My name is Amber Deschenes and I am the Recruitment and Retention Specialist for Graduate and Continuing Education here at Fitchburg State University. I speak with students all the time regarding restarting their programs and returning to school and I've heard every reason for not returning and for stopping your studies. I want you to know that you are not alone. Most of the people who stop out do this for the same reasons. To help you figure it out, I've put together this post on the top three reasons why students stop out of school and the one main reason why you should return!
- Family Issues…birth, death, illness or moving
These are all issues that every person can relate to and these are all things that will happen at some point in your life. We want you to remember that even if you step away to deal with whatever issues you may be having, we will always be here. Graduate students have 6 years to finish their degree starting from the first class you take, so you can always return. Undergraduate credits don't expire! And if distance is the issue, we have online courses that you can take from anywhere.
- Money
This is a common theme that we now have a better solution to. Graduate and Continuing Education now 
offers a payment plan. This means that you can break down your payments over 3 or 4 months to make payment a lot easier. We also offer scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students and graduate assistant opportunities.
- Inadequate help and/or guidance
Some students feel like when they are an online student or even just a graduate student that they are not part of the campus because they are not here very often. At Fitchburg State you should never feel that way. Every graduate student is assigned a Program Advisor upon admission. Advisors are professionals in your field of study ready to help you reach your goals. Students also have access to the Degree Works degree auditing tool to better plan a course of study. If you are having trouble with courses there are a lot of resources available right on campus or on the website to help you. And if you are having trouble getting answers to questions that you are seeking there are other alternatives and people who can help you. Don't hesitate to email me about any issues you may be experiencing. I'm here to help!
The main reason to return is you should never give up on yourself or your dreams. Your reasons/excuses are just hurdles you need to jump. I am here to help you do just that by answering any questions you might have and offering any guidance you may need. I want to help you get back in the classroom and stay there to finish your degree. Don’t let all of your hard work go to waste. Call me at 978.665.3365 or email me to talk about making your return to school a reality. Summer session I begins May 31.
