Newspapers / Elon University Student Newspaper / Nov. 16, 1989, edition 1 / Page 11
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IK. "Hie Pendulum November 16, 1989 Page* 11 Non-traditional students add experience to class Enrollment of older students has tripled in past 10 years Deborah Durkee JC 225 They can be seen on campus, ^ssed a bit differently, hair a tad Sray. They don't always mingle ^ith the students and they don't belong with the teachers. Who these outsiders with serious looks carrying books? The Registrar's Office calls "non-traditional" students, ^ny student age 25 and over. In 1978 they numbered one of every 17 students at Elon, by 1988 numbered one of nine. Why increase in older students? There is a nationwide increase in college enrollment ®ven with the decrease in students graduating from high school. According to Registrar Mark Albertson, reasons for that enrollment increase include the facts that a larger percentage of blgh school graduates go on to college and many of the larger colleges have openly recruited ^on-traditional students. ^niali classes Recruiting, however, is not ^be answer for Elon's non- l^aditional student increase, ^lon has not gone out of its to recruit non-traditional students," says Albertson. "The addition of two masters programs helped the enrollment." Additionally, he cites the small ^*ze of the school as an element '^'hich attracts older students. Non-traditional student ®ggy White agrees. When she ^ises her hand in class at Elon, ®8gy knows the teacher will Answer her question. If she were ^ttending UNC, she feels her and would be raised alongside others. Size is the reason ®8Sy has stayed at Elon. Teachers seem to be glad the *^on-traditional students have ^^yed at Elon. Pam Kiser, Assistant Professor of Human vices, is very enthusiastic about non-traditional students, be sees them as the model of a ^^rious student. She feels it is 'valuable to the traditional student ^ bave that model. 'Non-traditional students can become caretakers of otlier students.*' Pam Kiser Role models "The mature student can somehow anchor a whole class, says Kiser. She feels that one enthusiastic person can motivate a class because that enthusiasm is contagious. Non-traditional students can be a bridge between the faculty member and the traditional students. "They are a resource to the students, reliable people to go to when they need help in the course," says Kiser. "Non- traditional students can become caretakers of other students. Kiser calls them "quasi-parental figures." One of Kiser’s 19-year-old students indicated to her that she felt broadened by her exposure to older people in a classroom situation. The non-traditional students bring life experience with them to the classroom. Another plus Kiser sees from non-traditional students is on a personal level: "As I ve gotten older, it’s nice to have some students that I can truly relate to as peers." When a friendship develops, Kiser feels that it is "a unique reward of working with that student" Reasons vary Reasons for attending college later in life vary by student, but have a general theme: self- improvement. Tom Moore, a 29-year-old computer programmer, puts it this way: "I didn’t feel like I was getting the best job. I lost consideration for other jobs because I didn't have a degree." Glenda Walden, a 41-year-old mother, had done a lot of volunteer work while her daughter, Jennifer, was little. In order to get "paid work," she started college when Jennifer started kindagarten. Photo by Pat Hobin Becky Bowling, one of several non-traditional students currently attending Elon, sits in clsss with A1 Riddick. Reasons for attending college later in life vary by student, but have a generfid theme: self- improvement. Brenda Paige, a 33-year-old senior, was too arrogant about education after high school. She always had the goal in mind to complete her education, but she got sidetracked when she injured her knee. After years of surgery, recuperation, and working to pay off the surgery, she is glad to have the opportunity to go back to school. "It means so much more," she says. Juggling act Juggling family respon sibilities, work responsibilities, study time and fun time is the main difficulty of the non- traditional student. A 47-year-old mother of five, Peggy White is a senior majoring in economics. With three children still at home, her family responsibilities have her calling out spelling words while she's peeling the potatoes. In addition to the juggling act, Peggy and her husband have the financial drain of a daughter 'Non-traditional* student enrollment 400 - 300 - 200- 100 " Y 1978 Y1983 Y1988 •Students age 25 or older Source: Office of the Registr-nr in college. Peggy takes nine hours at Elon because that is all she can afford and juggle. How is Peggy coping with it all? "There are no secrets, you just blunder through," she says. "Quiet time with the Lord in the morning gives me extra zip." She also has a supportive family, which is a big help. Support group Peggy is a member of ReNew, a campus support group for non-traditional students. ReNew provides a way for non- traditional students to meet and share common problems. Because they live off campus, finding out what is happening on the campus can be a problem for these students. ReNew helps to fill that gap. The group tries to meet monthly, but because of the schedule demands of non- traditional students, they arc considering a newsletter for the busiest months. The Academic Advising Center can be contacted for more information on ReNew.
Elon University Student Newspaper
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Nov. 16, 1989, edition 1
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