Returning to School after Being Part of the Workforce -

Best Practices for Helping These Students

Kelley Baran – Bridgewater State University

Chris Hart – Boston UniversityKatie Kelsall - Harvard Extension SchoolFrank Mullen - Berklee College of Music

Pam Walker - College Coach/EdAssist

MASFAA ConferenceNovember 7, 2012

Bridgewater State University

Population Demographics – Four Major Categories

Continuing/Transferring Undergraduate Adult Students –We have a dedicated transfer staff and continuing education coordinators to help these one-time college students figure out how to continue pursuing their degree.

First Time Undergraduate Adult Students –There are nine evening bachelor degree programs. Students are allowed to mix evening & online courses.

Graduate Students – While the traditional graduate student at BSU now has an entire College of Graduate Studies to turn to for resources, they often face the same challenges as our undergraduate adult students.

Veteran Students – Every population includes veterans who have their own unique needs. We’ve hired staff to help with the transition from combat to classroom.

Bridgewater State University

Needs Unique to Population Academic Advisement

Our Academic Achievement Center deals with all students offering a large array of programs, including evening advising

Application Help A special Evening Application was created for

students who have been out of high school for more than three years or have earned college credits

They don’t need to send standardized scores! Graduate standardized testing offered on-campus

Career Services Now, Throughout & Later – Not Just Later

Flexible Enrollment Options Time of Day, Time of Year, & Place

Bridgewater State University

Veterans Issue Example

35 out of the 37 Freshman Veterans could have received additional credit at BSU for their military experience

Part-time Veteran Advisor being hired in Academic Achievement Center to help with military experience for transfer credit, and insure veterans take the proper courses and graduate before their Chapter Benefits expire

Boston University – Metropolitan College

Age Range of Students @ MET is 18 to 74 years old!

Average Age of a MET is 31 years old Student population @ MET (fall 2011) is

approx. 4300 students – 2960 graduate students & 1340 undergrads

For the same period (fall 2011) there were 750 full-time students & 3550 part-time students

Boston University – Metropolitan College

The needs of this population include:

Some of the everyday things common to families and students everywhere

Parking Services Day Care Financial Assistance (Sometimes from an

employer) Availability of Desired Programs Access and Facilities

Boston University – Metropolitan College

How does BU meet these needs?

The college has academic and financial aid counselors available to assist students in the selection of classes and the logistics of financial aid and registration

In a similar manner for any large company, the university also has a variety of services from which student may draw to successfully complete their academic requirements

Harvard Extension School

Population Demographics Non-Traditional Students (20s-50s+, avg. 33) International Working/Part-Time Students Off-Campus

Online Students Degree Candidates have On-Campus

Requirements Relocation Costs

Reliance on Virtual resources

Harvard Extension School

Needs Unique to Population Work/Family/School Balance

Housing Costs Dependency Care Health Insurance

Unemployment Career Change

Prior debt Deferment

Non-Traditional Schedules Not 9-5

Harvard Extension School

How Harvard Addresses Student Needs Communication: One-on-One Assistance

E-mail Website

Change in Income Form Loss of Employment

Budget Adjustments Consider Higher Expenses

Mortgages Family Medical

Berklee College of Music

Population Demographics of Returning Students

Spring 2012 271 Student’s Inquired, 170 Returned

Summer 2012 191 Student’s Inquired, 116 Returned

Fall 2012 167 Student’s Inquired, 167 Returned

Berklee College of Music

Returning Students at Berklee are a Unique Population…

Job Opportunities Financial Constraints Never Intended to Stay

Returning Student Needs: Transfer Credits Immigration Documents New Technology Credentials Housing Immunizations Financial Aid

Berklee College of Music

How Berklee Addresses Student Needs

One Point Person Returning Student Coordinator

Communication Mail, E-mail, & Phone Calls

Incentives Allowed to Register for Classes before

Pre-registration Opens to Rest of the Class

EdAssist

Population Demographics

Partner with Corporations Benefit to Employee

Tuition Reimbursement Advising Offers Career, School Selection, &

Finance

Ages Range from 20-Something to Almost Retired

EdAssist

Needs Unique to Population

Online or On-Campus Network Schools

Balancing Work & Home Life with School Tuition Reimbursement Ranges &

Company’s Policy of What is Covered How to Finance Balance of College Costs not

Covered by Tuition Reimbursement

Resources

Veterans Affairs - www.gibill.va.gov

IRS Publication 970/Education Tax Credits - www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf

Questions &

Discussion