The free-class promotion will be offered for winter quarter again this year. The deadline for enrolling in the program is Dec. 1.

The “Free Your Promise” program allows adults who meet one of the following criteria to enroll in a tuition-free class of their choosing at Lancaster campus or Pickerington Center. A prospective student must be at least 25 years old, or a parent, or a military veteran, or a former Ohio University student who has not received a degree or attended in the last five years. Graduate courses, textbooks and materials are not covered by the promotion. The $20 application fee will be waived.

“Nontraditional (adult) students often face obstacles in returning to school or starting college," said Pat Fox, enrollment manager at the Lancaster campus. "This program eliminates the financial roadblock some students face.”

Last year 67 students enrolled through the “Free Your Promise” program. Kim Jeffers, transition advisor at the Lancaster campus, notes that most of the students did very well, earning As and Bs. Thirteen of those students continued their studies, scheduling classes for spring quarter, too.

One of the 67 was Ursula LaVeck, campaign manager at United Way of Fairfield County. She said she used the promotion to “jump start the process” toward completing her degree.

“It was perfect for me,” said LaVeck, who took her final two classes spring quarter and earned her baccalaureate degree in business, with a major in finance.                

Students may enroll in the course of their choice, provided they meet the pre-requisites for the class. Daytime and evening courses are available in a wide variety of subject areas. Since the Lancaster campus and Pickerington Center offer open admission, students need only proof of a GED or a high school transcript.

Jeffers meets with each student enrolling through the offer to discuss his or her eligibility for the free course and to develop an academic plan.