Back to Bama: Former Students Urged to Reconnect to Finish Undergraduate Degree

by Jessica Ayers

The University has been reaching out to students who are pursuing a degree through distance learning for years, but now the College of Continuing Studies is reaching out to family.

The College has launched a program called “Back to Bama” to help former UA students who left before graduation return and finish their required coursework and receive diplomas.

“We are excited to reconnect with these former students, and we think that they will be excited to find that Alabama has created an opportunity for them to finish college successfully,” said Rebecca Pow, associate dean for the College of Continuing Studies.

Current marketing efforts for the program emphasize three main points: there is a way to find success by finishing a college degree, former students can come back to complete a UA degree without moving back to Tuscaloosa or quitting a job, and the University will offer an incentive in the form of a grant to bring these students back.

Students can finish all coursework through distance learning classes conducted online and through video technology or they may complete their degree on campus. Many courses and full degree programs are available through distance learning, so a returning student would never have to come to Tuscaloosa. Work may be done according to each student’s schedule and needs, so there would be no reason to quit a job or neglect family responsibilities. The first class of Back to Bama students in spring 2009 will be given a free course.

For students who left the University because of low grades, College of Continuing Studies academic counselors can work with the students for approval for the Academic Second Opportunity program. ASO gives former UA students who may not have done well in their studies the chance to return and redeem themselves academically.

While the College has printed brochures and promotional materials, most marketing is through word-of-mouth.

“Many people I have talked to know at least one person who started and, for whatever reason, did not finish a degree at The University of Alabama,” Pow said.

Any former student interested in the program should visit http://backtobama.ua.edu. A College of Continuing Studies academic counselor will provide initial course information and inquire about the student’s current interests and goals and then match the student with the appropriate advisor in the academic departments. The College’s Office of Student Services also can be reached by phone at 348-0089 or toll-free at 1-800-467-0227.

“Anyone who knows former students who did not finish their degree should spread the word about this tremendous opportunity to fulfill educational goals in a convenient and flexible way,” Pow said.