Thanks to a new program, a former UK student reclaims the dream of graduating
For Drew Slayton, it just seemed like unfinished business. The former Lexington mortgage loan officer attended the University of Kentucky in the late 1980s and early 1990s but he fell short of graduating with his degree.
Last year, the husband and father of two young children received something in the mail that spurred him to take action. It was a letter encouraging him to be part of Project Graduate, a policy initiative funded by a national grant that is designed to make postsecondary education in the Commonwealth more adult-friendly.
"It was really good timing, because I was considering going back anyway," said Slayton, "The streamlined application process and the appointment with an adviser made it simple to get the ball rolling."
Slayton is one of hundreds of UK students who have taken or are taking part in the statewide program, which is a partnership between UK and the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) and supported by the Lumina Foundation. Its mission is simple: to bring Kentucky adults who never finished their degrees back to college. Universities across the state are involved.
“UK is pleased to be partnering with the CPE as well as institutions across the state to serve adult students who are working hard to reach their educational goals," said Don Witt, assistant provost for enrollment management. "This initiative is supporting educational and degree goals across the entire state of Kentucky.”
UK officials have created several initiatives in hopes of encouraging these students to come back to college. These include a simplified application for readmission and a waiver of the usual application fee, a resource center for adult learners, and financial aid opportunities to students meeting aid eligibility criteria.
Special academic advisers assist with course scheduling and provide degree audits showing exactly which courses are needed to graduate before they ever apply for readmission.
That advising process really impacted Drew. "I found out I only had to take two classes to graduate," said Slayton.
In fact, many of the students inquiring about finishing their degrees discover they only need to complete a few courses to earn their diploma. Some even learn they've already taken enough coursework to qualify for a degree.
"Sometimes students even have tears of happiness when we tell them how close they are to graduating," said Cecile McKinney, director of UK's Office of Adult Student Services, and Project Graduate contact at UK. "I have a tremendous feeling of excitement and joy for them."
McKinney said it takes a total team effort among many areas of campus to ensure Project Graduate succeeds at UK. "I credit our outstanding team of advisers and other UK staff for their part in welcoming Project Graduate adult learners and meeting their unique needs of trying to achieve their educational goals while balancing work and family responsibilities," said McKinney.
Drew, who majored in family resources management and consumer studies, finished his remaining two courses and now holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies.
"Without Project Graduate, it probably would have taken me longer to get going, and I probably wouldn't have graduated as quickly as I did," said Slayton. "Now I'm applying for positions that I previously could not apply for, due to degree requirements, and I'm also considering heading back to school for graduate work."
"Among the many reasons Project Graduate is important are that it provides opportunities for Kentuckians to pursue their academic dreams and goals by completing their bachelor's degrees, and it helps develop a more educated and skilled workforce," said McKinney. "For many it is a dream come true."
Drew hopes many more of his fellow Kentuckians will take part in this initiative.
"If you really want to better yourself or your situation, do it!" said Slayton. "Nontraditional students are much more common now."
In fact, at UK there are currently more than 6,000 students age 25 or older who are considered adult learners.
As for advice for other students, he says it's simple, "Just stay with it until you finish, because when you do, it feels great!"
For more information, contact Cecile McKinney, UK’s Project Graduate representative, at (859) 257-3802 or toll-free 1-866-900-4685 or cmckinn@email.uky.edu.
