The University of North Georgia (UNG) has been recognized for service to adult learners by the University System of Georgia (USG) at the 2018 Adult Learner Symposium "Building Momentum," held April 12-13 at Columbus State University.

"It was a huge honor to be recognized by USG ,"said Christy Orr, assistant director of student life for Veteran and Adult Learner Programs (VALP) at UNG. "I am very proud of our accomplishments and our success has been a team effort. We have the best veteran and adult learner students throughout the university system. I am truly thankful that I get to work with these students each and every day."

UNG won the USG Adult Learner Recruitment Award for its Breakfast Orientation session, a new event launched in fall 2017 to allow veterans and adult learners to get information about services provided by VALP without missing the main orientation event.

"The session allows students to see how much UNG cares about their success in accomplishing their educational goals," Orr said. "It also eases their mind in knowing they are not alone by meeting peers during the session and by meeting staff from the department that is specifically geared to serve them."

Along with the award, UNG was presented with a check for $1,500 to support the program.

Additionally, UNG was one of three institutions nominated by the USG for The Champion Award. That award is presented to the institution that has excelled in all five adult learner categories for which USG presented awards at the April symposium: Recruitment/On boarding; Prior Learning Assessment and/or Credit for Prior Learning efforts; Adult Learner Center; Innovative Services for Adult Learners; and Innovative Services for Military/Veteran students.

UNG and all winning institutions become part of a new “Winners Council," which will meet periodically throughout the upcoming year to discuss adult learner issues, policies and best practices.