University College Community - Definition of Nontraditional Students

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Nontraditional students are adult learners, part-time students, and students admitted with special needs. Some have families, and many work full-time. The term "nontraditional" is used to identify students who, for a variety of reasons, have circumstances in their lives that create obstacles and make it more challenging to achieve their academic goals. At Rutgers-New Brunswick/Piscataway, a nontraditional student is defined as any undergraduate student enrolled in one of the degree-granting schools who meets one or more of the following criteria:

has been out of high school for 4 or more years at the time of application to Rutgers-NB or at time of first registration
is returning to school after a period of absence from the college or university environment
is part-time, taking fewer than12 credits for 2 semesters or more
has had an interruption (typically 2 years or more) of formal undergraduate education either at Rutgers or before attending Rutgers
has significant non-academic commitments, for example, documented issues pertaining to work, family, mental or physical health, or finances that would preclude or severely impede a student from obtaining a degree through traditional academic full-time study (documentation required)
is not enrolled in a degree program (non-matriculated)
is pursuing post-baccalaureate studies primarily in undergraduate courses

The University College Community is committed to responding to the needs of busy adults with jobs, families, and personal responsibilities that may conflict with traditional college experience. We focus on flexibility and access to academic programs and offer support services at times that are convenient for nontraditional students.

If you wish to take advantage of these resources and affiliate with the University College Community, please fill out the UCC request form in its entirety.