marlon mote, mit lillian bonery-bouchillon, ph.d. cedar valley college 3-12-13
TRANSCRIPT
Nontraditional Students: Strategies to Recruit and Support Adult Learners
Marlon Mote, MIT
Lillian Bonery-Bouchillon, Ph.D.
Cedar Valley College3-12-13
Discuss promising strategies in recruitment and retention of adult learners.Review Spring 2013 adult learner recruitment practices at Cedar Valley College.
Objective:
Spring 2013
Cedar Valley College
All Students 6,338
Male 2,513
Female 3,825
Average age 28
Financial Aid Highest % of Pell Grant recipients
Defined:◦ This group is also known by different names in
academia such as ready adults, nontraditional students, past stop-outs, near completers, Plus 50, Encore students, and baby boomers.
Nontraditional Students
25+ years of age Has never been in college or has college credit but left
without a credential
Is returning to school after a number of years in the workforce
Delayed college completion for a variety of reasons including : life commitments: such as child rearing & full time work
73% of all undergraduates are to some degree nontraditional (Choy, 2002)
What are the characteristics of Nontraditional Learners?
Malcolm Knowles◦ “Father” of adult education
◦ Described the adult learner Self-directing unlike younger students Adults come to college with specific goals,
expectations, and learning objectives for the time, energy, and money they will invest.
A little History on Nontraditional Students…
78 million baby boomers reaching retirement
62% of baby boomers wish they were better prepared
4/5 people over 50 years indicate their intentions to continue working – full or part time
Plus 50 Initiative by AACCAmerican Association of Community Colleges
(2012)
Projections of Nontraditional Students
Goal 2025◦ 60% of Americans will hold a high quality college degree,
certificate, or other credential
2013 ◦ 40% of Americans (25-64 age group) have at least a 2-
year degree which has been similar to the last 40 years◦ Graduation rates increasing in other countries◦ Supports efforts that target adults with significant college
credits
J.P. Merisotis, President and CEO of Lumina Foundation (2011)
Lumina Foundation
37 million Americans with some college credit (25-64 age group) but never completed a degree
½ of undergraduate students enrolled in Community Colleges
Average age of adult student is 28 15% are over 40 years
J.P. Merisotis, President and CEO of Lumina Foundation (2011)
Importance of including nontraditional students
1. Mined historical data ◦ Criteria for Cedar Valley College:
Completed 45 hours within the last 5 years and did NOT receive an Associates Degree. GPA of 2.0 or greater Exclude Dual Credit Students
Completed an application for Cedar Valley College within 3 academic years but never enrolled.
Strategies to reengage nontraditional students:
President, all college leaders, deans, directors, advisers, support staff
Clear communication of expectations
2. Leadership support
Cedar Valley College (CVC) faculty & staff were aware of the campaign to recruit nontraditional students.◦ Email communication◦ CVC website◦ Strategic Planning of Enrollment
3. Clear communication of expectations
Institutions need to assess how well they support their nontraditional students◦ Advising hired a contact person for adult learners◦ Faculty was aware of teaching strategies for nontraditional students◦ Financial Aid Awareness and Support Services
**Cost and financial aid are critical factors considered by adult studentsNoel-Levitz, Inc. (2012)
4. Assessment of institution
Ease of re-entry process without using new resources
◦ Web site◦ Advisor that is responsible for the nontraditional student
5. Single point of contact
Emails to all qualified individuals Post cards Business cards with QR code Banners CVC Recruiter outreach
◦ Visits to Churches, business centers, recreation centers
6. Broad outreach campaign
We value YOU We want to offer our support as you complete your
Associate Degree or Certificate at Cedar Valley College.
You might also consider registering for courses to advance your career or personal goals.
Cedar Valley College offers a high quality, affordable education, along with a variety of course offerings.
We want you to benefit from these offerings, so we have built a support system designed to help you succeed right from the start.
Email Correspondence
Flexibility with evening, weekend, and distance courses CVC survey February 2013
◦ “I like the lecture…”◦ “I like need the interaction with the professor to explain the subject
matter and homework.”◦ “Hands on is better for me.”◦ “I enjoy social interaction with the students.”◦ “Bad experience with online…”
7. Examining data to better understand nontraditional students
Flexibility to overcome barriers◦ Extended hours during registration and flexible course
schedules◦ Support staff available to assist ◦ Extended Tutoring Hours
8. Flexibility to adjust policies and practices to meet needs of adults
College Promotional Material ◦ Eye-catching◦ Provide basic information◦ Career track aspect of the program◦ Marketing materials should inform◦ Provide information face-to-face during seminars
Community fairs Churches Unions Humans services agencies
M. Wonacott (2001)U.S. Department of Ed.
Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention
Post cards and Business Cards
Cedar Valley College Spring 2013
Criteria Completed 45 hours within 5 academic years and did NOT receive an Associates Degree
Completed an application for Cedar Valley College within 3 academic years but never enrolled.
Number 2,273 8,317
Enrolled Spring 2013 235 146
Enrolled % 10.3% 1.8%
Applied not enrolled 0 26
American Association of Community Colleges: www.aacc.nche.edu Cedar Valley College. www.cedarvalleycollege.edu Choy, S. (2002). Findings from the Condition of Education:
Nontraditional Undergraduates. National Center for Education Statistics. http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/2002012.pdf
Merisotis, J. (2012). The Difference Makers: Adult Students and Achieving Goal 2025. Lumina Foundation. www.luminafoundation.org
Noel-Levitz, Inc. (2012). Factors Influencing College Choice Among Nontraditional Students. 2012 National Research Report. www.noellevitz.org
Knowles, M. http://web.utk.edu/~start6/knowles/malcolm_knowles.html Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) 2012
Going the Distance in Adult College completion: Lessons from the Non-traditional No More Project. www.wiche.edu
Wonacott, M. (2001). Adult Students: Recruitment and Retention. U.S. Department of Education
References: