When it comes to college students, one definition does not fit all.
College students are typically defined as fresh out of high school, aged 18-22, and engaged in their first foray into higher education. While that's true for a majority of the Penn State student population, there’s an important segment that doesn't fit the traditional mold.
For those non-traditional students, Penn State's Adult Learner Programs and Services in the Office of Student Affairs provides the stewardship needed to navigate what can be turbulent waters.
"We have more than 4,000 non-traditional students at University Park," noted Leslie Laing, coordinator for Adult Learner Programs and Services. "The criteria is any student over 24 years old who is enrolled as a first-time student, or under 24 with multiple roles: they're married, they're parents, or they have military experience. We also have non-typical, non-traditional age full-time staff who are taking classes for a first-time degree."
While adult learners' individual stories vary from student to student, they do share a common theme. They are several -- and often many -- years removed from their high school experience, they carry with them the responsibilities of adult life, and they are entering into a new, relatively unknown experience.
Adult Learner Programs and Services' goal is to help provide smooth sailing.
"We engage them, provide advocacy and a variety of programs and services designed for the adult learner," Laing said. "For example, we host a monthly Conversation Café that focuses on discussions, resources and issues that affect adult learners. We celebrate National Nontraditional Student Recognition Week by offering an array of programs ranging from family-friendly social activities like bowling, skating or trips to the Palmer Museum of Art, to career and technology workshops. These type of programs help to build community and reduce isolation for non-traditional aged students."
Adult learners' unique situations present both challenges and advantages to a late entry into college education.
They are more focused, according to Laing. "They're ready to learn. They're no nonsense and ready to perform. But some are a little less confident until they build themselves up after a course or two. Faculty and staff are glad to have them because they tend to be more engaged than traditional freshmen."
The fact is, Pennsylvania's education pipeline for traditional student populations is drying up, yet there are 5 million or more adults who have not earned a bachelor's degree.
"For adult learners, the economy has a lot to with their decision to come back to school," Laing said. "For the typical adult who might be over 30, assuming $50,000 in debt is daunting when you have a mortgage and three kids. An adult learner is less inclined to enroll with these challenges but with the current economic situation, some are out of a job and forced to go back to school."
Thus Penn State encourages all adult learners to file for student aid, even though holding a job might limit or eliminate eligibility for aid, as it may help them find other avenues for assistance.
In January 2009, Adult Learner Programs and Services is launching a campaign for the Adult Learner Opportunity Fund, which aims to provide support for adult learners who want to study abroad, obtain internships, or have child care needs.
For those considering making a late entry onto the college scene, Laing recommends visiting the Adult Learner Programs and Services Web site and viewing a short video blog for inspiration. You can view a wife and mother of three who survived the daily grind and graduated with honors. She gave college a second chance and succeeded," Laing said. Visit http://www.sa.psu.edu/adultlearners and click on the link below "Take a look."