FAQs

Questions:

1. Do you have thoughts running through your mind that are similar to these?
2. Who is a Nontraditional Student?
3. What do I "get" as a nontraditional student?
4. How much does it cost to take a class at UW-Eau Claire? Can nontraditional students qualify for financial aid?
5. I have some "old" college credits. Are they still "good"? Will they transfer in?
6. I have to work full-time. Can I earn a degree at UW-Eau Claire on a part-time basis?
7. If I know I want to be an admitted student at UW-Eau Claire, where do I start? Do I need ACT or SAT test scores?
8. Is there childcare available on campus?
9. It's been years since I've been in school. Is there help available for brushing up on my academic skills?
10. What kind of military benefits are available to me?
11. How do I obtain my military transcripts for classes I took?
12. What about services for students with disabilities?
13. I'm not sure college is right for me. What are my other options?
14. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! Can I get some academic and career advising?
15. I don't want a college degree. Can I still take some classes for my own enrichment or to "test the waters"?
16. I'm a senior citizen. Is there a reduced rate for senior citizens taking classes?

Answers:

1. Do you have thoughts running through your mind that are similar to these? BACK TO FAQ's
   
   

   I'm too old to be a college student.
   I may not be able to study/understand/keep up with the schoolwork.
   I can't afford to go to school.
   I've been out of school too long.
   I have never been to college.
   Will my family support me?
   Will I fit in?
   
   You are not the first person to have these and other similar thoughts!  However, the reality is many other adults face the challenge of beginning or returning to school every year and they do become successful students.  At UW-Eau Claire over 12% of our student population is over 24 years old and they bring rich life experiences to the classroom!



2. Who is a Nontraditional Student? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   You are a nontraditional/adult student if any of the following descriptions characterize you:
   
   Are you age 24 or older?
   Have you experienced a break in your education?
   Are you a military veteran?
   Are married or a parent (no matter your age)?

   Understanding that beginning or returning to college is a life changing experience, Nontraditional Student Services (NSS) is here to provide support during the initial transition into college and throughout graduation.



3. What do I "get" as a nontraditional student?BACK TO FAQ's
   

As a nontraditional student you are entitled to the same benefits as a traditionally aged student, and you must adhere to the same academic standards as any other student. 

However, nontraditional students have access to a Nontraditional Student Services (NSS) adviser who can help you in your entry to the university, and can be a resource throughout your education.  The NSS adviser emails a weekly newsletter to all nontraditional students and offers workshops on various topics. Open Houses, brown bags, and other events sponsored through the NSS office are a way to connect with other nontraditional students, and will enrich your time at UWEC. 

The OASIS room in Davies Center 127 is a lounge for nontraditional students, and has a microwave, refrigerator, and a computer for your use.  The library Study Room is available for nontraditional students and offers a quiet place to concentrate on your studies. (Come to NSS, Schofield 226, for a letter which will give you access to the study room.)

Additionally, there are a number of scholarships that are specifically for nontraditional students which are listed in a scholarship booklet entitled “Pennies from Heaven” published by Nontraditional Student Services.  (See the following question for more information.)

There are opportunities for campus involvement as a nontraditional student:  Sigma Gamma Zeta II Honor Society, The Nontraditional Student Advisory Committee, Student Organizations, other departmental advisory committees, Student Senate, and Children's Center Advisory Board, just to name a few. Ask the NSS adviser how to get connected.



4. How much does it cost to take a class at UW-Eau Claire? Can adult students qualify for financial aid? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   Current tuition and fee schedules are published on line at www.uwec.edu/busoff.  Total tuition and fees depend on the number of credits taken; a few courses also have a special course fee.

   YES, nontraditional students qualify for financial aid based on their family resources, the same as traditional-aged students. Visit the Financial Aid Office website at www.uwec.edu/FinAid. There you can see the variety of aid available, a list of all university scholarships, a Power Point slide show on how to apply for aid, information on tax cuts for education, and related links to free scholarship search services. To get an idea of what your education expenses might look like, you can fill out a Financial Aid Estimator at www.uwec.edu/asp/finaid/budgetcalc/.  You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even before you have been admitted to the university.

   There are also a number of scholarships specifically for returning nontraditional students, which NSS publishes in a scholarship booklet entitled “Pennies from Heaven,” and which can also be found online at www.uwec.edu/advising/nss/scholar.htm.  These scholarships are also listed on the Financial Aid homepage www.uwec.edu/FinAid.



5. I have some "old" college credits. Are they still "good"? Will they transfer in? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   Most college credits don't have a "statute of limitations" on them, but it does sometimes depend on the program you're planning to enter. In some cases, like the Nursing program, you might need to update some of your required science credits, even if you took a college chemistry course some years ago. If your old credits are from a technical college, there may be some general studies credits that are not accepted if they are not comparable to the current university curriculum.

   When you make application for admission and have original transcripts sent, the Admissions Office will evaluate all your transcripts and will send you a transcript evaluation indicating which of your old college coursework is still "good." In some cases the Admissions Office may have incomplete information about a course and may delay making a decision on its transferability. Such courses will be listed as "consult" or "defer" on the transfer evaluation. In both cases students should consult with the chair of the appropriate department to determine if and/or how credit might be granted. We also have Transfer Advisers who can help you with your transfer issues. You can reach the transfer advisers at 836-3487.



6. I have to work full-time. Can I earn a degree at UW-Eau Claire on a part-time basis? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   Yes, you can work towards a university degree on a part-time basis. We do offer late afternoon and evening classes and some classes through distance education. However, there are many programs that require daytime availability, and we don't yet have any undergraduate degrees offered entirely in the evenings or on weekends. Check with the department of your intended major for more information on their particular options.

   Through the UW System there are other opportunities to begin your general education coursework, either through on-line courses or through independent study.  A UW associate degree is available completely on-line through the UW Colleges, www.online.uwc.edu. Independent study courses are available through the University of Wisconsin Independent Learning Program, http://learn.wisconsin. edu/il

   Contact the Nontraditional Student Services Adviser at 715-836-3259 for more information on these options.



7. If I know I want to be an admitted student at UW-Eau Claire, where do I start? Do I need ACT or SAT test scores? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   It is often useful for adults to have an initial conversation with the Nontraditional Student Adviser, either in person or by telephone, prior to applying for admission; however, it is not required. Call 715-836-3259 to make an appointment if you choose. If a phone appointment would be more convenient initially, that can also be scheduled. During your appointment the Nontraditional Student Adviser will cover all your initial questions related to admission, financial aid, registering for classes, tuition and fees, academic support services, campus resources, child care, and more. Whether you seek admission to UW-Eau Claire or just want to try out a course or two as a "special" student, (a non admitted student), start with the Nontraditional Student Services Office. The office has extended hours during the academic school year, on Monday until 6:00 p.m., in order to accommodate working hours of many adults.
   
   Complete the application on-line at http://apply.wisconsin.edu. or obtain a UW System Undergraduate Admissions application from the Admissions Office in Schofield Hall 112.  Students over the age of 22 do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Pay the application fee online or mail in or drop off payment to the Admissions Office.  The application fee is currently $44.  Graduate school applications are available online at http://apply.wisconsin.edu/graduate/eau or from the Admissions Office, or send an e-mail to request for an application, admissions@uwec.edu.
   
   Request to have both your high school transcripts and any other college transcripts sent directly from those institutions to the Admissions Office. If you already have one four-year college degree, you need only to have your college transcript(s) sent, not your high school record. Once all your documents have been received in the Admissions Office, your application will be reviewed and you'll receive a letter from them. Call the Nontraditional Student Adviser at 715-836-3259 if you have any questions during the application process.



8. Is there childcare available on campus? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   Yes. The UW-Eau Claire Children's Center is a professionally staffed and accredited program of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Center is available to the children of students, faculty and staff, and to community members as openings permit. Childcare is available for children who are infant to age 10. Some age groups have waiting lists.  For more information, call the Children's Center at 715-836-2178 or visit their website at: www.uwec.edu/Children/.



9. It's been years since I've been in school. Is there help available for brushing up on my academic skills? BACK TO FAQ's
   

   Yes! The Academic Skills Center at UW-Eau Claire offers both diagnostic testing and tutoring in many skill areas, including reading and study strategies, writing, mathematics, and English as a Second Language. There's also tutoring in foreign languages and many lower level science classes in biology, chemistry and physics. Each semester special classes for credit are offered called "developmental courses" that help students brush up on rusty basic skills. You can contact the Academic Skills Center at 715-836-5844 for more detailed information about their services or visit their website at www.uwec.edu/asc/.

   Gen 100: Introduction to the University Curriculum for Adult Students is offered each semester. This 1-credit course will help acclimate you to the university and provide tips on studying, time management, campus resources, financial aid and scholarships, and much more!

   Outdated or inadequate computer skills can be another area of concern for incoming nontraditional students. Technology is certainly pervasive throughout the university and familiarity with basic computer programs will be required, with some majors requiring more sophisticated computer use. The good news is that basic skill-building help is available. Free software training is available through the BITS Program (Bringing Instruction in Technology to Students) and the PALS Program (Personalized Assistance for Learning Success). Students can call the Computing & Networking Services Help desk at 836-5711 for help with all their computing questions, including those about connecting to UWEC from their home computer and one-on-one computer training.

   UW-Eau Claire also publishes much of its computer-related documentation on the web through the ITM Online Help Collection available at www.uwec.edu/help. You can contact Nontraditional Student Services for copies of basic technology brochures to get you started on all your technology needs at UW-Eau Claire.



10. What kinds of military education benefits are available for me?
    BACK TO FAQ's
    

    For specific information on the WI GI Bill and your education benefits contact the UWEC Veteran Services Specialist in the Registration office by calling (715) 836-3839.  A certifying official is available all day Wednesday, Thursday mornings, and all day Friday.



11. How do I obtain my military transcripts for classes I took?
    BACK TO FAQ's
    

    The American Council for Education (ACE) evaluates military training and education, and translates courses and occupations held by service members into college credit recommendations.  Descriptions of the courses and occupations evaluated by ACE, along with recommended numbers of credits, are published in the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (also known as the Guide), and distributed every two years to military education offices, colleges, and universities.  The actual type and amount of credit awarded depends on the policies of the college or university and your academic goals.
    
    The Guide is also available online at www.militaryguides.acenet.edu.

    To determine if you are eligible for college credit advanced placement, or other recognition for your military training:
    
    See your Education Services Officer, Navy College Education Specialist, or a counselor at your college or university.
    
    Soldiers, reservists, veterans, and members of the Army National Guard should order the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS) transcript from http://aarts.army.mil or call toll free (866) 297-4427.
    
    Sailors, Marines, and veterans should order the Sailor/Marine/ACE Registry Transcript (SMART) from http://smart.cnet.navy.mil or call toll free (877) 253-7122.
    
    Both AARTS and SMART transcripts are available free of charge to eligible Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines.   Please check with the AARTS and SMART Operations Centers to confirm your eligibility.



12. What about services for students with disabilities? BACK TO FAQ's
    

    Services are available for students with disabilities to be successful on campus. Academic accommodations offered thru Services for Students with Disabilities are test accommodations, taped materials, library assistance, note takers, course-specific tutoring, registration assistance, sign language interpreters and c-print captioning.  For more information or to meet with a Disability Specialist contact Services for Students with Disabilities at (715) 836-4542, Old Library 2136.

13. I'm not sure that college is right for me. What are my other options? BACK TO FAQ's
    

    Prospective nontraditional students can also contact the Educational Opportunity Office (EOC) at UWEC. Contact the EOC to determine eligibility requirements for the EOC program.   EOC staff provides assistance to eligible participants with:

    College and Program Selection -- Determine which institutions house programs/majors of interest to you.  Receive assistance with comparing costs, outcomes, and academic and extracurricular resources.

    Career Development -- EOC staff offer workshops, interest inventories, and individualized counseling to assist prospective nontraditional students to develop a “learning to earning” plan.

    Financial Aid -- Receive assistance with financial aid forms, and learn about the broad range of resources designed to help adults meet the costs of college.

    Admission Assistance -- Choose the form of attending college that fits your goals.  Learn the different routes to admission, and receive assistance navigating the paperwork.



14. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up! Can I get some academic and career advising? BACK TO FAQ's
    

    Yes! Both the Nontraditional Student Services Adviser and the advisers in Career Services at UW-Eau Claire can help you help you assess your interests and experiences and how these might relate to future educational and career choices. There are career inventories available that can help match your interest areas to particular programs of study and career areas. Career Services has a very useful website with many interesting links. They have an online inventory one can do, called SIGI 3, with a large database of college majors and related careers. Non-UW-Eau Claire students can access this program with a "guest" password. Contact the Nontraditional Student Services Adviser for more information.



15. I don't want a college degree. Can I still take some classes for my own enrichment or to "test the waters"? BACK TO FAQ's
    

    Yes, you can. You do not have to go through the admissions process in order to take classes. There is another category of students known as "special students." A special student is anyone who wishes to take one or two classes at a time but is not ready or interested in being an admitted student yet. Special students do not qualify for the regular forms of financial aid, and they have last priority in registration, after all admitted students have registered. If people have some flexibility in their schedule, we can usually find a class or two that meets the needs or interests of a special student. For more information and to discuss which status--admitted student or special student--would best suit your situation, call the Nontraditional Student Adviser at 715-836-3259.  Visit the Registrar’s website at http://www.uwec.edu/registrar/registration/index.htm#reglinks for information on registering as a Special Student and for a printable application form.



16. I'm a senior citizen. Is there a reduced rate for senior citizens taking classes? BACK TO FAQ's

    Residents of Wisconsin who are 60 years of age and older or who meet certain disability requirements may audit courses on a space-available basis at no tuition charge. Not all courses are open to auditors, though most are. There may be some related course fees, such as a chemistry course breakage deposit. Also, campus (segregated) fees will be assessed for issuance of a university I.D. card, which entitles the holder to full use of student services, such as textbook rental services and other campus services subsidized by student segregated fees (e.g., recreation programs, city bus pass, health services, etc.) Tuition and campus fees are not waived for any courses taken for credit. Contact the Business Office Bursar for details on segregated fee charges for senior auditors at 715-836-4325.

    The Continuing Education Office also offers some credit and non-credit programs, some specifically targeting senior citizens.  Call them at 715-836-3636 or visit their website at http://www.uwec.edu/ce/index.htm.