Nontraditional Students

Who is a nontraditional student?

Cross (1980) defines the nontraditional student as an adult who returns to school full- or part-time while maintaining responsibilities such as employment, family, and other responsibilities of adult life. These students also may be referred to as "adult students," "re-entry students," "returning students," and "adult learners."

How do nontraditional students differ from more traditional students?

* stronger consumer orientation (education

as an investment)

* multiple non-school-related commitments

and responsibilities

* lack of an age cohort

* limited social acceptability and support

for their student status (operating outside

of traditional adult roles)

What are some unique needs of a nontraditional student?

Nontraditional students need many different kinds of support and assistance from family, friends, and institutions of higher learning. Research evidence suggests that "both [sexes] have difficulties juggling the roles of student, worker, and family member" (Muench, 1987).

Adult students need help in building their self-confidence as students, in acquiring or refreshing study skills, and in managing their time and other resources while in school. In addition, adult students benefit from opportunities to interact with their peers and need to be actively involved in the educational process through sharing their relevant work and life experiences (Muench, 1987).

Links to resources for Nontraditional Students:

Adult Student Center, your resource for information and guidance on returning to college.
http://www.adultstudentcenter.com/

Resources for adult learners

http://www.adultstudentcenter.com/

Nontraditional Students

113 University Center

Phone: 256-824-6203

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