Auburn University is teaming up with Southern Union State Community College to offer a Graduate Equivalency Diploma for students who have not received their high school diploma.
The GED program was extended to Auburn's campus Nov. 17.
"What we have done here is extended Southern Union's program onto the Auburn campus in order to provide that service to the greater Auburn and Opelika area," said James Witte of Auburn's adult education program.
Witte said individuals will meet on campus in Wallace Hall to receive GED instruction and testing, and participants will also be eligible for workforce development training including resume writing and job interviewing skills.
"When someone completes the GED, they are perfectly eligible to enter either work skills programs or the academic programs at Southern Union," Witte said. "Or for that matter, with their complete testing out of the way they can enter Auburn University with the GED."
Classes will be available Thursday evenings and will be led by Southern Union instructor Georgia Love.
Witte said individuals entering the program are first given a placement test.
"If your placement score says you need to develop math skills, but your English skills are very good, you will minimize time studying English and focus on the math skills," Witte said.
"Everyone in the GED program has an individualized program of study. The object is to bring you in, find out where you need help, get you trained in that area and graduate."
Derika Griffin, director of adult education at Southern Union, said it is perfect timing to extend the program to Auburn's campus.
"We have excellent candidates throughout the Auburn area, and the objective is to elevate their educational status," Griffin said.
Royrickers Cook, assistant vice president for University Outreach, said the more instruction an individual receives, the better off he or she will be.
"Receiving your GED will put a person in the position to have a better quality of life," Cook said. "Overall, it's extremely important that we emphasize helping with these needs."
Cook said Auburn is proud to support individuals who wish to participate in the GED program.
"If you have individuals who have not finished high school, but have enough courage and interest to go and pursue the GED equivalent, then it is imperative that we support that," Cook said.
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