Post-Traditional Learners

Who are Neo-Traditional Learners?

An individual age 25 on the first day of the term
Has never completed a baccalaureate degree
Has started in higher education, then for various reasons, chose a different path of adventure, family, work, trade or military prior to returning to fulfill their educational quests
Has chosen to continue their education after graduation with additional degrees in undergraduate programs

The Adult Learner Guide is a guide to help students navigate the best learning options and online degree programs.

According to USG Policy 4.2.1.8 a Non-Traditional Freshman is:

An applicant who has been out of high school at least five years, whose high school class graduated at least five years ago, and who has earned fewer than 30 transferable semester credit hours may be evaluated as a non-traditional freshman

According to USG Policy 4.2.1.8 a Non-Traditional Transfer is:

An applicant who has been out of high school at least five years or whose high school class graduated at least five years ago, and who has earned 30 or more transferable semester credit hours may be evaluated as a non-traditional transfer

More information can be found on the Board of Regents policy website.

Definition of a Post-Traditional Student

Soares (2013) describes post-traditional learners as a diverse group. He notes, “The term encompasses individuals with a range of education needs from high school graduates to high school dropouts and those with limited literacy and English language skills. Post-traditional learners also encompass many life stages and identities; they are single mothers, immigrants, veterans, and at-risk younger people looking for a second chance” (p.2).

Read Louis Soares's full article (PDF)

Definition of a Neo-Traditional Learner

A term dating back to at least the turn of the century (Flint, 2001), the concept of the neo-traditional learner asserts that non-traditional is the new normal since the majority of students fit into one or more categories of the adult learner, non-traditional learner, and post-traditional students.

A., T. (2001). Principles of Effectiveness for Serving Adult Learners in Higher Education. Retrieved March 26, 2020, from https://www.questia.com/magazine/1P3-127279351/principles-of-effectiveness-for-serving-adult-learners

Resources

Admissions Process

Information regarding the admissions process for those who have earned less than 30 transferrable credit hours can be found on the Admissions website.

Auditing a Course

Auditor Process

Auditors are students who enroll as observers or listeners only. Credit is not awarded for audit and no grade other than V (symbol for audit) is given. See the Undergraduate Catalog for more details. Students must apply as an auditor.

Credit for Prior Learning

For more information on the various Prior Learning Assessments, please visit our Credit for Prior Learning page.

eCore

eCore is a statewide program that offers students the opportunity to take core classes online and offers flexibility and convenience of online learning. Find more information on the eCore website.

Georgia ONmyLINE

Georgia ONmyLINE is a database of online programs and courses offered within the University System of Georgia. More information can be found on the Georgia ONmyLINE website.

Lactation Room

Located in the Ingram Library and Biology Building, the Lactation Rooms are a discrete and clean area for parents and caretakers to care for infants and toddlers.

More information can be found on the Ingram Library website.

Over Age 62 Admissions Process

Find information regarding Constitutional Amendment No. 23 (Persons Aged 62 or Over) in the Undergraduate Catalog or Graduate Catalog.

Those interested must complete the application for admission to UWG.
Applicants over the age of 62 do not need to pay the application fee.

UWG Online

Find information regarding online learning and if it is the right option for you at UWG Online.