mental health for you, better relationships with those you love, and better grades overall.

6. Every institution publishes a catalog of its academic programs, policies, procedures, and course descriptions. These catalogs are also called bulletins at some institutions. Before enrolling at an institution, request a catalog. Check admissions policies. Find out about the accreditation of the institution. Learn if the institution has the major you want, or if not, prepares you to transfer to another institution that does.

Once you enroll, keep the catalog. Unless an external, outside accrediting or licensing group changes a requirement that forces a change in your program, most institutions allow you to graduate under the requirements listed in the catalog in place when you entered. A curriculum check sheet is often available listing all requirements needed to obtain your degree. Get one early. While there is typically a time limit on how long one has to complete a degree under a specific catalog, this policy will protect you if for some reason you must take leave from school.

If you leave the institution, keep the catalog. If you decide to transfer later, the catalog may serve as a record of the courses you took in helping the new institution grant transfer credit.

Send mail to browne@piedmontcc.edu with questions or comments about this web site.