It’s Never Too Late: Learn More About Finishing Your Degree with UofL’s General Studies Program

Returning to college is a big decision—especially when you’re balancing work, family, and everything else life brings. For adult learners who want a flexible, supportive path to finishing their degree with online and on-campus options, the College of Arts & Sciences’ General Studies program is designed with those realities in mind.  

In this Q&A, meet Elizabeth Krauss, the new full-time faculty member in General Studies, who has spent nearly two decades working exclusively with adult learners. She shares what inspires her about teaching returning students, how the program meets learners where they are, and why the experience and drive adult students bring to the classroom make General Studies a powerful option for completing a degree on your terms. 

Q: What drew you to join the General Studies program as a full-time faculty member and what excites you most about working with adult learners?  

A: I love working with adult students!  In my almost 18 years at UofL, and in my time before that, I’ve worked exclusively with adult learners. They bring a passion and desire for learning that is unmatched! Adult learners have such valuable experience, and it’s so rewarding to work alongside them as they achieve their goals.   

Q: Adult students often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities. How does the General Studies program meet students where they are and support them in achieving their academic goals?  

A: The General Studies program is the perfect fit for adult learners. We recognize that adult students have commitments and responsibilities outside their academic pursuits, and we work hard to meet them where they are. Our courses and schedules are flexible, and the breadth of available courses is such that every student can find the track that best suits their professional and personal goals and desires.   

Q: General Studies offers flexible pathways for completing a degree. Can you describe some of the most meaningful ways students can customize their academic journey?  

A: The General Studies Program is such a great option for adult learners looking to complete their degree. With six different tracks and nearly unlimited combinations of course, students can select the courses that best fit their own interests and goals. Also, the possibility of up to 27 credit hours through Prior Learning Assessment allows students to fast-track their degree while recognizing the importance of their background and experiences.   

Q: From your perspective, what skills or strengths do adult learners bring to the classroom that enhance the learning environment for everyone?  

A: Adult learners bring an unrivaled drive for excellence. They are keenly aware of their own strengths, and they put them to use readily in the classroom. They’re eager to make connections between their coursework and their professional lives, and that enriches the learning environment for everyone involved. We’re able to talk in specifics, rather than the theoretical, because these students see the immediate value in their learning. 

Q: What advice would you give to prospective adult learners who are considering returning to college but feel uncertain about taking that first step?  

A: The best advice I can give is to remember that you’re not alone. Every student in our program was once in your shoes. Take that first step, and you’ll see that there’s a whole team of great people waiting to work with you as you achieve your goals!   

Click here for more information on the General Studies program or click here to apply today.