Adults looking to return to college to finish their degree or considering attending college for the first time will have the opportunity to have their questions answered by MTSU representatives this month at the D.W. Wilson Community Center in Tullahoma.

As a part of the university’s Finish Now event series, representatives from MTSU’s University College will be on hand from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, at the center.

State, local and university guidelines will be adhered to regarding COVID-19 protocols. Masks will be required and there will be a cap to the number of people allowed inside the meeting room at one time.

Degree coordinators, academic advisers, and admissions counselors from MTSU will talk with attendees one-on-one to answer questions about transferring prior credits, choosing a degree program, getting admitted to MTSU, and enrolling in courses to get started.

Staff from Motlow State Community College will also be there to explain how students can start their journey from an associate degree at Motlow to a bachelor’s degree at MTSU and leveraging the growing transfer partnership between two institutions.

The College of Graduate Studies from MTSU will also be on hand in order to help those who are interested in furthering their education with an advanced degree.

Those in attendance will also have the chance to win a partial scholarship as well.

Dr. Peggy Carpenter

Cathy Delametter

“We are so excited to be back and start having events again,” said Peggy Carpenter, associate dean of University College. “Our Murfreesboro event in April was great and we had a fantastic turnout.”

MTSU offers several flexible degree options that are specifically designed for working adults with demanding schedules. The degrees can be completed online at the student’s preferred pace, and they can even get college credit for some of their previous work.

Using Prior Learning Assessment, working adults may be able to earn college credit for learning acquired from work and training. In the PLA course, students create a detailed portfolio of their professional competencies, training and certifications, and other experiential learning. On average, qualifying students earn 22 hours of credit for the time and cost of a three-hour course.

“Prior Learning Assessment is a game changer for our students,” said Cathy Delametter, manager of PLA and instructor of the PLA course. “We help students translate their experience and professional training into college credit and saves them a lot of time and money.”

To learn more about the event and to get updates, attendees can RSVP on the MTSU Online Facebook page. An RSVP is not required to attend but is appreciated.

— Hunter Patterson (Hunter.Patterson@mtsu.edu)