Like most people who have been out of high-school, college, or even university for some time, perhaps working or taking care of your children, thinking about whether returning to school is right for you can be stressful. This particular decision cannot be treated lightly. You know this, and so does Brandon University. Its personable and professional staff are ready to help you answer this question and to transition into a post-secondary learning environment. By choosing to become a student, you will be joining one of the many other adult learners who have also decided to step back into a classroom at Brandon University.

Everyone comes to university for personal reasons. Some want to broaden their horizons by learning new skills or by reflecting upon ideas and theories, or significant world issues. Many complete a first degree program to fulfill their career interests. Likewise, some return specifically to post-secondary education to advance their career goals or to change their career. Regardless of your reason, Brandon University is enriched by your participation in your chosen degree program. The entire university welcomes you to be a part of the community.

As part of your admission to Brandon University, you will need to decide what admission status is right for you. For adult learners, the two most common are Regular Admission or Mature Admission. This second type is often helpful for those who want to start out slow as a part-time student, especially if you have been out of school for sometime. /

For those who have completed course work at another accredited post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, the admission process requires you to submit official transcripts from these institutions, so your completed course work can be assessed for Transfer Credit. You might want to check out the most recent Transfer Database as you apply to Brandon University to see what courses have been reviewed. If your institution or course(s) is not on the list, the relevant academic department(s) will need to evaluate the curriculum for the courses listed on your transcript(s) before deciding on your transfer credit. You might be requested to provide course outlines to the department(s) to assist in this review. /transfer_credits/transfercredit.asp

As an adult learner admitted to Brandon University, you may want to consider whether you bring to university a wealth of experience, knowledge, and skills acquired while working or through personal endeavors such as a hobby. If you have acquired university level learning through your hard work, you may be eligible to have your prior learning assessed for university credits. By making use of the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) service at Brandon University and by gaining PLAR Credits that can be applied towards the completion of your degree, you can save yourself time and money. Assessments of prior learning have been conducted in a wide range of degree programs, including Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies, Business Administration, Fine Arts, Languages, Native Studies, Psychiatric Nursing, and Sociology, to name a few. http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/plar/index.asp

Whether starting a degree program or finishing an old one, you will need to select and schedule the various courses needed to complete your degree. Your choices are very important, since each degree program has very specific requirements as does the university, such as the Liberal Education Requirement. The Academic Advisors in Student Services are available to help you chose the right sort of courses so you can proceed well through your program. http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/advising/index.asp

Once you begin your classes, you may find that your study skills are a little rusty, so that some of your assignments may seem to be quite difficult to finish. Everyone experiences these kinds of problems at some point in school. However, as a BU student you have access to a full range of services offered in the Academic Skills Centre, including Writing, Math, and Learning Skills. The professional staff is ready to help you learn from these situations so in the future your next assignment might be easier to complete.
http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/Academic_Skills_Centre/index.asp

As an adult learner, you might already have a career goal in mind when starting your BU degree, but it can never hurt to discuss possible career options that are relevant to the wide array of degrees offered at Brandon University. The staff in Career Services is ready to assist in these decisions.
http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/career/index.asp

For adult learners who have a temporary disability or a recurrent or permanent condition that may hamper their academic work, Disability Services works to facilitate the needs of these individuals, in consultation with appropriate faculty and staff. Accommodation may include providing alternative testing methods and settings; arranging for alternative format materials; arranging a reader, tutor, or note-taker services; and ensuring accessible classrooms.
http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/disability_services/index.asp

Your experiences, values, interests, hopes and dreams are important to everyone on campus. Brandon University shares and celebrates in your success. However, sometimes life does not go as planned and troubles interfere with your success as a student. Staff in Counseling Services provides a safe and confidential environment to deal with issues such as anxiety and stress, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, depression, sadness and loss. Students are referred to services in the community when necessary.
http://www2.brandonu.ca/studentsvc/personal/index.asp

As a BU student, you may also be in need of daycare services for your child or children. Located at 303 - 21st Street, close to campus, the BU Early Learning Centre is open from 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children between the ages of 2 and 6. For more information on registration, fees and the program, visit the Centre or call (204) 725-0968. The Junior Kindergarten program is located in Room 113 of the Education Building and provides morning and afternoon sessions for children 3 to 5. For information on registration, fees and programming, call (204) 727-7420.

For more information regarding admissions, transfer credits, academic advising, and other questions concerning student services at Brandon University, contact:

Lawrence VanBeek, University Registrar, Office of the Registrar, (204) 727-7310, or email vanbeekl@brandonu.ca.

David Rowland, Dean of Students, (204) 727-9635, or email rowlandd@brandonu.ca.