MetLife Phase 2:

Counselor Community of PracticeVirtual Session

March 30, 2012

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Today’s Emphasis

Introductions (10 min)

Advising Avenue Faculty attitudes (15 min) What do you know about PLA? (15 min) “Realistic” approach to advising (20

min) Are your students self-aware and aware of

the marketplace? Pathways to the future (15 min)

Your Best Ideas from Today (10 min)

Confirm next COP topics (5 min)

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Agenda – Virtual Session #2

Why Are Mature Students in School?

Their work situation has changed, either voluntarily or involuntarily

Their economic stability has taken a hit Work is different- Less physical labor Health considerations are generally

positive Life expectancy- 78 Disabilities are declining due to medical

advances According to a recent AARP survey of

Baby Boomers, 40 percent of them plan to work "until they drop".

Mature Students as Learners

Studies indicate adult students typically meet or exceed the performance of traditional college age students

Adult learners are actively involved in planning their learning

Learning material that is relevant to current or future employment is important to adult learners

Sacrifices in time, money and lifestyle lead to an increased commitment and success in learning

Prior Learning Assessment is a process for evaluating knowledge and skills in order to award college credit for learning from: On-the-job learning

Corporate training

Independent study

Military service

Civic activities

Volunteer service

Courseware on internet

What is PLA?

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Less time in class, less money on tuition

Less waste – you won’t pay for training and then pay again for tuition in the same subject area

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Why Does it Make Sense for Students?

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Why Does it Make Sense for Your College?

Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, March 2010

PLA Increases Graduation Rates

Questions you may be asked: Where are the jobs? Can I make as much as I used to? When can I retire? I really like doing _____ so I want a job in that

field. Can you help me? I want to be a ________. How much time do I

have to spend in school? Can you help me figure out what to do with my

life?

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Realistic Advising

Career Pathways Links

• Telecommunications

http://vividfuture.org/

• Biotech

www.finding-your-future.org

• Energy Industry

http://www.epceonline.org/areyouready/index.html

• Solar Power

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/careermap/

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Education Expressway What support systems are in

place? How do people know about

them? How do policies affect your

students’ persistence? LinkedIn – “CAEL Career

Pathways and Counselor Initiative” Post and check12

Next Session