UC Clermont Program Helps Students Finish Degrees

Often, individuals who have completed college coursework — but stopped short of a diploma — can feel like there aren’t many accessible or affordable options for finally earning their degree. That’s why the College Completion Academy at UC Clermont aims to help former college students finish their academic journeys.

“Our research shows that there are many people in Clermont County who have completed some college coursework, but not quite enough for a degree,” said Blaine Kelley, UC Clermont’s associate director of student recruitment. “In many cases, just having that degree — whether an associate or bachelor’s — can open up more job opportunities or pay, or keep someone from getting laid off. There’s a lot of value to it.”  

Interested individuals can attend one of two information sessions: Thursday, May 17 from 3-7 p.m. at the Union Township Civic Center or Thursday, June 7 from 3-8 p.m. at the Miami Township Civic Center. College academic advisors will be on hand at each session to meet with prospective students and perform unofficial transcript evaluations, present curriculum guides for desired majors, provide overviews of enrollment steps and financial aid, and help complete applications or re-admit paperwork. Each qualifying applicant will receive a CCA certificate good for one free class (or a portion of a class fee for bachelor’s degree seekers).

Kelley said that besides the obvious benefits in choosing UC Clermont for any local student — affordability, a conveniently located, accessible campus, and a University of Cincinnati diploma — the college also offers a distinct advantage for returning students looking to finish a degree started years, sometimes decades, earlier. “Outside of medical or science courses, we generally do not age out classes, which many schools do,” Kelley said. “So if you took an English course in 1983, it still counts as English now. We will not make you retake a class you’ve already had, as long as the Higher Learning Commission accredits the institution. We want to make this as easy as possible for those interested in finishing their higher education.”  

To learn more about CCA@UCC, or to RSVP for an upcoming information session, call 513-732-5319 or email

clermont.admissions@uc.edu

.