FACULTY AND
STAFF ARE HERE TO HELP
THE ADULT
STUDENT SUCCEED
Faculty and staff can be a
tremendous asset to our Adult Student population here at UW-Barron County. The
working definition, used by UW Colleges, for an adult or “non-traditional”
student is as follows: students that are 22 years or older. With the
number of “adult, non-traditional” students continuing to increase on our
campus, we are providing more services to support this student population. We
welcome Adult Students to our campus and hope that we can make this an easy
transition for them back into college life.
All students entering
college go through a period of adjustment. However, Adult Students may need
special assistance if they are to succeed. Siebert (1996) suggests that it is
important for administrators, faculty, and student services staff to understand
the fears, concerns, and challenges that are common to adult learners.
As the Adult Student Advisor
here at UW-Barron County, it is important to share some of these concerns with
you and show you how we are helping Adult Students overcome these areas as a
way to increase the retention and success rate of adult learners.
Balancing family, job and
education –
Most adult learners share the
challenges that face all students plus concerns about their families and
careers. “If I become a student, I’ll never have time for my family.” “What if
my partner feels threatened by my attempt to improve myself?” “What if I have a
sick child, my car breaks down, or I have an emergency at work?” (Bolsen &
Bailey, 1992) A majority of prospective adult students I have talked with about
returning to school have voiced these concerns at one time or another.
UW-Barron County understands
that each student has a life outside of the classroom. As a result, our faculty
and staff are accommodating. We offer late afternoon and evening classes to fit
into the working Adult Student’s schedule. We also offer workshops to provide
student tips in how to manage their time.
Managing finances –
Some Adult Students,
particularly single parents, are impoverished or threatened by poverty. The
stress of trying to put together various sources of funding, such as federal
aid, scholarships, and part-time or full-time employment to cover the tuition,
fees, books, and cost of living can be overwhelming. Another major concern is
childcare and health care costs for children.
UW-Barron County has a
Financial Aid Advisor on campus that assists students with their questions
regarding Financial Aid. There are also several different scholarships
available to students. We offer the Return to Learn Scholarship specifically
for Returning Adult Students. This scholarship approximately covers half the
cost of a semester’s tuition.
Gaining confidence in the
ability to do school work –
“I haven’t studied in
years.” “I’m out of practice.” “My brain feels rusty.” “I’m not sure I can
read, write, or do math well enough to take college courses.” Other concerns
include test taking, competing with younger students, and the fear that
instructors will not like having an older student in class.
UW-Barron County offers
tutorial services for Writing and Math. We have an Academic Assistance Advisor
available to provide students with study skills and encouragement towards
academic success. We also offer non-degree “refresher” classes in English and
Math in addition to a Learning Skills class so students can gain the skills
needed to be successful.
Networking with students
in similar situations –
“I feel lost.” “There just
does not seem to be anybody my age here on campus.” “You are the only one
sitting in the front row.” “You suddenly notice that you are asking more
questions than the rest of the class combined.” “You are the first one to class
and the last one to leave.” (Chronicle of Higher Education) Adults often begin
courses feeling isolated and out of place. (Noel, 1993) Linking up with someone
“your age” and with “similar interests” may make you feel that you are not
alone.
UW-Barron County has a
student organization specifically geared towards the Adult Student, known as ENCORE.
This organization provides an opportunity to the Adult Student population to
meet and share their experiences as returning students. We also have a separate
meeting with all Adult Students at orientation/registration to provide an
opportunity for these students to meet and realize they are not alone.
Communicating with
faculty / administrators –
Many Adult Students feel
intimidated by faculty and administrators, and are often first generation
college students entering the university for the first time. While the Adult
Student must keep in mind that some problems cannot be eliminated, talking
about those issues with faculty and administrators can help adult students understand
the rationale and limitations guiding their decisions. Our faculty and staff
find that Adult Students tend to be more motivated and do well because of the
life experiences they have had.
SIX SIMPLE STEPS
THAT HELP ADULTS MANAGE ANXIETY AND INFORMATION
OVERLOAD
(Kansas
State, Adult Learner Newsletter, Winter/Spring 1997)
One of the biggest decisions
for an adult learner is the one to return to school. Once that decision is
made, however, a bewildering array of information, assignments, research and
new skills await you. The following steps will help you make an easy transition
into college life.
Participate in any
orientation program –
The informative orientation
provides you with a great deal of important information, familiarizing you with
the campus and its facilities as well as other adult students.
Identify areas of
improvement in academics –
Getting the English and
communication skills classes first will help you succeed throughout you college
career. You will be writing papers in almost every class and a strong writing
background is key. Utilize our Learning Lab located in room 124 Meggers Hall.
Develop a support system –
Friends and family might not
share the enthusiasm for your new endeavor nor understand the trauma of a first
test or speech. The lack of support may cause a sense of isolation that can
affect academic success. Develop support networks by joining organizations or
developing study groups. Meet other adult students through actively seeking out
a “study buddy” in each class.
Incorporate the new
status as “student” into family life
–
Doing homework with children
at a designated homework time is a valuable family activity and reinforces the
importance of education. Share the events of your day with your significant other
so they understand what you are going through and can provide you support
during those tough times of the semester (ie, mid-terms and finals)
Take a reasonable course load the first semester –
Spending the entire first
semester on the verge of a breakdown is no fun and it can lead to failure.
Taking the minimum full-time course load (ie, 12 credits) is advisable for all
new students. It allows you some free time and it provides you with a better
chance to succeed. If possible, select at least one course in an area of
personal interest.
Don’t be afraid to ask
for help –
There will be situations in
which personal limits are tested: midterm slump, a difficult exam, an
unreasonable professor, a boring class, family problems, etc. Faculty, advisors
and student services personnel are here to help. Take advantage of the
workshops and Study Table that are offered each semester.