Tennessee Reconnect

Tennessee Reconnect

Between providing for your family, working a job, and paying bills, returning to college can often seem like an unrealistic option. To make college a reality, Tennessee Reconnect programs are designed to help busy adults achieve dreams of attaining a college degree.

Tennessee Reconnect is designed to assist adult learners in meeting educational goals. You may just need a few credits to finish a degree or you may just want to get started on a degree. Tennessee Reconnect at Walters State can help.

 

Adult Learners

Tennessee Reconnect Scholarship Program

 

You are eligible for Tennessee Reconnect if:

Apply for Tennessee Reconnect

 

 

 

Why Reconnect at Walters State?

 

We understand that many barriers can arise for adult students during the process of enrolling in college, and it is our goal to remove as many of those barriers as possible. Many Walters State employees returned to school as working adults, so we can identify barriers we faced, and try to eliminate them for our students.

  • We want to help you take the first step in the process by allowing you to apply for admission at Walters State for free! Since there is no financial obligation up front, the only thing you are giving up by applying to Walters State is about 10 minutes of your time.

  • We also have an open admission policy which allows us some flexibility with our enrollment deadlines.

  • We offer a variety of options for our students to take classes. This allows students to work classes into their already busy lives! About 1/4 of our student population falls into the non-traditional category.

We also understand that our students may have concerns about returning to college after a period of time. We try to tackle those head on to make our students feel as comfortable as possible.

  • Our financial aid staff can answer any questions you have about paying for school. We have a number of institutional scholarships, and we honor outside scholarships you may receive. You may also be eligible for need-based aid like the Federal Pell Grant.

  • Classes are full of students from all walks of life. You won’t be the only nontraditional student in your classes. Your classmates will include new high school graduates, working professionals, veterans and displaced workers who have returned to earn job skills. It is not uncommon for the majority of a class to be adults coming back to finish a degree they previously started. 

  • Walters State provides many student services designed to help you succeed. Advisors can help you choose a major or point out the classes you need to finish a degree. Tutors are available for free in almost every subject. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to supplement your classroom learning with field trips, presentations and guest speakers.

 

 

Resources for Adult Students

Nontraditional Class Formats

Programs/courses are offered in both traditional and alternative delivery systems as follows: evening classes, convenient campus locations, Video Streaming (VID), hybrid and online courses, TN eCampus (formerly Regents Online Degree Program)

Scholarships

A majority of Walters State students receive financial aid to help pay for college. A variety of resources are available from federal, state institutional and private sources including grants, scholarships and work study programs. One of the first steps in the financial aid process is filling out the Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA).

Prior Learning Assessments

Walters State recognizes that our nontraditional students may have had opportunities to learn or acquire skills prior to reconnecting at Walters State. We will be happy to review transcripts from other colleges and apply those to your degree at Walters State. We also evaluate college credit for specific exams that measure subject matter, military experience and classes, certifications and licensures, and for some specific credit earned at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology. The admissions office can provide more information.

This is a great time to be living in Tennessee. New educational programs are available and we want to help you complete your degree. A degree can open up new career goals and increase your earning potential.

 

Tennessee Reconnect is Governor Bill Haslam’s initiative to help more adult students complete college to gain new skills, advance in the workplace, and fulfill lifetimes dreams of completing a degree or credential.

 

FAQ

Please click on a question below to view the answer.

For more information, please contact Walters State’s Reconnect Office at 423.318.2337 or at student.successFREEWS.

 

Admissions and Enrollment Questions

 
 
How do I begin the process of re-enrolling in college?
The first step is to complete a free online application for admission. You will also be asked to provide certain pieces of information such as official transcripts, proof of citizenship, immunizations, etc.
What if I previously attended Walters State Community College?
If you previously attended Walters State Community College, you will need to complete an application for readmission, and submit the necessary documents. This application is also free.
Can I speak with or meet a college representative after I get off work?
Yes, in most cases a later appointment can be accommodated.
How do I register for my classes?
Visit the Student Success Advising Center for more information.

 

 

Financial Questions

 
 
Is financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available for qualified students through federal and state programs such as the Federal Pell Grant Program and institutional scholarships. Please contact the college’s financial aid office for information in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and for information on additional sources on financial assistance. You may also visit Complete the FAFSA® Form.
How do I pay for my classes?
If you qualify for grants and scholarships, those will automatically be applied to your account. If there is a remaining balance, you can pay with cash, check, or credit card. You may also use our payment plan to cover your balance. Payments can be made online or at any campus cashier’s office
When is tuition due?
Tuition is due at the beginning of each semester. Exact dates can be found on the academic calendar. You may want to pay for your classes or make arrangements to pay a few weeks early to avoid losing your schedule.

 

Logistical Questions

 
 
How will I fit classes into my work/family schedule?
Fitting classes into busy schedules is a common concern. Walters State offers classes at four convenient locations and several other non-campus locations. Many classes are also offered online, which allows you to take the class at the time and place most convenient for you.
How long will it take to finish my degree?
The amount of time it will take you to finish your degree will vary based on your personal circumstances. How many credit hours you have earned? How many courses do you want to take each semester? After reviewing your transcripts, an academic advisor will work with you to create a timetable that fits for your schedule.
Timetable of Classes
Where will I take my classes?
When you create your schedule, you will be able to choose where you will take your classes each semester. You may take all of your classes at the same campus – if they are available, or at various campus locations – if the time/dates at different locations better fit your schedule.
Locations include Morristown, Claiborne County, Sevier County, Greeneville/Greene County, Cherokee High School, and Cocke County High School.
Many classes are offered online or through video streaming.
Is childcare available on campus?
At this time, we do not have childcare available on any of our campuses.

 

Social Questions

 
 
Is there a place on campus where I can meet other non-traditional students?
Yes. One of the best ways to meet other non-traditional students is in your classes. Walters State offers numerous campus organizations consisting of a combination of traditional and non-traditional students.
Can I participate in campus activities?
Walters State has a vibrant campus life and we encourage all students to be involved. A variety of student organizations welcome your involvement. Clubs range for those centered around hobbies or majors to honor societies and student government. All campuses are host to a variety of cultural programs throughout the year and most are available at no cost.

 

 

Military Benefit Questions

 
 
I am a veteran. What kinds of military education benefits are available for me?

Walters State is proud to serve our country’s active duty service people, reservists, veterans and their dependents. We are proud to have been named a Military Friendly College for the last five years. All of our credit programs and some non-credit programs are covered by veterans’ benefits. Walters State has worked closely with veterans to streamline the process. Most veterans are only required to meet with the veterans’ service office once a semester to continue certification. The veterans’ service officer can also advise you on the type of benefits available and which ones match your educational goals.

Veterans Services

 

Academic Questions

 
 
What if I need help with a writing assignment or don’t understand a lesson?
Yes. The college has both a writing lab and a math lab open each day to provide assistance both through appointments and on a “drop-in” basis. The Student Tutoring Center is located in the Student Services Building. Here, tutoring is available in almost every subject. Tutoring Centers are also available on other campuses. You can even receive help via e-mail. All services offered through these resources are free.

 

 

 

 

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