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April 18, 2001 | Working Together Typically, "non-traditional" refers to students over 25 who have been away from school for several years. Used in this sense, about 47%* of all college students are non-traditional students. But the definition of a non-traditional student keeps expanding. Now "non-traditional" or "neo-non-traditional" is also used to refer to students of any age who don't fit the mold of the typical college student. These students may be single parents, they may work full time, or they may commute rather than live on campus. Used in this broader sense, non-traditional students are now the majority in U.S. colleges, with over 60%** of the student population. However you want to use the term "non-traditional," there's an organization that wears the non-traditional badge with honor: ANTSHE - the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education. There are a few organizations working with schools to improve the college experience of adult learners. ANTSHE is one of these. The ANTSHE mission is to "encourage and coordinate support, education and advocacy for the adult learning community." Its greatest strength is in its dedication to providing a forum for students as well as to influencing institutional policies. ANTSHE holds regional conferences and one national conference each year. Just a few weeks ago, Iowa State University co-sponsored and hosted the 4th annual ANTSHE conference which attracted students and administrators from all over the country and even abroad. There were presentations on study skills for adults, new programs and services, and distance education. And many important issues affecting adult students were raised. Briefly here are just a few of the issues discussed: Non-traditional students are less defined as a group: their age range is broad; they have many reasons for returning to school; some have families while others don't. And they usually have more needs, making them harder to serve. We're beginning to see more adults programs and services, but more attention must still be given to preparing instructors to meet the needs of adult students. It's more difficult for returning students to feel like they belong, but the isolation can be alleviated through peer mentoring, study groups, social events, support groups, student newsletters. While some adult students get tuition credit from employers, many must pay their own way. Unfortunately, there are still limited resources for part-time students, a barrier that must be addressed by every institution serving adult students. Many students still don't know about services available to them. Even if they do, they often don't get involved. They may be too busy, they're often not on campus, or they don't think it will help. But it's only as a group, working together, and working with faculty and administrators, that we can effect change. So check ANTSHE*** out. Or get together with your classmates and administrators to set up your own services. Whatever you do, get involved! As ANTSHE's tagline says: "Together we can make a difference!" References: * ANTSHE ** NCES *** http://www.antshe.org 4/18/01 |
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