UNG/Gainesville event designed to help adults 'Go Back and Move Ahead'

GAINESVILLE - Adults who have considered going back to college to complete their degrees will have a chance Oct. 13 to learn about resources provided by the University of North Georgia (UNG) to help them reach that goal, including an established network of support and online and evening classes.<br /> <br /> UNG's Gainesville Campus will host a "Go Back. Move Ahead." information session featuring UNG staff who will answer questions and assist those who are interested in applying for admission. There will be representatives from admissions, financial aid, and advisors from UNG's Center for Adult Learners and Military. <br /> <br /> "This is a chance for anyone who is thinking about going back to college to get their degree," said Keith Antonia, director of admissions. "We have a team of professionals who are looking forward to talking with folks about the academic pathways that may fit their goals, schedules and financial situations."<br /> <br /> Recent UNG graduate Jana Simpson embodies the mission of the campaign.<br /> <br /> While attending Macon State University in 1989, Simpson also began working full time. She soon found herself struggling to contribute so many hours to education and work, and when her job transferred her to Gainesville, she stopped taking classes altogether.<br /> <br /> She returned to college in 2003. Married and with a full-time career, Simpson said finding time to devote to her education was challenging. However, she took her time, and said that many of her faculty were very understanding and helpful. She graduated this summer with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in management.<br /> <br /> "To other adults considering returning to college, I would say that if you are able to do so after weighing your current position, then you definitely should," Simpson said. "Education is so important to further your skills or career."<br /> <br /> In fall 2013 at UNG, adult learners, classified as students age 23 or older, represented 27 percent of the university's entire undergraduate and graduate enrollment. For undergraduate enrollment, adult learners made up 16 percent of full-time students and 43 percent of part-time students