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Adult Student Resources

Adult Student Resources. Indiana University Bloomington. [video removed]. WHO are adult students?. Adult students come from many different backgrounds and bring a wealth of experiences into their educational careers based on their individual backgrounds. They may be

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Adult Student Resources

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  1. Adult Student Resources Indiana University Bloomington

  2. [video removed]

  3. WHO are adult students? Adult students come from many different backgrounds and bring a wealth of experiences into their educational careers based on their individual backgrounds. They may be single, married, widowed or divorced, and with or without children. Some are starting their college degrees for the first time, others are finishing degrees they started long ago, or getting a second degree.

  4. WHO are adult students at IUB? There are over 1000 adult students enrolled at IUB in a semester. • Adult Student Survey • academic goals • demographic info • academic advising • adult student resource needs Follow-up focus group

  5. WHO are adult students at IUB? • 57.5% are enrolled as full-time students. • In addition to coursework, over 50% of adult students • work 30-40 hours per week. • One out of three adult students commutes to the IUB • campus from outside Bloomington.

  6. WHY a four-year degree?

  7. Majors and programs of study

  8. Majors and programs of study

  9. WHAT are some of the positives of being an adult student? “Learning.” “Exploring new areas of interest.” “I am able to connect the academic field and professional world.” “The perspective that I can bring to the classroom. I have more experiences to apply to my education. This enriches my thoughts, my papers, my questions, and my new knowledge.”

  10. WHAT are some of the positives of being an adult student? “The best part is that you bring a wealth of real-world experience to the class room. The mix of adult and traditional students, I believe, enhance the classroom learning experience.” “I am more goal-oriented and focused on why I am here.” “Simply the academic environment – not only the educational opportunities, but also the high level of scholarship among faculty and students.” “My kids look up to me…”

  11. [video removed]

  12. WHAT are some of the challenges as an adult student? The Balancing Act - juggling school, work, and family responsibilities “I have time frames that the 19-year-olds do not. I must drop off and pick up my child from school, for example. I cannot join study groups, because I must be at home, helping my kids with homework, cooking dinner, going to soccer practice, and doing 113 loads of laundry. The classes and labs are, by necessity, scheduled with the assumption that I am at their disposal. It’s unavoidable, but does present some challenges.” “I work full-time, go to school full-time and have little time for my kids and wife and I’m so tired all day, every day.”

  13. WHAT are some of the challenges as an adult student? Feelings of Isolation – dealing with the age gap “I am not one of the kids, yet I am not one of the faculty. I feel very isolated.” “I’m only 29, and I don’t look like an adult student, but culturally we’re worlds apart.” “It can be a bit alienating to be surrounded by so many young people. It can be incredibly lonely…and awkward.” “I had a professor tell me this semester(who I have for two classes, mind you) that I should find a job, and if I like it, forget about school. Or “why don’t you do on-line classes? That’s what they have for people like you.” I was devastated to think that I’m just wasting my time here and if possible will leave at the end of this semester to go somewhere that adults are welcomed as learners!”

  14. WHAT are some of the challenges as an adult student? Scheduling Classes – finding classes that fit with home/work schedule “I have to fit classes into my schedule in the evening and sometimes there isn’t much to choose from. I end up taking whatever will fit into my schedule as opposed to something I would like to take.” “It’s challenging to schedule classes that fit with a standard 8-5 job and finding sufficient out-of-class time to work on a project with others.”

  15. Other needs of the adult student • Technology/computer information geared towards the non-traditional • Career Services geared towards the non-traditional student • Study Area for adult students • Tutors for adult students • Parking!!

  16. A few statistics.. According to a 2010 College Board study, the United States is ranked sixth among the number of 25-64-year-olds with degrees. Indiana ranks 44th in the US in the number of adults with Bachelor’s degrees. The college completion rate is 50% in Monroe County and 16% in Owen County. According to a Georgetown University study, 55% of future Indiana jobs will require post-secondary education.

  17. A few statistics.. Indiana University Bloomington has a responsibility to respond to these statistics and make programs and services fully accessible to adult students, the state’s tax-paying citizens. This is both an educational and an economic issue, that will affect the state’s competitiveness in attracting new employers and jobs.

  18. WHERE are the resources for adults? Adult Student Resources, administered by the General Studies Degree office, has been supporting men and women as they pursue and complete their degrees, offering specialized services designed specifically to meet the needs of returning adult students on the IUB campus. Services include assistance in finding the campus and academic resources needed to succeed in their academic career.

  19. History of the Adult Student Resources program Returning Women Students – mid 1970’s – mid-1990’s Returning Student Services – mid-1990’s - 2008 Adult Student Services – 2008 - present

  20. Role of IUB Adult Student Resources • point of access for adults interested in IUB programs • referral to appropriate campus and/or community services • provide workshops and networking opportunities for adult • undergraduates • online resources • resource library • gathering place for adult undergrads to participated in workshops, • networking, social events, etc.

  21. Returning Adult Student Scholarships • Osher Reentry Scholars Program • For returning adult students with a cumulative gap in formal education of at least five years • Open to returning adult students in all degree programs • $3000 full-time; $1500 part-time • 27 scholarships awarded during the 2010-2011 academic year totaling approximately $50,000. • Returning Student Scholarships • Various donors with specific target populations such as women and General Studies students • 16 scholarships awarded during the 2010-2011 academic year totaling approximately $20,000.

  22. ASR Initiatives to Address Adult Student Needs The Adult Student Survey indicates that 72% of the respondents would likely use a Returning Adult Center, which could function as a meeting and study area, as well as a location for workshops, tutoring, and mentoring opportunities. • Initiative: Creation of an Adult Student Center • Needs addressed: • study/meeting area for adult students • provides a“home base” on campus for adults to meet and connect with • other adult student peers, tutors, and mentors

  23. ASR Initiatives to Address Adult Student Needs The Adult Student Survey indicates that 83% of the respondents prefer online resources or a combination of both face-to-face and online resources. • Initiative: Creation of more online resources for adult students • Needs addressed: • lack of time to participate in activities • orientation information specifically for adult students • opportunity to connect with other adult peers through online chat • and forum topics • promote awareness of the adult student resource services on the • Bloomington campus

  24. ASR Initiatives to Address Adult Student Needs Short-term goal: Development of an ASR project site through Oncourse with current resources. New resources can be developed in conjunction with other student service resources. For example, Financial Aid tips(with OSFA), Career Search Strategies for the adult student(with CDC), Time Management skills for the adult student(with SAC) Long-term goal: Creation of a sophisticated and interactive ASR website which would include: orientation videos for the non-traditional student, information pertaining to professional development, networking opportunities. A more up-to-date website would enhance ASR’s reputation on campus and in the community, as well as increase effectiveness in meeting adult student needs.

  25. WHEN will initiative goals be achieved? February 2011: Oncourse ASR Resources project August 2011: ASR website/adult student orientation videos Adult Student Center: ???

  26. Current programming IUB for adult students • Welcome Coffee • Financial Aid Workshop(OFS) – Feb. 10th, 6:00-7:30 • Making Yourself Marketable Workshop(CDC) – March • DASH Blog - http://asrdashboard.blogspot.com/ • Facebook • Social Event each semester

  27. Contact Information Angela Gast: agast@indiana.edu Janis Bolling: jbolling@indiana.edu Director, General Studies Program Coordinator of Adult Student Resources

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