Slide 1

Monday, March 23 1:15p-2:05p

Lindsay McGloonKaty Lee Kemp

Non-Traditional Education: The Importance of Co-Curricular Activities

#NonTradCoCurricular

Hand out note cards and ask for explanation of each type of non-trad is included and what issues may be specific to that group

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Current Trends of Non-Traditional StudentsThere are over 17.6 million undergraduates enrolled in American higher education.38% percent of those students are over the age of 25 and 1/4 are over the age of 30.The share of all students who are over age 25 is projected to increase another 23% by 2019. (Hess, 2011).

A growing population of students with different needs, learning styles, and barriers that must be addressed by institutions if these students are to experience a successful transition and, oftentimes, return to college. (Hobsons, 2013).

What is a Non-Traditional Student?In recent years, this term has expanded to include students who have at least one of the following characteristics: Entry to college delayed by at least one year following high school, Having dependents, Being a single parent, Being employed full time, Being an armed forces veteran, Being financially independent, Attending part time, and, Not having a high school diploma (Ross-Gordon, 2011, p. 26).The most distinguishing trait of many non-traditional students is juggling other life roles while attending school. These roles may include employee, spouse, caregiver, parent, community member, or any combination of the above.

Issues Non-Traditional Students FaceThe biggest hurdle that I have faced so far is how to have proper time management -Edwina, Junior, Mother of 4

My biggest challenge is when I have a full work week plus overtime and I still have a paper to write. The life responsibilities that come with being a non-traditional student are sometimes overwhelming and you dont know where and when you are going to fit your school work in. -Julie, Senior, full-time employee

Adult students have to attend classes and achieve the same rigorous outcomes as "traditional" students who have fewer obligations. It's a balancing act that requires significant dedication to be successful. Soliciting support from family, friends, and leaving the laundry and dishes undone is essential to get through some classes. You have to make trade-offs and sometimes that means reading at 1 AM or doing homework in the car while waiting for your daughter's play practice to end. -Anne, Graduate student, Administrator

Will Griffin4th YearMedical Student

Sabrina Young4th Year Medical Student

Literature ReviewAdults learn differently from children and therefore should be taught differently from children. Process rather than content.Erikson- Psychosocial Development through crisesLevinson- Age/Stage DevelopmentMazlow- Hierarchy of Needs

(Self, Situation, Strategies, Support)7

Literature ReviewAstins Student Involvement Development Theory (1984):The more a student is involved, the greater that students learning and personal development will be.Students who do not become involved in co-curricular activities will not receive the benefits of an enhanced and involved learning experience, which has been shown to have an impact on retention (Furr & Elling, 2000).

Case Study: Keuka Colleges Accelerated Studies for Adults Program (ASAP)Keuka College Enrollment: 931 Traditional, Residential980+ Accelerated Studies for Adults Program

ASAP Overview:Distance Learning (22 locations)Accelerated Format, Hybrid/1-night per week, evenings100% Transfer students

Keuka College Student Service Satisfaction SurveyDistributed to all active ASAP students. 20% response rate

Case Study Findings55% do not feel acknowledged by Keuka College and another 59% do not feel connected to the College

Majority reported being satisfied, but nearly 60% of students reported wishing there were more special services or programs dedicated to ASAP students

Over 45% feel that offering more services and programs outside of the classroom would enrich their experience

Over 76% expressed desire for professional development workshops

61% expressed interest in participating in peer-run tutoring services -50/50

85% of participants reported that if Keuka College held special events for its ASAP students, they would attend. 47% willing to attend either at their distance campus location or the home campus52% would attend only if events were held at their distance campus

What Can We Do?

Student Advocate AssociationThe University of North Texas Health Science Centers Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine has a registered student organization for spouses, family members, and significant others of students.

Purpose - support students and students families throughout medical schoolProvides- community, events, services, supportAdvantages- networking, support, knowledge

A spouses perspective:SAA has helped me better understand what to expect. When my wife was a 1st and 2nd year student, the 3rd and 4th year students explained a lot of the examination process, the PE exam, the match process, etc. More than anything, they helped me understand the stress, pressure, and hectic schedule she'll be experiencing throughout school. - Stephen C., Spouse of 4th Year Medical Student

Student Testimonials about SAAImpact of spouse involvement on student academic engagement:He had other spouses to commiserate with and it gave him a better understanding of the demands as a medical student and a spouse to a medical student. It allowed me to study at home and/or spend time at the library/school without hearing much complaint from my husband. He understood how limited my free time was and tried his best to plan his schedule accordingly so we could spend the free time I had together. He also has been much more supportive because of the SAA support and resources. - Megan S. 4th Year Medical Student

Benefit of support network for your spouse:They had their own club that I think really helped keep their spirits up throughout it all- Megan S.

Impact of SAA support network on student:SAA also came through in big ways when Micah was diagnosed with cancer. His diagnosis came in the midst of board studying, and many SAA members brought over dinners, walked our dogs and cleaned our house. We would not have made it through this very stressful time without the support and encouragement of friends we have made through SAA. - Emily C., 4th Year Medical Student

Suggestions/RecommendationsAdapting programs and services to accommodate people in various stages, you would increase the involvement of students.

Non-traditional students do not always want to be entertained, but really want programs geared toward their developmental needs.

Make good use of campus resources that already exist. Keep programs short and concise as many students have little free time.

It is also most beneficial to keep the programs to little or no cost of the student.

Convenience is important to non-traditional students so offering programs and services at times that work for their schedule is likely to get the highest turnout.

Programs and activities that could be beneficial to the non-traditional student fall into categories such as career-related, self-improvement, social, family, and volunteering.

Possible Programs

Questions?Comments?Stories to Share?

Thank you!

Lindsay McGloonKaty Lee Kemp

@lmcgloon @katyleethered1