First Learning Outcome: The audience will become more familiar with national college enrollment trends with regard to veterans and mid-career professionals.
Second Learning Outcome: The audience will learn potential approaches in advising veterans and mid-career professionals.
Third Learning Outcome: With a better understanding of the needs of non-traditional students, the audience will gain insights into the ways in which institutions can make small, but impactful, changes to existing transfer policies and advisor training, to support non-traditional students.
Intended Audience: General Audience
Presenter(s):
Kenia Perez Florida International University
Advising Approaches for Non-Traditional Students: Serving Veterans and Mid-Career Professionals
Category
Transfer > Session
Description
As increasing numbers of non-traditional students return to school to complete degrees, institutions must address the unique experiences and perspectives of these students in order to attract and support them. It is critical for colleges and universities to recognize the needs and learning styles of these special student populations. This includes offering advisors tools they need to better serve these students. In this presentation, we will share national enrollment and retention trends of veterans and mid-career professionals and the insights of FIU’s advising community who work with both populations.
Both demographics are likely to have had experience with higher education and may have completed prior coursework. They fall outside of traditional college pathways and are distinct even among transfer students. They are almost certainly not traditional college age and may have been away from school for some time. Many will have additional commitments and obligations that will shape their enrollment, such as family, work, or service requirements. While their motivations to enroll may vary, there are some trends we can explore. Economic and Industry trends certainly play important roles in determining enrollment and degree completion. Advancement in their career field may not be possible without a degree or other certification. Or, they may feel it is the right time to make a switch to another field.
Advisors should be aware of the ways campus resources and organizations inadvertently alienate these students. Scheduling demands may prevent them from utilizing campus resources available during business hours. Courses that require additional on-campus meetings may also pose a challenge to a student who is not necessarily attending full-time or during traditional hours. It is important to consider how they will adapt to new learning and working environments.
We will discuss practical advising strategies guided by the strengths, needs, and challenges of these students.
Submission ID:
5222
Day:
Monday, July 15, 2019
Time:
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Room:
Neopolitan III