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:
* Variety of adult students
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.
* Need more faculty participation
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.
* Need for peer support
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.
* Lack of financial aid
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.
* Lack of involvement
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!"
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