Office of the Provost

Faculty and Unclassified Staff Handbook
Chapter 7-- Student Affairs

Nontraditional Student Services and Policy Document

Academic Counseling

Nontraditional students who attend college often have different interests and needs than do typical students. The counselors in the Kelly Center have had substantial experience in working with students who are entering or returning to college for either part-time or full-time coursework. They are committed to helping such students maximize their University experiences.

Counselors are available throughout the day and by appointment in the evening to discuss academic, personal, and professional concerns. Not only are they available for advising and counseling, but also for answering general questions about the University and to help make agreeable referrals. Counseling is available for students whether they are choosing single courses or planning individualized programs at FHSU.

Admission and Academic Policy

Definition

Undergraduate students whose circumstances are described by one or more of the following categories are considered nontraditional:

1. adults 24 years of age or older,

2. veterans of the armed forces of the United States,

3. married students, and

4. students who have legal dependents.

Academic Regulations

Admission

Degree-Seeking Students: Nontraditional students who desire to earn a baccalaureate or associate degree should mail an application for admission and $25 application fee to the Office of the Registrar and provide official transcripts from any colleges or universities previously attended.

Non-Degree-Seeking Students: Individuals whose immediate and declared objective is other than the earning of a baccalaureate or associate degree at the university may be admitted as regular nontraditional students. An adult interested in attending FHSU as a non-degree-seeking student should mail an application for admission and $25 application fee to the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Performance

See the University Catalog for "Academic Probation and Suspension."

Enrollment/Registration

Many nontraditional students face a time of uncertainty when they first enroll in college. To help alleviate the anxiety that often occurs during the registration and enrollment processes, a special time has been set aside for registering such students. Dates and times can be learned by communication with the Office of Student Affairs.

Nontraditional Student Support Services

Nontraditional students may have special concerns when returning to the formal classroom. Therefore, the University has formalized a number of programs, services, policies, and procedures to ease the barriers to successful class work for those who do not fit the traditional profile of the college student. FHSU hopes to better meet the needs of those who want to take courses for concerns such as self enrichment, job advancement, career change, and professional certification. To this end, a number of services have been identified specifically for these students. They include tutoring, skill building classes, career counseling, career planning and testing.

The University has available a full array of counseling services. Referrals are available on campus for educational, career, and personal counseling at no charge to the enrolled student. The Kelly Center acts as the referral source for counseling services as well as providing those services.

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