Adults Interested in Earning Degrees Invited to Discover IUPUC Open House

by Adam Frazier
May 15, 2012
Nearly 40 percent of students at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) are 25 or older, have children at home, work full-time or part-time, and have busy schedules.

According to Susie Blizard, director of admissions at IUPUC, adult students are the fastest-growing segment in the higher education market. They comprise more than 50 percent of the postsecondary student population.

“Many adult learners with whom we speak want to earn degrees, but they have a lot on their plates, including demanding jobs, family responsibilities, and community activities,” explained Blizard. “They doubt their ability to be successful in a university environment and are unsure how to get started.”

To better serve adults who live and work in south central Indiana, IUPUC is hosting an informal open house called “Discover IUPUC” on June 16 from 10 a.m. to noon. Adults of all ages are invited to visit the campus and talk one-on-one with knowledgeable staff who can advise them about their educational options.

The Saturday open house is intended for those who:
  • Earned a diploma or GED but have no education beyond high school.
  • Are eligible for educational benefits under the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.
  • Have some college credits but no degree.
  • Want to transfer credits from other universities toward a degree at IUPUC.
  • Graduated from Ivy Tech with an associate degree they wish to apply toward a bachelor’s degree.
  • Want to change careers, expand their career opportunities, or increase their earning potential with a first or second bachelor’s degree.
  • Have experienced a major life change, like unemployment, divorce, or death of a spouse.
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree and are ready to pursue a master’s degree.
  • Are interested in saving time and money by earning credit for prior learning through CLEP or DANTES testing.
IUPUC offers flexible options and services that appeal to adult learners, including:
  • Off-site courses taught in Seymour and Greensburg
  • Online classes taught via the Web
  • Hybrid classes that blend online learning with classroom instruction
  • Evening courses and traditional day classes
  • Knowledgeable, friendly academic advisors and faculty mentors
  • Small class sizes with personalized attention
  • Indiana University technology and resources
Blizard notes that adult students are generally very goal-oriented and motivated to succeed, even though they are different from traditional college-age students.

“We remind adult students they have life experience and wisdom younger students lack and encourage them to view education as a lifetime investment and lifelong process. In the right environment, any adult can achieve his or her educational and career goals. We’re here to help by offering quality, affordable academic programs and expert faculty who care about student success,” Blizard said.

The Discover IUPUC open house will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 16 in Room 1400 at the Columbus Learning Center, located at 4555 Central Avenue near Columbus Regional Airport. For maps and driving directions, visit www.iupuc.edu.

For more information about Discover IUPUC, please call 812.348.7390.