Q: Who is a "nontraditional learner?"

A: Are you 24 years old or older? Are you assuming multiple life roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, caregiver and student? Are you returning to school after four or more years of employment, home-making, or other activity? Are you a veteran of the armed services?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, then North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University considers you a "nontraditional learner," whether you attend classes in the day, evening or both. Another definition we like is: "any student, regardless of age, whose primary life roles and responsibilities exist independent of the University and take precedence over the role of student in times of crisis or stress."

Q: What motivates nontraditional learners to go to college?

A: The best answer is what nontraditional learners themselves say about their reasons for starting or returning to higher education: "I have seen opportunities past me by because I do not have any education beyond high school. "My children are my motivation - I want to set a good example for them. I see things differently now than when I was 18. As I became older I realized that I had missed a great opportunity. Now I am ready and determined to get my college degree." No matter what your reason for returning to college, the Office of Evening/Weekend Programs is here to support you in that decision, and help you in any way possible.

Q: I want to go back to school, where do I begin?

A: You've made an important first decision! If you would like to begin by talking with someone who understands the needs of the nontraditional learner, call, stop by, or make an appointment with the Office of Evening/Weekend Programs (336-334-7607) for a confidential discussion with either the Director or Associate Director. They will help you answer some important questions: Do you want to earn a bachelor's degree? What are your areas of interest? Will you attend part-time or full time, day, evening or both? Do you have credits from any other accredited institution of higher learning? The next step is to contact the Office of Admissions (1-800-443-8946). You can apply on-line at http://www.ncat.edu/admissions We advise also contacting the chairperson of the department in which your major is housed. At this time you may also be assigned an academic advisor, as our staff are not prepared to provide academic advice.

Q: Do I use the same admission process as traditional-age students?

A: You will need to complete the same application form when applying for undergraduate admission at North Carolina A&T State University. The application fee at this time is $35. Application forms mailed from our office are stamped as "Evening Program". This in no way restricts you to taking only classes offered in the evening. You may attend classes at any times convenient to your schedule. Any adult or nontraditional student who has graduated from an accredited secondary school or successfullycompletes the GED test is eligible to enroll. If you are under 24 years of age, you must request a high school transcript and submit ACT or SAT scores. However, if you are 24 years of age or older, you do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. You may be required to submit a high school transcript if you have not attended any higher learning institutions since high school graduation.

Q: Will my credits transfer or are they too old?

A: Fortunately, most credits do not get "too old" to transfer. If you have attended an accredited college or university, there is no limit on how recently the course must have been completed. The Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions in the Office of Admissions will assess you with general education courses. Specific departments must assess other courses. Keep in mind that there may be specific admissions or transfer credit restrictions imposed by the respective school or college. For more information, call the Office of Admissions and ask to speak with the Assistant Director for Transfer Admissions (1-800-443-8946).

Q: Does the university offer credits for work and life experience?

A: North Carolina A&T does not offer credit for experiential (work/life experiences) at this time.

Q: Does the university accept credits from the local community college?

A: Yes. North Carolina A&T accepts credits from the local community colleges. In fact, A&T has "Two-Plus-Two" Articulation Agreements with several of the area community colleges.

Q: Is there any way that I can accelerate my program and/or get credit for the skills and knowledge I already have?

A: North Carolina A&T State University does not offer accelerated degree programs at this time. However, there may be opportunities to participate in CLEP (College Level Exam Program) -- This is a national program which offers the opportunity for obtaining college credit by examination. Check with Counseling Services and your academic advisor to determine the availability of opportunities. Have you earned credits at any other accredited institution of higher education in the United States? If so, be sure to apply as a transfer student. The dean of the school/college in which the student intends to obtain a degree will specify which courses, other than general education, will apply toward the degree requirements at A&T. No grade point value will appear on your record, and grade-point average will be calculated for the course work listed. For more information, contact the Assistant Director of Transfer Admissions in the Office of Admissions, or the academic department. Summer is a great time to speed up your degree. Summer Sessions I and II are both only 5 weeks in length, allowing you to complete a course or courses in 1/3 the time of a regular semester. Both day and evening courses are offered. Summer Intersession occurs the last two weeks of Summer Session I and the beginning of Summer Session II. Dual Summer Session spans both Session I and Session II.

Q: I need childcare? Where can I get it?

A: The Evening/Weekend Programs staff publishes a Child Care Referral List that may help you identify campus area childcare providers. We will be glad to mail you the list or email you a copy.

Q: Where can I get academic advice?

A: Advising is available to every student, and good advising is very important to your academic success. Every student is assigned to an academic adviser, and new students are required to meet with an adviser upon initial entry. Be sure to take the advice of your academic adviser! This is critical to you success as a student! Nontraditional learners are always welcome to stop by the Office of Evening/ Weekend Programs with any question, concern or problem.

Q: I need help with a course! Where can I get a tutor or help with math, writing, or my study skills?

A: Do you need that edge to get ahead? Do you feel like you're falling behind? Do you not understand the material completely? Do you want to boost your study skills? Don't wait! Help is available FREE for all currently enrolled students. Tutoring is often available in the student's major department. Be sure to inquire. There is also a Math Lab and Reading/Writing Lab operated through the College of Arts and Sciences for all students. The Center for Student Success will also assist you in locating a tutor and often sponsors workshops on study skills, time management and stress management. Be sure to inquire.

Q: I'm not sure what I want my major to be. What should I do?

A: Even as adults, it is sometimes difficult to decide "what we may want to be." Talking with the professional staff in the Office of Evening/Weekend Programs will help you get started on this search. We may refer you to the Counseling Center or The Center for Student Success. There are many excellent resources on campus to help you make these important decisions. Please contact our staff.

Q: What about costs and financial aid? Are there specific scholarships targeted toward older, nontraditional students?

A: For up-to-date information about costs and financial assistance, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at: http://www.ncat.edu/~finaid/. Remember to apply for grants, scholarships, loans, and government-supported part-time jobs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available on A&T's Office of Student Financial Aid website listed above, from community colleges, from your local high school, and from this website.

Q: What else does North Carolina A&T offer that helps make college convenient for nontraditional students?

A: Too many things to list them all! However, here are just a few:

• On-line submission of application for admission
• Registration on-line
• Access to grades and other student information on-line
• Installment payment plans offered by external independent vendors (for fall and spring semesters only)
• Helpful financial aid officers with day and evening hours
• Pay by credit card
• Tutorial services
• Computer labs campus-wide
• Career counseling and placement
• Academic advisors assigned to each student
• Twenty-four hour library services
• Extended hours in key student support areas (i.e., Registrar, Treasurer, Financial Aid, Veterans and Disability Support Services, Bookstore)

AND DON'T FORGET, THE OFFICE OF EVENING/WEEKEND PROGRAMS IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST YOU!!

Tips for Success Survival Linkages Nontraditional Students Organization