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Chat with the Chancellor – Non-Traditional Students
Early November customarily marks Non-Traditional Student week across the country. These students are an important part of higher education, as more and more students over the age of 24 are heading back to college. They constitute a growing number of students found on college campuses across the country, including San Jacinto College.
What is a non-traditional student?
Non-traditional students are typically those who are older than 24, live off campus, are financially independent, married, have children, are studying full or part time, or any combination of these. Nearly 50 percent of new and returning students on college campuses are considered non-traditional, according to the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE). Most are juggling family, work, a career and community activities, along with their coursework.
What role do non-traditional students play in higher education?
Non-traditional students play an important role in today’s higher education landscape. They prove that the 18-24 year old, traditional residential college student is no longer the sole student body. Many are baby boomers (typically over the age of 50) turning to college as a means to earn their first degree, or are opting to return to campus to receive training for a new career. These students bring with them knowledge and experience from life that can’t be taught from the front of a classroom. They are eager to share their relevant work and life experiences, but are even more enthusiastic to learn and grow.
Like the group of millennials I discussed in my last column, these older, non-traditional students often have the same concerns – how they will pay for college, what career path they should pursue, and whether or not a job will be available upon completion of their training or degree. However, as leaders in higher education, we have to understand and recognize that these two groups are not alike. Adults are the fastest-growing segment of all the populations in higher education, and as this trend continues, we have to find a balance between educating these two groups.
San Jacinto College and the non-traditional studentAbout one-third of the all students at San Jacinto College are non-traditional. We have hired a full-time advisor / counselor to help educate these folks on returning to college. In fact, she returned to college at the age of 55, earning her associate degree from San Jacinto College, before moving on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. She is the founder of an organization at the college dedicated to helping the non-traditional student, called “Never 2 Late at San Jacinto College,” or N2L@SJC.
Many non-traditional students return to college to pursue degrees they began as a traditional-aged student many years ago, or to complete a dream they’ve had for years. San Jacinto College offers flexible course scheduling, including evening and weekend classes, and many workforce training courses only constitute a few short weeks. We recognize that these students live busy lives, and are committed to doing what we can to educate and train them for their future.
The college holds events throughout the year on its campuses for non-traditional students. These individuals, while at San Jacinto College, also receive all of the same assistance that the college offers for any student, including financial aid, tutoring, and the use of the libraries and student success centers.
San Jacinto College remains committed to keeping tuition costs low, as we recognize that our students are facing difficult financial times. We understand that this population may have different learning strategies, and we are focused on helping them to be successful. We will continue to help our students, both traditional and non-traditional, receive the training and education they need to become who they want to be.
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