BU HOME  •   TODAY AT BU  •   ADMISSIONS  •   ACADEMICS  •   RESOURCES  •   SPORTS  •   SUPPORT BU  •  

Office of Adult Advisement

The Office of Adult Advisement (OAA) encourages, informs, and supports returning adult learners, many of who are busy working and raising a family and considering starting or returning to college. The OAA also serves as the official non-degree undergraduate admissions and scheduling center, and helps arrange evening and off-campus courses for the convenience of non-degree and nontraditional students. The Coordinator of Adult Advisement is the academic advisor for all non-degree students without a bachelor's degree, and acts as an advocate for the concerns and issues of these students, many of whom go on to earn degrees.

You'll be among more than 1,500 adult learners enrolled at Bloomsburg University. Many are in their middle and upper twenties, and there are a number of students in their thirties, forties, and fifties. Retired individuals are taking classes and even working toward degrees. You can join university clubs and organizations, go to plays and concerts on campus, and develop computer skills. The same support services provided to degree students are available to you.

Degree Students and Non-Degree Students

Non-degree students are in the same classes with the same professors as degree students, pay the same tuition and fees, and receive credit for courses they pass. These credits will count toward a degree at Bloomsburg.

The primary distinction between the degree and non-degree program is the admission process. Students that don't qualify for admission into a degree program can usually be admitted as non-degree. Other differences between degree and non-degree students include (but are not limited to) potential for financial aid, the scheduling process, and semester credit limits.

Types of Undergraduate Non-Degree Students - There are eight categories of undergraduate non-degree students. All but two categories require completion of high school or a GED.

Category 1: Any student that wants to take classes on a part-time basis, and does not have a bachelor's degree. Most non-degree students are in this category.

Category 2: Any student enrolled in another college or university who wants to take one or more classes here and transfer credits to their home institution. Many of our non-degree students over the summer are in this category. Make prior arrangements with your college or university regarding the procedures and approval for transferring credits from Bloomsburg there. Failure to provide an official high school transcript or GED will prevent the student from receiving a Bloomsburg transcript.

Category 3: Any high school student that wants to take one or more classes at the university needs a letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor and an official high school transcript.

Category 4: Any student with an earned bachelor's degree who desires to take one or more undergraduate courses. Some students in this category are taking undergraduate deficiencies as preparation for graduate programs.

Category 5: Any student with previous college experience who needs to raise their GPA to qualify for degree re-admission. Former Bloomsburg students that were academically dismissed do not qualify unless at least one year has passed (and these students may qualify for degree re-admission instead of non-degree).

Category 6: Students with an earned bachelor's degree (GPA of at least 2.50) that want to receive Level I or Level II teacher certification. Certification is available in Secondary, Elementary, Early Childhood, Special, and Business Education, and also in Studies in Hearing Loss.

Category 7: Senior citizens that are Pennsylvania residents and 60 years of age or over. Tuition is free, although these students must pay for fees and books. Students are admitted to classes on a seat-available basis. This category does not require high school graduation or a GED.

Category 8: Any student that wants to complete one of seven certificate programs. Certificates can be earned in Community Services, Community Recreation Leader, Environmental Planning, Gerontology, Public Administration, Music, and Theatre-Music. NOTE: Students must pass every course taken, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.00

Non-Degree Application Process

Contact the Coordinator of the Office of Adult Advisement at (570) 389-4003 or e-mail plenhart@bloomu.edu

Complete and sign the one-page non-degree application form available from the OAA. Be sure to include the correct category on the form. Ask us if you're not sure Category 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8 students can mail, hand-deliver, or fax the application to the OAA. There is no application fee.

An official high school transcript or G.E.D. score is required for admission. Contact your high school or school district and have it send your official transcript directly to the OAA.

The office can't accept a transcript delivered by a student, unless it's in a sealed envelope with a signature from a high school representative over the seal. For those with 24 credits or more from an accredited college or university, an official transcript from that institution will be accepted in place of a high school transcript.

If your name has changed since high school, ask the high school to use their current name on information it provides.

If an official transcript is already here at Bloomsburg University, but in a different office, let the office know.

Students are normally accepted quickly for the current semester and are notified by an acceptance letter