Director's Message
by Laura Conley,
Interim Director
Winter is a time for reflection and settling in, examining where you’ve been, where you are and projecting forward to where you want to be. As I sit in my office watching the snowfall, I am aware of how fortunate I am at this moment. I am exactly where I want to be. I enjoy my job. I look back and see where I was a year ago and marvel at how far I’ve come, personally and professionally.
It is the same with Adult Focus. From it’s beginnings in 1999, Adult Focus has constantly adjusted as a department to suit the growing number of students it serves and their ever- changing needs. Originally, adults needed a home, somewhere they could relax and study, be with individuals pursuing similar goals, get help with computer issues and have advocates to help them navigate the system. Adult Focus accommodated. With each growth spurt came more services and options for adults and nontraditional students; the scholarship notebook was created, scholarship monies and emergency book loan funds specifically for adults were developed, a child care referral guide and career guidance materials came into being, UAAL (UA Adult Learners) and Alpha Sigma Lambda (adult honorary society) blossomed. In November 2007, we moved to much nicer facilities in Schrank Hall North 2nd floor and we are getting ready to grow again. By the end of spring term 2008, we will have updated all our current computers to accommodate Microsoft 2007 and hopefully will be adding at least five new computers to our current lineup.
What does the future hold for Adult Focus? I believe the best times are yet to come. Our campus is reflecting the national trend of an increase in adult/nontraditional students. Currently you comprise approximately 35 to 40 percent of the student population. That number will continue to grow. Adult Focus intends to help foster a very strong sense of community on this campus. Programs and opportunities are on the horizon that will reflect the needs of adults. Academically, Adult Focus is advocating for programs offering flexibility of hours, various methods of delivery and potential for accelerated curriculum. We will continue to support the needs of students who utilize our services. Academic advising is available, and we are offering short programs and seminars on subjects which are of interest and importance to you, our student body.
Adult Focus will continue to co-sponsor events with the Department of Athletics, Office of Multicultural Development, Center for Career Management, University College, the Student Union, ASG and ZPN. On the horizon, look for a campus safety program coming soon. Entertainment and information both have a place in the college experience. UAAL will be using the new Springboard technology to highlight its activities and projects such as the UAAL Family Fun Night at the Student Union, which will offer bowling and billiards for your whole family (April 11). Last but not least, Habitat for Humanity has asked Adult Focus to help spread the word regarding a search for a family to receive a Habitat for Humanity home to be built on Crouse Street. This project will be sponsored with the University Park Alliance. Adult Focus will man some volunteer hours to help build this house that will be home to one of our own. So stay tuned. You never know what will turn up next!!