Pitt's College of General Studies Wins Award For Helping Nontraditional Students Achieve Success

PITTSBURGH—The University of Pittsburgh's College of General Studies (CGS) has received national recognition for its collaborative program—the College of General Studies Partnership for Student Academic Success.

The Outstanding Student Affairs-Faculty Collaboration Award was presented to CGS this week by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) at the group's annual meeting in Indianapolis, Ind.

The CGS initiative is a holistic model that encourages CGS faculty and staff, the CGS Student Government, and the CGS Alumni Society to partner with nontraditional or adult students to help the students have the best academic experience possible.

For example, CGS faculty and advisors have developed two new credit courses—Mastering the University and Career Planning for a Complex Tomorrow. The CGS Student Government has funded a series of Meet & Greets to provide students with the opportunity to spend time with other students and faculty. And members of the CGS Alumni Society have mentored CGS students, created a book scholarship, and sponsored social activities. In addition, the McCarl Center for Nontraditional Student Success provides seminars, workshops, and individual counseling and sponsors an annual week-long celebration called National Nontraditional Student Week.

The ACPA's Commission for Commuter Students and Adult Learners praised CGS for its contributions and dedication to the adult learner experience.

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