Bust the myths about higher education

The Greenville News
Sunday, April 12, 2009
VOICES
The Greenville News Editorial
Dr. Fred Baus

For more than ten years, I had the privilege of working with a talented staff advising families and adult students about opportunities for their personal and job growth through higher education. Without exception, we found that the biggest barriers to educational attainment for potential students were myths about higher education. Unfortunately, these myths continue to persist despite the tireless efforts initiated by state, federal and university officials to tear down educational barriers and create greater access to higher education. The most common myths are:

Myth One: Higher education is not affordable. 
While higher education is expensive, every university has resources and abundant information on scholarships, grants and loans that can bring the cost barrier down to manageable levels. With good advice, your specific needs and ability to financially support your education can be analyzed and a package of support prepared that will enable you to pursue your education aspirations.

Myth Two: There is no program or institution that is right for me. 
While it is true that not every institution or program is right for every student, it is also true that a little planning and shopping around will identify the match that gives you the institutional philosophy, program opportunity and academic challenge that will enable you to succeed.  Whether you are entering higher education for the first time or re-entering after stopping out, with some self examination and the right advising, you can find that ideal match.

Myth Three: The application process is too complicated and I won't qualify for admission.
It is true that application forms, past education history, and financial background information are all necessary for admission. However, there are trained and experienced advisors ready to help you work through the process and make sure you are well represented on your application. Let those who work with admissions and financial aid every day be your guide.

In mid April, the University Center of Greenville will sponsor Higher Education Week 2009 at its location at 225 S. Pleasanturg Drive in Greenville. This week-long event is designed to help dispel the myths about the difficulties of pursuing higher education. On April 15 at 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. and on April 16 at 4:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m., we will hold hour-long seminars on the basics for starting or completing a higher education degree.

On Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., program representatives from our member universities - Clemson, Furman, Lander, South Carolina State, University of South Carolina, and USC Upstate - will be available to advise on program offerings and taking the next steps toward your chosen degree path. In addition, on Saturday prospective students can attend a variety of break-out sessions on topics such as financial aid, the employer perspective on higher education and the new GI Bill.

Our primary goal for Higher Education Week is to encourage and increase the number of degree-seeking individuals in our community by connecting them with the convenient and accessible resources already available right here in Greenville.

In these trying economic times, many are seeking educational opportunities to secure employment or to prepare for future job changes. Don't let the myths of higher education be barriers to your future. Check out the detailed information on Higher Education Week 2009 at www.ucgreeenville.org, and come out to the University Center of Greenville on April 15, 16 and 18 to meet the myth busters.