Staff members, take note: Are you a former college student but you never got around to graduating? The University of Memphis is making it easier for you to return to school to obtain a degree.

The "Back on Track: Complete College" initiative is aimed at adults including U of M staffers who would like to finish their degree whether it is the major they started with or a new one. As part of the initiative, an admissions counselor and advising specialist will be assigned to you to assist in selecting the degree plan of your choice.

"Several entities such as the regional Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Memphis have been suggesting that this would be a good way to increase the percentage of adults in Memphis with a college degree," said Dr. Dan Lattimore, vice provost for Extended Programs. "Memphis has about 23 percent of its adult population with a college degree at present. Nationally there is a movement to get adults to complete their college degree and we would like to help raise do that for Memphis," he said.

Lattimore said that increasing the college-educated population would raise the educational level of the workforce, which in turn could spur economic growth for the region.

Another good reason to complete a degree is that statistics show that the households and demographics featuring the highest educational attainment in the country are also among those with the highest household income and wealth.

An information session for anyone interested in returning to school is scheduled for Feb. 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the University Center River Room. Reservations are encouraged by calling 901/678-1327 but aren't required. Applicants must meet readmission criteria.

Call 901/678-1327 or visit http://www.memphis.edu/backontrack for more details.