Center for Adult Students
Making the Transition
Whether you are starting college for the first time or returning to an academic setting, there are some things you should know and some things that you can do before and during your enrollment that will help prepare you for your Penn State Behrend experience.
If you need an updated version of adobe acrobat, click here for a free download
-
Academic Expectations
-
Academic Support Services
-
Academic Advising and eLion
-
General Education
-
Structure of Classes
-
Computer Literacy
-
Soft Skills
-
Services for Students with Learning Disabilities
-
Community Resources
-
Survival Guide for Adult Learners
Academic Expectations
Assuming multiple
roles, juggling family and work responsibilities while meeting
the demands of faculty can seem overwhelming. As a general rule, plan
to spend two (2) hours outside the classroom for each credit hour that
you are enrolled in. For example, you should plan on spending
approximately six (6) hours per week preparing for class, responding
to assignments, reading material, etc for each three (3) credit class
you have. It may take a couple of semesters as well as different types
of class formats to determine how much time you will need for each
class.
Academic Support Services
All students have access to many
academic support services.
The
Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides free services such as
one-on-one tutoring in various academic subjects, a drop-in
mathematics lab and writing lab, as well as instruction on study
skills and utilizing your learning style effectively in the classroom.
The Center for Adult Services and Evening Programs offers an Academic Enhancement Series. Through the series various workshops are held (evenings and/or weekends) that address issues of time management, stress management, computer skills, career development, resume writing, study strategies and major exploration to name a few. All workshops focus on the adult learner and the unique concerns you have in all these areas.
Academic Advising
Each student enrolled at Penn State Behrend is assigned an
academic advisor. This information, along with your student records,
can be obtained electronically through eLion. Your academic advisor is
there to assist you in planning courses to take for your major, to
discuss your academic goals and to assist you in all your academic endeavors.
In addition to your faculty advisor, any adult student is welcome to see the adult
learner advisor, Ms. Biddy Brooks. Her office is located in Erie Hall,
Rm. 16. Evening appointments are available. If you have not been
assigned an advisor, see the staff assistant in the School that offers
the major you are interested in or contact the Division of
Undergraduate Studies.
eLion is an on-line, interactive tool that is designed to supplement student-advisor relationships and engage students in interactive, informed educational planning. There are many features to eLion. Some of these include: course scheduling each semester, obtain a copy of your grades, secure enrollment verification, receive information on the Hope Tax Credit and Lifelong Learning Tax Credit. In order to utilize eLion you must secure your computer access account information.
General Education
In addition to
courses you have to take for your major, there is a core curriculum
called 'general education'. General education consists of courses in
the Arts, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Natural
Sciences, Writing and Speaking skills and Health and Physical Education. For
nearly every major, you will begin your first semester by taking
courses that will fulfill
general education requirements
(PDF)
You will have a wide variety of general education courses to choose
from each semester.
Structure of Classes
A 3 - credit course is typically
offered Monday (M), Wednesday (W) and Friday (F) for 50 minutes or
Tuesday (T) and Thursday (R) for 75 minutes. Classes begin at 8:00 am
and are in session throughout the day and evening.
MWF classes begin at 8:00am; your course may be MWF from 8:00am to 8:50am or 9:00 am to 9:50am, etc. TR classes also begin at 8:00am running throughout the day in 75 minute intervals. The class periods run 8:00am to 9:15 am, 9:30am to 10:45 am, etc. There is a break between classes - 10 minutes for 50 minute classes and 15 minutes for 75 minute classes. This allows students enough time to get from class to another.
Some 3 credit courses don't fit into this structure such as courses that run MW 6:10pm to 7:25pm or Tuesday 7:00pm to 10pm. Some courses, especially those with labs, can be very scattered throughout the day. Your academic advisor can assist with course scheduling and the semester Schedule of Classes also details course times, course locations, instructor, etc.
Computer Literacy
To prepare for your collegiate
experience, we encourage you to become familiar with Eudora email and
Microsoft Office software. Microsoft Office includes Word, Access,
Excel and Powerpoint.
To aid students, a first-year seminar (a requirement for all baccalaureate degree students) has been created for the adult computer novice. This class acquaints you with the basics of Microsoft Office software as well as introduces you to various college services and addresses issues of study strategies stress management, math anxiety and more. Look for CAP 100S offered fall semesters.
Penn State students can purchase Microsoft Office XP and other software through the Microsoft Student Program at cost effective, educational rates.
Click here for Computer Store information
Soft Skills
Time management, stress management and
study skills are important to a student's success, particularly for
adult students who typically have family and work obligations as well
as pursuing their goals of higher education.
Once enrolled, you will have the opportunity to attend workshops and seminars, receive free tutorial assistance as well as schedule the first-year seminar CAP 100S to help strengthen these skills.
Disability Services
Penn State is strongly committed to
providing full access to its programs and services for all
individuals. The university encourages academically qualified students
with disabilities to take advantage of its educational programs.
Penn State Behrend provides services for students with physical disabilities, hearing impairments, visual impairments, attention deficit disorder, and learning disabilities. The Office of Educational Equity Programs is located in the Office of Student Affairs which is located on the second floor of the Reed Union Building. A disability specialist coordinates services tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.
Click here for disability services information
Community Resources
Individuals
who have not been involved in academic course work recently and/or who
have not taken academic math in high school are strongly encouraged to
enroll in academic remediation prior to entering the college
classroom. These services are free of charge in the local community.
For current information regarding math, reading, writing, English as a second language and study skills instruction, contact the service providers listed below or other local agencies. Daytime and evening classes are offered at many locations in both Erie City and Erie County areas.
-
Erie Adult Learning Center, Erie - 814.874.6175 (various locations)
-
Hispanic-American Council, Erie - 814.455.0212
-
Corry Higher Education Council, Corry - 814.664.9405
-
GECAC Learning Center, Erie - 814.451.5610
-
Center for Adult Education, Erie - 814.836.0870 ext. 240 (various locations)
Survival Guide
All the information you need to know
regarding various offices and services at Behrend College is included
in the Adult Learner Survival Guide.