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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. Needed: Official high school transcript or copy of G.E.D. scores - if your current name is different from when you graduated high school - please ask the school to print your current name on your transcript.

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. Needed: Verification of full-time status on letterhead signed by advisor and faxed to 570-389-3982 - failure to provide this will prevent the student from receiving a Bloomsburg transcript.

Category 3: Current High School students - Go to www.bloomu.edu/ace for admissions and scheduling forms and admission requirements.

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: Students with academic deficiencies (poor grades) pursuing a program of academic recovery to qualify for admission to BU. Needed: Official copy of previous college transcript. 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: Those interested in earning their teacher certification at Bloomsburg University should contact the appropriate education department. Information can be found at http://departments.bloomu.edu/cps/TeacherCertification.html

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 six certificate programs. Certificates can be earned in Community Services, Community Recreation Leader, Environmental Planning, Gerontology, Public Administration, and Entrepreneurship. Needed: Official high school transcript or copy of G.E.D. scores NOTE: Students must pass every course taken, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.00

Non-Degree Application Process

Go to: www.bloomu.edu/nondegree where you can choose your preference for applying electronically or by paper. Those using paper applications can mail, hand-deliver, or fax the application to the OAA. There is no application fee. Questions should be directed to the Coordinator of the Office of Adult Advisement at (570) 389-4003.

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