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Military Students: Tailoring Academic Support for Success

22 Apr

Military Students: Tailoring Academic

Support for Success

As educational institutions are considering the resources and associated costs for supporting adult students, they should also be considering the needs of specialized segments of the adult student market, such as military students. Military students, both active-duty service members and veterans, face unique challenges that go beyond those mentioned for adult learners in general. 

Here are some additional support needs specific to this population:

Personal

  • Transitioning to and from military service: support with academic reintegration after deployment or adjusting to civilian academic expectations after military training. This might include flexible deadlines, course materials accessibility during deployment, and support for catching up on missed work. 
  • Deployment disruptions: assistance with managing academic disruptions due to deployments, leaves of absence, or relocation.This might include flexible deadlines, course materials accessibility during deployment, and support for catching up on missed work.
  • Financial insecurity: support for veterans facing financial hardship due to service-related disabilities, unemployment, or housing instability.This could involve emergency grants, scholarships, and partnerships with veteran support organizations.

    • Career Development

  • Translation of military skills and experience: assistance with translating military skills and experience into civilian resumes and job applications.Universities can offer workshops on career development specifically for veterans, connecting them with relevant employer networks. 
  • Entrepreneurship and small business support: programs and resources to help veterans interested in starting their own businesses.This could include mentorship, training, and access to funding opportunities.

    • By addressing the specific needs and challenges of military students, universities can foster a more welcoming and inclusive environment, promoting their academic success and well-being. This commitment to tailored support not only aids in their transition but also contributes to their overall success, enriching the academic community as a whole.

    Written by: Dr. Sarah Steinberg

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    Categories: News & Research, Students, Universities

    Dispelling Myths: Understanding the True Needs of Adult Students in Higher Education

    03 Apr

    Dispelling Myths: Understanding the True Needs

    of Adult Students in Higher Education

    Inherent biases within institutions, despite all good intentions, play a significant role in shaping budget planning and strategic decisions aimed at re-engaging adult students. Here are some common myths and the realities behind them:

    Myth #1: Adult students are only interested in online learning.

    Reality: While online options are attractive due to flexibility, many adult students value classroom interaction and building peer relationships. They may seek hybrid formats or opportunities for in-person discussions and group work.

    Myth #2: Adult students prefer independent learning and minimal support.

    Reality: Adult learners often lack confidence in academic skills or navigating new systems. Although they may enter an institution believing that they have everything under control, they often realize that they need a variety of academic support services, from study skills workshops to writing resources and personalized advising.

    Myth #3: Adult students primarily need career advancement and practical skills.

    Reality: While career goals are important, adult learners also have diverse motivations for pursuing degrees later in life. They may seek intellectual stimulation, personal growth, or a change in direction. Universities should offer a range of academic programs and opportunities beyond strictly vocational training.

    Myth #4: Adult students are tech-savvy and comfortable with online tools.

    Reality: Technology access and digital literacy vary greatly among adult learners. Some may require training on online platforms, communication tools, and research resources to fully participate in digital learning environments. This is often an added burden for institutions typically more comfortable serving traditional age students.

    Myth #5: Adult students are financially independent and don't need aid.

    Reality: Many adult learners juggle work, family commitments, and educational expenses. They may require flexible payment plans, scholarships specifically for adult students, and guidance on navigating financial aid options.

    By debunking these myths and understanding the diverse needs and realities of adult learners, universities can create a more supportive learning environment, fostering their success and enriching their academic experience.  Supportive environments lead to strengthened metrics for retention and degree completion.    

    Written by: Dr. Sarah Steinberg

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    Categories: News & Research, Students, Universities

    Responding to the Unique Support Services Required by Adult Students in Higher Ed

    14 Feb
    The rise of adult learners in higher education is prompting universities to adapt their support services. These students bring unique challenges, necessitating tailored academic, financial, and personal support. Flexible scheduling, clear financial aid guidance, career counseling, and resources like childcare and mental health support are becoming essential. Higher education leaders must strategically allocate resources and possibly seek specialized training for staff to meet these diverse needs effectively, ensuring adult learners thrive in their academic pursuits.
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    Categories: News & Research, Students, Universities

    High School Benchmarks

    02 Sep

    This ninth annual report provides the most current data on high school graduates’ postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion outcomes. This data provides the most relevant benchmarks for monitoring and evaluating progress in assisting students to make the high school to college transition and earn a credential in a timely manner. The current report examines college enrollment for the high school graduating class of 2020, persistence for the class of 2018, and completion for the class of 2014. Large gaps persist between high-income and low-income high schools on all fronts.

    ✔️ Ready to learn more? Click here to view the High School Benchmarks Report 
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    Categories: News & Research, Students

    COVID-19 Stay Informed with the Latest Enrollment Information

    02 Sep
    In fall 2021, the second fall semester of the COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges have fully resumed in-person classes amid the resurgence of the coronavirus. With continued challenges of responding quickly to evolving logistical concerns, institutional leaders and students alike are faced with difficult decisions that must be made with a lack of reliable, up-to-date information. ✔️ Report: Stay informed with the latest enrollment information on Covid-19 
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    Categories: News & Research, Students

    Students and Administrators on Post-Pandemic Imperatives

    02 Sep
    As economic changes continue to require more postsecondary education for career success, colleges and universities stand to play a pivotal role in the future of work by connecting working adults with the skills required to succeed in the workplace. This study gathered both student and institutional perspectives on the biggest Covid-19 postsecondary pain points for these learners in order to determine which college policies worked, which didn’t, and what kind of educational and personal support was simply missing. ✔️ Read the Report: Serving Post Traditional Students
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    Categories: News & Research, Students

    Understanding The Whole Learner

    02 Sep
    This white paper centers around adults’ unique backgrounds such as motivations, prior schooling experiences, and linguistic and cultural resources, as the foundation of understanding how adult students learn best. The Adult Learner Model synthesizes this research by bringing together findings from cognitive psychology, sociology, basic and continuing education, higher education, adult literacy, workforce training, digital literacy, and English language acquisition. ✔️ Ready to learn more? Click here to view the White Paper  
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    Categories: News & Research, Students

    Adult Learners In Higher Education

    02 Sep
    This white paper shapes the powerful economic, demographic, and market trends within the higher education space, particularly for adults. Moreover, it asks how these trends might affect key constituencies. This paper looks at the obstacles that adult learners face in trying to earn credentials with labor market value, the promise of innovative practices that target adult learners, and changes in institutional and governmental policies that might help more adults earn higher education credentials. ✔️ Ready to learn more? Click here to view the white paper: Adult Learners in Higher Education
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    Categories: News & Research, Students
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