Presentation made at the Bachelor of General Studies Open House on the value and the steps toward earning a BGS degree at the University of Miami

2. Welcome to our BGS Team
Dean – Rebecca Fox
Associate Dean – Craig Wilson
Director – Gisela Delgado
Marketing Director – Leeann Hall
Advisors – Monica Bunsen
Advisors – Ann Schopp
BGS Student – Amanda Werner
BGS Student – Kenneth Rubi
BGS Alumni – Kris Crego
BGS Alumni – Jim Tillett
Marketing Specialists – Jessica Giraldo, Marta Gierczyk

3. Agenda
9:00 Registration
9:15 BGS Opening Session / “The Value of a BGS Degree”
10:00 Presentation by UM Campus Resources
The Value of a UM Degree / Toppel Center Director - Eddie Cruz
The Power of the Cane Network / Alumni Relations– Adlar Garcia
You are Not Alone / Academic Resource Center – Jennifer Wilson
10:45 Steps to the BGS degree ( Application process, Transfer credits, Saturday & Online Options)
11:00 & 11:30
UM Courtyard Fair Courtyard
Financial Aid - Associate Director , Joanne Brown Room 101
Student Panel – BGS Advisor & BGS Graduate Room 109
Online Course Demo – BGS Advisor Room 102
Campus Tour – BGS Student Ambassador Courtyard
Don’t Forget to complete your surveys and BGS card for your UM “Swag”

4. What is the BGS program?
The Bachelor of General Studies program is an exciting degree
program that allows you to pick an Area of Concentration (similar
to a major) based on your personal preference and career goals.
The overall objectives of this bachelor’s degree program is to
enhance students’ marketability and help them achieve their
lifelong goal of completing their degree.
BGS

5. Why finish my degree now?
• Improve resume and marketability
• Qualify for a job promotion (Break through the glass ceiling!)
• Need a career change
• Increase salary potential
• Learn essential skills to remain competitive
• Personal enrichment
• Finish what you’ve started
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6. BGS

7. BGS

8. According to the Education Advisory Board, 2014, adult learners which are non-traditional
student, seek a sense of assurance of support prior to enrollment.
Can I afford to
return to
school?
Will this program
advance my career?
Will I get credit for
previous college
experience?
How long will it
take to finish?
Is it convenient to
attend classes?
Top Criteria for Non-traditional Applicants
#1 #2 #3
Convenient and flexibility of offering Cost and availability of financial assistance Academic reputation and outcome

9. Famous people who went back
to finish their bachelor’s degree……
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10. Sandra
Bullock
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Actress Sandra Bullock, who starred in movies like
While You Were Sleeping and The Blind Side and
has won an Oscar and Golden Globe, among
several other awards, left East Carolina
University in favor of acting. However, she later
returned and earned her bachelor's degree.
Michael
Jordan
The Brooklyn-born player earned a scholarship to
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and studied
cultural geography while playing basketball. One year
before he was supposed to graduate, Jordan dropped
out to join the NBA, where he started playing for the
Chicago Bulls. In 1986, Jordan did return to his alma
mater to finish his degree.

11. James
Franco
BGS
Born in New York, James Franco moved to
California to attend UCLA. After his freshman year,
Franco left to try his hand in acting. After a few
roles, he returned to finish his bachelor’s degree
in English, In 2010, he earned an MFA from
Columbia University. Franco is currently working on
a PhD from Yale.
Shaquille
O’Neal
O'Neal is a star both on the basketball court and in the
classroom. The multiple award-winning NBA All-Star left
school to pursue his athletic career, but promised his
mother he would go back someday. In 2000 he
graduated with his Bachelor's in Business from Louisiana
State University… O'Neal said he decided to go back to
college after thinking about what he will do when he
retires from basketball.

12. U.S. Secretary
of Defense,
Chuck Hagel
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Everyone loves Jaws and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial but few people
realize the man behind these movie successes earned his degree at the
age of 55. Spielberg went back to college to earn his Bachelor of
Arts from Cal State University's film school even after a successful and
busy career and after being awarded five honorary doctorates. If
Spielberg can benefit from going back to college, so can you.
Steven
Spielberg
Chuck Hagel was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defense on February
27, 2013 becoming the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the
Department of Defense.
Secretary Hagel joined the United States Army and volunteered to go to
Vietnam, rising to the rank of Sergeant and serving as an infantry squad
leader. He earned numerous military decorations and honors, including
two Purple Hearts. Following his tour in Vietnam, Secretary Hagel
returned to school and graduated from the University of Nebraska at
Omaha using the G.I. Bill in 1971. Where he earned a B.G.S. degree.

13. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, earned his B.G.S.
degree in 1995.
Johnson played college football at the University of
Miami where he had great success until a back injury
cost him a spot in the NFL. So he entered the ring with
the Word Wrestling Federation. As "The Rock," and
won the WWF Heavyweight title six times. Johnson
parlayed his wrestling fame into a film career,
Johnson received the Edward T. Foote II Alumnus of
Distinction award, which honors an alumnus or alumna
for personal or professional achievements that bring
honor and recognition to the University

14. Today’s Agenda
9:00 Registration
9:20 BGS Opening Session / “The Value of a BGS Degree”
9:50 Break : Sign-up for Workshops and Visit our Campus Resources
• Campus tour – Student Ambassador
• Online Learning – BGS Advisor
• Student Panel – BGS Advisor & BGS Alumni
10:00 Presentation by UM Campus Resources
• Toppel Center Director - Eddie Cruz
• Financial Aid Director – Joanne Brown
• Alumni Center Director – Adlar Garcia
• Academic Resource Center – Jennifer Wilson
10:45 Steps to the BGS degree ( Application process, Transfer credits, Saturday & Online Options)
11:00 UM Courtyard Fair – Exhibitor Tables, Online Learning Workshop, Area of Concentration, Student Panel,
Campus Tour & Financial Aid. Don’t Forget your Completed Passport for your BGS “Swag”
9:00 a.m. Registration and Sign Up for Breakout Sessions
9:15 a.m. BGS Opening Session / “The Value of a BGS Degree”
10:00 a.m. Presentations by UM Campus Resources
The Value of a UM Degree / Toppel Center Director - Eddie Cruz
The Power of the Cane Network / Alumni Engagement Director – Adlar Garcia
You are Not Alone / Academic Resource Center – Jennifer Wilson
10:45 a.m. Steps to the BGS degree (Application, Transfer credits, Saturday & Online Options)
11:00 & 11:30 a.m.
UM Courtyard Fair Courtyard
Financial Aid - Asst. Director , Joanne Brown Room 101
Student Panel – BGS Advisor & BGS Graduate Room 109
Online Course Demo – BGS Advisor Room 102
Campus Tour – BGS Student Ambassador Courtyard
Don’t Forget to complete your surveys and BGS card for your UM “Swag”

15. www.miami.edu/bgsdegree

16. www.miami.edu/bgsdegree

17. Who is eligible for the BGS program?
BGS Admissions Criteria
 Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 from all previous college or
high school courses (if applicant has less than 30 college credits).
Official transcripts are required.
 Applicants must be at least 22 years of age and 4 years out of
high school
 U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
 Has not enrolled in the last calendar year in another credit-
program at the University of Miami
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18. What about previously earned credits?
Transfer credits from accredited institutions. Grades of “C” or better are
transferrable
 UM accepts up to 64 transfer credits from 2-year, and up to 75 credits
from 4-year accredited colleges
 Credits do not expire
 Last 45 credits of your degree must be completed at UM
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19. Is this degree affordable? Yes!
 The BGS program tuition is designed to enable working adults to
reach their educational goals.
Next classes begin August 25th.
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Standard UM Tuition Special UM BGS Tuition
$1790 per credit $750 per credit
$5370 per course (3 credits) $2250 per course (3 credits)

20. BGS Program Structure
 General Education (60 credits)
 English, History, Math, Natural Sciences, Humanities, etc.
 Electives (15 credits)
 Area of Concentration (30 credits)
 Interdisciplinary Courses (15 credits)
Total = 120 credits
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21. Area of Concentration
 Students with diverse personal and/or professional interests and goals can design a
curriculum that makes sense to them and furthers their professional growth and
development far more than a standard, one-size-fits-all program.
 Students may select upper level coursework from any UM department and even blend
curriculum from distinct departments to meet their individual academic objectives.
 Examples of previously approved Areas of Concentration:
 Management and Public Relations
 Leadership and Communication
 Management and Communication
 Computer Information Systems
 Human Resources Management

22. Flexible Options (45 credits)
 NEW!! Online Option
AoC in People and Society
 On-Campus Saturday Option
AoC in Public Policy, Civic Engagement and Communication
 Classes meet on Saturday mornings
 Two classes offered per Saturday between 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
 Completion in 2 ½ years
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23. Online Program
 Online courses range from the introductory level to the upper level
courses (100 Level to 300 Level).
 Online courses are 3 credit value and do not incur additional costs for
BGS students.
 Online Courses can apply to meet BGS requirements in General
Education, AoC , and Interdisciplinary Courses
 Online Course have been designed by our Continuing Studies Division
Team to be interactive, web-based, and fully online.
 Online Demo in Room 102

24. Available Scholarships
 The Englander Scholarship
 Osher Re-Entry Scholarship
 Hirsch Scholarship
 Stanley Bertram Goldstein Scholarship
 Women’s Guild Scholarship
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25. Financial Assistance
 Grants, scholarships, subsidized and unsubsidized loans are
available for students through the Financial Aid Office. Awards are
based on part-time student status.
 UM Employees are eligible to apply for Financial Aid, but are not
eligible for BGS Scholarships.
 Students are required to complete a FAFSA (free application) to be
eligible – www.fafsa.ed.gov
BGS

26. It’s Time to Achieve Your Dream
Q & A
Have more questions? Schedule an advisement session online:
Students with Last Names A-Mb:
https://mbunsenbgs.youcanbook.me/
Students with Last Names Mc-Z:
http://a_schopp_bgs.youcanbook.me
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