Adult Learner/Nontraditional Student Checklist
Below is a suggested checklist for you to use to prepare for a successful educational experience at Illinois State University.
The application process:
- Apply to Illinois State University by completing an online application or downloading a paper copy and mailing it to the Office of Admissions by the established deadlines.
- Request high school transcript or GED Certificate to be mailed to the Office of Admissions by the established deadlines.
- Request college transcript(s) to be mailed to the Office of Admissions at Illinois State University, Campus Box 2200, Normal IL 61790-2200 by the established deadlines.
- Apply for financial aid as soon as possible and, if possible, by March 1, the priority consideration date.
What to do now that you are accepted, but prior to your attendance:
- Once accepted to Illinois State, schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss course registration and your major/department requirements.
- Before meeting with your advisor, read through the Undergraduate Catalog or the Graduate Catalog and prepare for your first appointment with your academic advisor.
- Register for courses on iCampus portal.
- Make sure that the University has your correct addresses/contact information. You can update this information on your iCampus portal.
- Once you receive a Confirmation of Attendance you must respond through the iCampus portal to inform the University that you plan to attend. Failure to respond will result in your courses being removed.
- Become a member of the Nontraditional Student Association and/or the Women’s Mentoring Network.
- Once you have registered for classes, you may obtain your Redbird ID Card at the Redbird Card Office in the Bone Student Center.
- Purchase your books for your courses. You can find out what textbooks you will need by checking your iCampus portal.
All about orientation opportunities:
- Participate in Preview or a Transfer Registration Program. Depending on your status as either a new beginning freshman or transfer student, you will receive an invitation to one of these programs so that you can participate in academic advisement, class registration, and various orientation and transition sessions. If you are a former Illinois State student, you will not be asked to participate in these orientation and registration programs, but should contact an academic advisor in either your former academic program or the Academic Advisement Center, whichever is appropriate depending on your academic status at the time you left Illinois State. For more information about orientation and transition, contact the Julia N. Visor Academic Center at (309) 438-7100 or EMAS@IllinoisState.edu.
- Participate in Passages – the University’s official welcome weekend. Passages begins the Thursday prior to the first day of class. There is a session just for you – the Nontraditional Student Passages Social and Information session.
- Attend your first day of class!
Once you are here:
- Attend meetings/gatherings sponsored by the Nontraditional Student Association and/or Women’s Mentoring Network.
- Become familiar with important dates and deadlines by referring to the University Registrar's Web site.
- Bookmark the University Calendar to learn more about daily events on campus that may interest you.
- Check out the performing arts! Learn more about theatre events, concerts, etc., by contacting the College of Fine Arts.
- Contact Adult Learner Services at (309) 438-7100 or uCollege@IllinoisState.edu with questions or comments in regard to your enrollment at Illinois State.
- Contact Student Counseling Services for personal counseling, career exploration, etc. by phone at (309) 438-3655.
- For assistance with study skills, time management, writing skills, and much more contact the University Center for Learning Assistance (UCLA) by phone at (309) 438-2100, Stevenson Hall, Room 133.
- Meet and get to know your professors.
- Show your Redbird support by attending athletic events!
