MEXICO — The Adult Baccalaureate Completion/Distance Education Report presented to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees in July outlines recommendations designed to help more Maine adults complete a baccalaureate degree. The aim of the report is to guide the University System as it seeks to increase student success, meet workforce needs and control costs. University College at Rumford/Mexico plays a significant role in this system-wide effort.

Since the 1980s, University College Outreach Centers have played a pivotal part in expanding local access to higher education and in helping nontraditional students reach their educational goals. Thus UC Centers are uniquely poised to model the skills and resources needed to support the adult learner, who is often place-bound because of job and family responsibilities.

University College’s experience in serving adult learners — using a single point of contact or concierge model — will help to advance the goal of removing barriers to success for adult students throughout Maine.

“For three decades, University College Centers have been at the forefront of providing access and support for Maine adults pursuing a college degree,” said UMA President Allyson Handley, who chaired the ABCDE Task Force. “As we implement the report’s recommendations to assist adults in returning to college, the centers will be integral to our efforts.”

Adult students who complete their degrees at UC centers have found encouragement and support on the way to advancing in their career and life goals.

“As a nontraditional student, I had specific obstacles to traverse on my way to completing my college degree,” said Gwen Shatto, a recent graduate. “The support and encouragement that the staff and professors at the center gave me have helped me to step beyond my comfort zone and embrace learning, which was invaluable to my success. I now have my bachelor’s degree and the confidence to advance through life with my head up and my mind open.”

Each semester, University College offers access to more than 400 courses leading to dozens of degree and certificate programs from the University System campuses as well as services that support student success. For more information about University College at Rumford/Mexico, visit learn.maine.edu/rumford-mexico.

To learn more about the ABCDE initiative and to read the report, visit thinkmissionexcellence.maine.edu/abcdesc.