BELFAST — One-on-one academic advising and student support services are available at the University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast for Maine adults who want to complete college degrees they started. Those who began their college education years ago, but were unable to complete their degrees also are eligible for scholarships.

"I know it's scary, but take it in small steps," advises Amy Smith, a UMaine college navigator who, at the age of 36, returned to complete her degree, in a news release. "Make the call, send the email or stop in. One action has the potential to change your life, as it did mine."

To meet the demands of adult learners, UMaine offers flexible course delivery formats, including online, video conferencing, and blended and live classes. The faculty and staff of the Hutchinson Center, an outreach center of the University of Maine, are committed to supporting mid-coast adults in completing their degrees.

A flexible undergraduate degree completion option is the Bachelor of University Studies Program. University Studies provides an excellent opportunity to develop a unique program of study encompassing student interests and maximizing existing transfer credits. This program is available in a part-time, online format to accommodate the needs of working adults. More information is online: umaine.edu/universitystudies.

"Students in this degree program come from all walks of life — business, military, social services and education, to name a few." says Barbara Howard, director of the Bachelor of University Studies Program. "Our Adult Degree Completion Program is flexible and can be obtained either through on-campus (Orono or Belfast) or through online courses."

Far too many Mainers have invested time and money into an education, but had to stop short of their goal of graduating with a college degree, says James Page, chancellor of the University of Maine System.

"Fortunately, it is never too late to finish that degree," Page said. "Adult learners account for one-third of our students at Maine's public universities where we make it a priority to provide lifelong, affordable access to public higher education as part of our work to build a stronger Maine workforce."

For additional information on degree completion at the Hutchinson Center, contact Amy Smith, Academic Advisor, 338.8004, amy.m.smith@maine.edu