Adult Degree Completion Student Advising
Returning to college as an adult? Our advisors are here to help you every step of the way. From maximizing transfer credits and exploring flexible degree options to navigating enrollment, balancing work and family, and staying on track to graduation, you’ll receive personalized guidance and support designed for adult learners.
DLL Advising Center
Prospective Students
How We Help
UMaineOnline and Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL) Advising assist prospective adult degree completion students through tailored support and guidance designed to simplify returning to college:
- Degree Pathway & Program Selection: Helping adult learners explore flexible online program options, such as the Bachelor of University Studies (B.U.S.), Bachelor of College Studies (B.C.S.), or self-directed degree tracks that align with their personal interests and career goals.
- Transfer Credit & Prior Learning Evaluation: Guiding students through the evaluation of past college coursework, military experience, or prior learning credits to maximize credit transfer and reduce time/cost to graduation.
- Application & Readmission Guidance: Assisting adult applicants through the admissions process—including navigating new applications or handling readmission requests (such as Fresh Start policies for former UMaine students).
- Financial Aid & Scholarship Support: Connecting prospective adult students with funding resources, employer tuition assistance, and adult learner scholarship programs.
- Online Readiness & One-on-One Consultations: Offering personalized 1-on-1 consultations with adult learner recruitment specialists and advisors to assess readiness for online learning, explain technology requirements, and address concerns about balancing school with work or family commitments.
Admitted Students
How We Help
UMaineOnline and Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL) Advising assist newly admitted adult degree completion students by streamlining their enrollment process, guiding their transition into the university, and ensuring they are set up for academic success:
- Navigating Enrollment Checklists: Guiding newly admitted adult students through completing intent-to-enroll confirmation forms, establishing their University of Maine System account and official student email, and submitting final official transcripts.
- Course Selection & Registration: Assisting students in evaluating degree requirements, selecting appropriate term schedules, and navigating student registration portals such as MaineStreet.
- Onboarding & Orientation: Walking students through online student orientation programs to ensure they are comfortable accessing core digital platforms, learning management systems (e.g., Brightspace), and digital course materials prior to the start of classes.
- Academic Goal Setting & Success Coaching: Introducing strategies tailored for adult and online learners—such as time management habits, flexible study routines, and self-directed learning practices—to help balance school with work and personal commitments.
- Connecting with Campus Support Services: Serving as a primary point of contact to connect admitted adult students with essential university offices and resources, including financial aid advisors, military and veteran services, accessibility services, and tutoring centers.
Current Students
How We Help
UMaineOnline and Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL) Advising assist current adult degree completion students through ongoing academic and administrative support tailored to help non-traditional learners stay on track toward graduation:
- Ongoing Academic Advising & Degree Planning: Assisting students with degree audits, mapping out remaining general education and major requirements, and planning term-by-term course schedules.
- Course Registration & Progress Tracking: Guiding adult learners through registration periods, helping resolve enrollment holds or prerequisite issues, and ensuring course choices align with graduation timelines.
- Academic Support & Policy Navigation: Helping students navigate academic challenges, university administrative policies (such as course adds, drops, or withdrawals), and academic standing processes.
- Career & Graduation Guidance: Assisting students as they prepare for graduation by verifying degree completion requirements, completing graduation applications, and connecting them with career services or post-graduation opportunities.
- Connection to Campus Resources: Serving as a primary point of contact to link adult students with campus resources like tutoring, the Writing Center, library services, accessibility services, and financial aid counseling.
Questions?
Email dlladvising@maine.edu
