KSU Adult Learner Programs

Adult Learner Programs at K.S.U. offers a variety of innovative programs and services for students known as "non-traditional"; juggling the roles of student, employee, and family members. Adult Learner Programs works collaboratively with academic, student success, and community entities to provide for all of these student needs.

ADVOCACY
"If only I had someone in my corner that understands all of my thoughts about college and juggling all my roles!"	From the point of thinking about making the decision to start or come back to a college career, Adult Learner Programs can provide a personal advocate for you. Individual appointments or "walk-ins" are welcome to meet with staff to navigate the admissions process, academic concerns, and even personal challenges. Adult Learner Programs staff acts as a referral agent to get you to the proper places and people while supporting and validating student needs. In addition, ALP acts as the campus advocate for Adult Learner issues such as childcare and parenting.

NETWORKING
"I feel alone like I'm the only older person on campus!"	Through people, programs, and places, Adult Learner Programs provides a variety of networking opportunities for students. The Lifelong Learning Center, or LLC, is a gathering place for students to meet, study and network with their peers. Programs such as the RES*T Seminar Series (Re-Entry Support Training) and the Adult Learner Information Seminar offer adult learners an opportunity to meet with others including KSU faculty and staff.

SUPPORT
"What and who is out there to help support me in succeeding in college?"	Adult Learner Programs provides both academic and personal support for students to succeed. In the form of listening staff, necessary equipment, as well as substantive programs, support services encourage adult learners to rest at ease and concentrate on their studies and purpose for being in college. Tutoring resources are available for some math courses. The LLC is a satellite lab for Information Technology Services (ITS), providing computers and connections for laptops for student use. In addition, the LLC houses a fax machine for student use in sending local faxes. The RES*T Seminar Series offers students support with computer skills, and TI-83/84 plus other advanced calculator instruction. Adult Learner Programs recognizes the unique needs of the student who is also a parent by offering monthly gatherings of the campus community parents. Positive Parenting Strategies is a monthly informal speaker series with a specific topic to support the role of parenting. Parent-to-Parent Network and Support Group provides a confidential environment to share parenting issues and successes with others. Topics will be driven by the interests of the group. Family Fun Day provides free once a semester Saturday family entertainment, including activities, lunch, and movie, co-sponsored by Kennesaw Activities Board (KAB) and Adult Learner Programs. Special activities, "Playing Your Way Around the World: Education Through Cultural Games," are provided by International Student Association (ISA) and International Student Retention Services.
"What about financial support for me as a parent?"	In addition to information resources, Adult Learner Programs offers a financial resource for parents through the Childcare Subsidy Program. The Subsidy program offers students an opportunity to apply for a lottery in the Fall semester that results in a small subsidy for childcare purposes. Applications are available for a limited time at the beginning of Fall Semester in the Lifelong Learning Center, Carmichael Student Center Room 261. Adult Learner Programs also provides Web site listings of scholarship possibilities for parents and adult learners.

WHEREABOUTS
"How do I negotiate the maze of this new college adventure; I haven't been in school for 5, 15, 25 years?"	Don't know where to go for what and when? We act as an information center and referral source for students. The staff of Adult Learner Programs in the Lifelong Learning Center provide a "one-stop shopping" experience for students to acquire campus information and resources. Just ask our staff and they will get you the information. No more run-arounds; just ask!

ENCOURAGEMENT
"I don't know if I made the right decision to be in college; I don't know if I can continue."	Sometimes it's tough being a student and a worker and a family member, and you need someone who understands. Our students and staff can encourage you to keep on keeping on! The Odyssey Peer Mentoring Program is an excellent source of encouragement from a peer who has been there and succeeded! Mentoring is a one-on-one learning relationship between a new KSU student and a "seasoned" student to help support the transition into college.

RESOURCES
"I don't have time to go all over campus to get the information I need."	The Lifelong Learning Center houses campus information racks that display an abundance of brochures and fliers advertising campus events and services. Examples include financial aid, tutoring and lab resources, wellness and health center, student organizations, counseling, career services, and academic advising and testing information. In addition, the LLC houses the Adult Learner Resource Library with Learning Support Math DVDs for students to check out.

SERVICE
"Does anybody know the meaning of customer service anymore?!"	In addition to the academic support services, the Lifelong Learning Center, Carmichael Student Center Room 261, also offers a sense of belonging and hospitality services for adult learners. The Lifelong Learning Center staff perceive it as both a joy and our purpose to serve all students. The LLC, as it is affectionately referred to, is a wonderful gathering place for adult learners to meet, eat, greet and study. The kitchenette houses a refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, and sink. Coffee is always flowing freely (literally) as well as decaf coffee and hot water for tea. Students can bring in food from home or the dining hall and socialize while eating. There is a free phone for outgoing local calls for students to use.