Non Traditional Students

Literature Review | Survey Results | Graphed Data | Focus Group Results
Recommendations | Conclusion | References

Literature Review [top]

• 1999-2000 top 43% of Undergraduates were 24 or older (National Center for Education Statistics)

• 82% of Non-Traditional Students Work (National Center for Education Statistics)

• The Literature Reviewed Cites a Steady Increase in the Numbers of Non-Traditional Students

• Non Traditional Students:

> May be Working a Significant Number of Hours
> Married
> May be Raising Children
> Child Care
> May be Returning to School After a Long Absence
> May not Identify with Younger Traditional Students
> Health Care
> We were Interested in the Specific Needs and Population Characteristics of Non-Traditional Students Attending Michigan Tech
> Over 250 Non-Traditional Students on Campus

Survey Results [top]
(fall 2006 survey sent to 130 full-time students 25 years old or older; 72 students responded)

> 78% Male
> 74% Between the Ages of 25-30
> 92% Caucasian
> 47% Never had been Married
> 43% Were married or Cohabitating
> 76% Did Not have Children
> 21% Were Veterans
> 60% Had a 3.0 GPA or Better
> Majority of Students were in Engineering Programs
> Most Programs of Study were Represented
> 78% Transfer Students
> 78% Relocated to Attend Michigan Tech
> 60% Working and Attending School Full-time
> They Spent the Majority of their Time (not in class) in a Computer Lab, the Library, or in the MUB
> 45% Reported that they were Not Involved in Campus Activities
> 37% Rated the Universities Efforts to help Non-Traditional Students as “Adequate”

 

Most Used University Services [top]

Important Programs/Services [top]

We Asked How Michigan Tech could Better Assist NT Students [top]

Why did our NT Students Chose Michigan Tech? [top]

 

Focus Group Results [top]

> Attendance: 7 People
> Wanted Representation in Student Government
> Concerned they Didn’t Have a Voice
> Minimal to no Financial Aid Options
> Want to Know Where to Go for More Options
> Many Didn’t Know about the Website for Job Opportunities
> Wanted a NT Student Advisor to:

• Help with Academic Advising
• Help Make the Transition Smoother
• Provide a “Welcome” Packet to NT Students
• Help NT Students that are having a tough time adjusting to Michigan Tech

> Gave Suggestions on a NT Student Website
> Requested more Meal Options in the Late Afternoon and Evening Hours
> Concerned that Fast Food was Tailored Toward Younger Students
>Would Like Lockers in a Centralized location
> Heath Plan offers Poor Coverage and Excludes some Older Students
> NT Student Group
> More Classes in the Summer and Evenings
> Age Sensitive and more Variety of PE Classes
> Marketing Campaign to Attract more NT Students
> Discounts for Family Members at the SDC
> Would Like a Follow Up on how Michigan Tech is Going to do to Address NT Student Issues

Recommendations for the University [top]

Higher Cost Initiatives:

• Add Student Lockers
• Add a NT Student Advisor
• Convert a Space into a NT Student Lounge
• Improve Health Care Options
• Improve Parking on Campus
• Offer More Internet and Summer Classes

Lower Cost Initiatives:

• Promote Services the University already Offers Via a NT Student Website
• Develop a Financial Aid Brochure
• NT Student Intern Position/Designate a NT Student Advisor
• NT Student Honor Society – Scholarship Opportunities
• Improve Veterans Services in Cooperation with Veterans Administration
• Emergency Locator Service
• NT Student Mentoring program
• Host Speakers on the Special Needs of NT Students
• NT Sensitive PE Classes
• Allow Spouses and Children of NT’s SDC Access
• More Evening Classes
• Hold a “Return to Learn” Workshop

Conclusion [top]

> Growing Trend
> NT Students Want to Feel Included
> Comprehensive Website
> NT Student/Staff
> Continue to Expand Services

References [top]

Berker, A., Horn, L., Carroll, D. (2003). Work First, Study Second: Adult Undergraduates that Combine Employment and Postsecondary Enrollment. National Center for Education Statistics, 167, 3-89.

Broekemier, G., (2002). A Comparison of Two-Year and Four-Year Adult Students: Motivations to Attend College and the Importance of Choice Criteria. Journal of Marketing for Higher Education, 12(1), 31- 48.

Brewer, S. A., Klein, J. D., Mann, K. E., (2003). Using Small Group Learning Strategies with Adult Re-entry Students. College Student Journal. 37(2), 286-297.

Choa, R., Good, G. E., (2004). “Nontraditional Students” Perspectives on College Education; A Qualitative Study. Journal of College Counseling. 7(1), 5-12.

Dadabhoy, Z., Dadabhoy, K., (2003). Preparing for the Smorgasbord: Understanding Today’s Non-Traditional Students and Providing for Their Needs. Campus Activities Programming, 35(8), 32-37.

Geiger, J., Weinstein, F., Jones, C. S., (2004). Differences in Meaning in Life in Students: The Effect of Nontraditional Status and Region of Country. College Student Journal, 38(4), 569-572.

Tomas, E., (2005). The Adult Learner: Here to Stay. Black Issues in Higher Education. 22(6), 74.

Tucker, M., (2003). Attracting Non-Traditional Students to Campus Activities and Leadership Programs: Providing Links to Academics, Persistence Are Key. Campus Activities Programming, 35(8), 38-40

 

Literature Review | Survey Results | Graphed Data | Focus Group Results
Recommendations | Conclusion | References

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