We’re here to help. We want to make things easier for adult learners. We’d like a one-on-one conversation with you about everything from the admission process to online learning and finding your way around the University of South Alabama.
If you’re returning to college, welcome back. Let’s start with the credits you have and the credits you need to earn a degree. You might be closer than you think. If you’re starting school for the first time, congratulations. Let’s talk about your goals in higher education. We’re ready to provide guidance and support tailored to your situation. If you’re changing careers or seeking advancement, let’s go to work. Financial aid programs are available, along with free tutoring services. Your employer may even help pay for your degree.
A bachelor’s degree can lead to a more rewarding career with higher earning potential and better job security. It’s normal to feel a little nervous about returning to college. Everyone does. What we find, over and over again, is that students and professors appreciate having older students in their classes.
You have something to offer. You bring a different perspective. At the Office of Adult Learner Services, we want to hear your story. We want to help plan your college career. We want to welcome you to the Jaguar family.
Bob’s been there. Done that.
If you’re an adult learner at the University of South Alabama, then you have something in common with Bob Charlebois. His nontraditional career includes time as a restaurant manager, video producer and whitewater rafting guide. He’s been a transfer student and an adult student. Now he’s director for the Office of Adult Learner Services.
His last name is pronounced “shar-luh-bwah,” but most people call him Bob. His job is to make it easy for adult students – from exploration and enrollment all the way through graduation. Charlebois is often the first person adult learners meet on campus. He loves hearing their life stories. He tries to be encouraging and helpful.
Oftentimes adult learners are intimidated by the admission process, not to mention navigating financial aid, registering for classes and walking into a classroom with younger students. Charlebois helps them consider their options and design a plan to get them to graduation.
He’s been there himself. Charlebois’ career took several detours before returning to college. He had his sights on an English degree but ended up earning a master’s in higher education leadership. Charlebois has been advising now for nearly 10 years. He can identify with those who seek his help. They appreciate direction from someone whose own career has featured plenty of zigs and zags.
Contact Bob today to see how he can help you complete your degree.
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Students just like you
Major: Anthropology | Minor: Native American studies
Community college didn’t work out. Then came work and family. Good thing for second chances. “I’ve never been in an honors class ever in my life. And I got requested by one of my professors to be in an honors Native American culture class.”
Major: Interdisciplinary studies | Concentration: Psychology and sociology
She sang on Beale Street. Now she’s tuned in to her coursework. “The first time I did not do well in school. And this time I thought, ‘I’m going to really work for this. I’m going to learn, and I’m going to do my very best.’ And that’s what I’ve done.”
Major: Professional health sciences | Minor: Health care management
Being too old was her biggest fear. Turns out, she never lost her cool. “I always wanted to at least have a bachelor’s degree. My kids are older now, and at this point I felt like it was a good time to go ahead and jump back in.”