Millennial Advisors Working With and Working As

the Millennial GenerationNiki Weight, University Advising

Taylor Adams, ASTE- College of Ag

Alternate View to “Generation Me”

“In general, we found little reason to conclude that the average member of Generation Me is dramatically different from members of previous generations.”

~Trezesniewski & Donnellan

Multigenerational Workforce

Generation Y - Ages 11-32(Born 1980-2002)

Generation X - Ages 33-48(Born 1965-1979)

Baby Boomers - Ages 49-67(Born 1946-1964)

Generation Group Work

Millennials in the Workplace

Technology Driven

Multi-Taskers Team Players

LifestyleBalance

Risk-Takers Threats & Praises

Serving Students Together

Generational Awareness

Don’t Stereotype

Don’t be Offended

Utilize Strengths

Millennial Advising for

Adult LearnersRecognizing adult learners’ needs and utilizing our

strengths to help them succeed.

Adult learners at USUIn Fall 2012, there were approx. 21,495 students

attending USU (excluding out of state and international sites).

1,662 (7%) students are 31 years or older

3%

14%

83%

Generation Breakdown of RCDE Students

N=6682 (Excludes International and Out of State Sites)

Baby Boomer Students (n=198)

Generation X Students (n=953)

Generation Y Students (n=5531)

0%1% 3%

97%

Generation Break Down of Main Campus Students (N=14,813)

Traditionalist Students (n = 1)

Baby Boomer Students (n = 87)

Generation X Students (n = 423)

Generation Y Students (n = 14302)

1. Remove Stereotypes& Preconceptions

“Older students, rather than their younger counterparts, display those learning characteristics which traditionally higher education has purported to be striving to develop”

Harper & Kemper, p 220, 1986

2. Understand Barriers to Adult Learners

Situational

Multiple Responsibilitie

s

Prior Negative Learning

Experience

Dispositional

Time Concerns

Perfectionism

Institutional

Rules

Instructors/Other

Students

Difficult Reenrollment

Policies

3. Understand Their Specific Learning Processes

Desire for control/underst

anding

Memorizing information

requires more time

Need more practice,

orientation, and study skills

Have previously

learned materials

Strategies to Best Serve Adult Learners

1. Ensure Customer Service Practices Accommodate Adult Learners Needs

• Respect Adult Learners• Give Accurate Information • Give them your Undivided Attention (don’t

multitask) • Extend Office Hours• Have a Child Friendly Office• Respond quickly to their questions (e-mail)

2. Develop Advising Practices Tailored to Adult Learners

Suggestions/Personal Experiences

References Baily, C. A. (2007). Advising adult learners. In L. Huff & P. Jordan

(Eds.), Advising Special Student Populations (pp. 11-24). NACADA.

Greenberg, E. H., & Weber, K. (2008). Generation we, how millennial youth are taking over America and changing our forever. Emeryville, CA: Pachatusan.

Peck, L.G. & Varney, J. (2009). Advising IS teaching: Providing adult learners with strategies for self- advocation Retrieved –August 8, 2012- from NACADA Clearinghouse of Academic Advising Resources Web site: http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Clearinghouse/M02/Adult-Learner.htm

Richardson, J. T. E., & King, E. (1998). Adult students in higher education: Burden or boon?. Ohio State University Press, 69(1), 65-88.

Judy, B. E., & Leanne, C. (2004). Multigenerational nurses in the workplace. Journal of Nursing Administration, 34(11), 493-501. Retrieved from http://www.letthelearningbegin.com/documents/pdfs/mg workers.pdf

References cont. Gursoy, D., Maier, T. A., & Chi, C. G. (2007). Generational

differences: An examination of work values and generational gaps in the hospitality workforce. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 27, 448-458. doi: 10.1016/j.ijhm.2007.11.002

Spiro, Cara. (2006, November 1). Generation Y in the workplace. Defense AT &L. (2006). Retrieved August 10, 2012 from http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Generation Y in the workplace.-a0155789907

Pooley, E. (2005). Kids these days.. Canadian Business, 78(12), 67-68.

Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, S. M. (2008). Generational differences in psychological traits and their impact on the workplace. Journal of Managerial Psychology, 23(8), 862-877. doi: 10.1108/02683940810904367

Trzesniewsk, Kali. Donnellan, M.. (2010). Rethinking ‘‘generation me’’: a study of cohort effects from 1976–2006. Perspectives on Psychological Science. , 5(1), 58–75.