Fritz Tips
My name is Bill Fritz, and I am the newest member of the Student Services
Team in Continuing Education at University Park. My responsibilities on the team are to help new students get started with Continuing Education, and develop relationships in the
communities where our students live and work.
Before coming to Penn State, I worked in admissions at a small private college in Philadelphia. Despite the fact that working with an adult population is a new experience for me, I
feel that my understanding of admissions and financial aid programs, along with my ability to help students plan their educational paths, will provide a solid foundation to help adult
learners realize their educational goals.
Food for Thought
According to a 2005 survey by IssuesPA and PEW Charitable Trusts:
- Eighty-seven percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed said that getting additional job-related education or skills would increase their chances of getting a new or better job
- The majority of survey respondents said that the level of education needed for jobs in the next ten years would be high
- More than two-thirds said that they believe at least a two-year degree or skills certificate would be necessary
As the demand for an educated and skilled workforce continues to grow, and competition for top jobs becomes tougher, now more than ever, it is important for you to continue your
education to make yourself more marketable.
Continuing Education as a Flexible Solution
Continuing Education offers Penn State degree, certificate, and professional development programs designed to help persons advance in their current career or obtain the skills they
need to change careers in an evolving job market. These programs, chosen with busy adult schedules in mind, make it convenient for you, with courses:
- in your community: Williamsport, Lewistown, Philipsburg, and State College
- in accelerated half-semester formats in the fall and spring
- offered on weekends in State College and Lewistown
I will spend a significant amount of time in all of these communities, determining which programs are the best fit for workforce needs, and helping adult students start taking
classes. Whether you have general questions about our programs, need help navigating the steps for admission, want to explore ways to finance your education, or require assistance in
obtaining information on becoming a Penn State student, I am here to help! I cannot stress enough that the Continuing Education staff is your partner throughout your educational
experience at Penn State; we are committed to helping you in any way possible, and we look forward to working with you.
The First Step Is the Hardest
For many adult students the initial steps in starting or continuing their education are often the most intimidating. It's normal to have doubts about time commitment,
homework, balancing school with work and family, and how to afford an education. Combine that with not always knowing what questions to ask, and you may easily talk yourself out of
pursuing your educational goals.
One of my primary objectives, as I begin my work in Continuing Education, is to take as much of the stress out of the enrollment process as possible. I will be available for
face-to-face meetings in the Continuing Education service areas, and will host information sessions in these communities as well. For a list of upcoming information sessions and a
schedule of dates and times when I will be available, please check our Web site at psu4you.org/events. In the meantime, if you're ready to get started, give me a call at 814-863-6025.
"You can’t reach the top unless you start climbing." —Alan Kilpatrick.
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