Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES-People who have considered taking a college course for career advancement or self-improvement but have hesitated because of cost or other perceived barriers will benefit from Return to Learn, a new program at Stephen F. Austin State University.

This initiative is designed for those who need more education to advance in their career, who have been out of college for a while and have been thinking of going back, or for those who have never attended. What's different about the program is that the Office of Admissions has designated one contact person who will assist the prospective students, help them find a class that meets their needs and help them with the enrollment process.

And students who enroll in one course for credit this fall may qualify for a special scholarship that could pay for tuition and fees for the course and for a parking permit, a value of more than $600. A student receiving this scholarship would pay only for a textbook, which typically is $50 to $100, and a $25 application fee.

"Sometimes an adult needs some additional education to be successful in the workplace but may be unsure just how to start," said Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management. "We're offering this new program as a service to the community to help that person identify an area of study and make it easy to enroll. We're ready to assist students through every step of the admissions and enrollment process."

"This special incentive may be just what a person needs to get started toward a degree and then take more courses in the future," she said. "But students also won't be limited to business-related courses, but can choose from any number of special interest topics--photography or interior design, for example."

Students can enroll in any class for which they meet the prerequisites, and SFA offers hundreds of evening, noontime and online classes that are convenient for working adults.

Other criteria to receive the scholarship are having been out of college for at least two years and being in good academic standing. Students may be undergraduates, or if they already have a degree, will be considered "post-baccalaureate."

"Return to Learn scholarship funds are limited," Cossich said, "so we encourage anyone who may be interested to contact us as soon as possible."

Adults may decide to continue their education for myriad reasons. Denise Douglas, freshman applications coordinator in the SFA Office of Admissions, transferred to SFA from a community college in 1988 and planned to major in business administration. Dissatisfaction with a few less than stellar grades prompted her to drop out and go to work.

"I thought school wasn't for me," Douglas said.

However, Douglas, who became employed at the university in 1996, decided to give college another try in 2003. Taking two to three classes a semester, she graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree with a specialization in human services.

"After a few years, I decided that I wanted to be an example for my own son, as well as for the students who I work closely with in the office," she said, explaining her motivation to continue her studies.

"It seems like I chose to complete my degree at the right time. My son was 5 and was able to understand the meaning of 'going to school' and 'studying," so I didn't feel guilty for dedicating time to study," Douglas said. "My husband received his degree from SFA as well so he was very supportive, and he assisted me in any way he could."

Douglas added that the greatest benefit she's realized is self-fulfillment: "I can truly say I started something and finished, and no one can take my degree away. If someone is thinking about going back to school, I would say, 'Do it.' If I can work full time and be a baseball mom and wife, it can be done."

Anyone desiring more information about Return to Learn should contact Paul James in the Office of Admissions, (936) 468-5898, or by e-mail: jamespaul@sfasu.edu.

The Office of Admissions also has scheduled two free come-and-go information sessions from 5:30-8:30 p.m. June 27 and Aug. 8 on the second floor of the Rusk Building.