Transcript Returning to School after being part of the workforce

RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER BEING PART OF THE
WORKFORCE BEST PRACTICES FOR HELPING THESE STUDENTS
Kelley Baran – Bridgewater State University
Chris Hart – Boston University
Katie Kelsall - Harvard Extension School
Frank Mullen - Berklee College of Music
Pam Walker - College Coach/EdAssist
MASFAA Conference
November 7, 2012
Bridgewater State University
Population Demographics – Four Major Categories
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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
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Advisement
Our Academic Achievement Center deals with all students offering
a large array of programs, including evening advising
 Application
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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
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Services
Now, Throughout & Later – Not Just Later
 Flexible
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Help
Enrollment Options
Time of Day, Time of Year, & Place
Bridgewater State University
Veterans Issue Example
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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
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Age Range of Students @ MET is 18 to 74 years old!
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Average Age of a MET is 31 years old
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Student population @ MET (fall 2011) is approx.
4300 students – 2960 graduate students & 1340
undergrads
For the same period (fall 2011) there were 750 fulltime students & 3550 part-time students
Boston University – Metropolitan College
The needs of this population include:
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Some of the everyday things common to families and
students everywhere
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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?
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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
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Population Demographics
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Non-Traditional Students (20s-50s+, avg. 33)
International
Working/Part-Time Students
Off-Campus
Online Students
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Degree Candidates have On-Campus Requirements
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Relocation Costs
Reliance on Virtual resources
Harvard Extension School
Needs Unique to Population
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Work/Family/School Balance
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Unemployment
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Career Change
Prior debt
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Housing Costs
Dependency Care
Health Insurance
Deferment
Non-Traditional Schedules
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Not 9-5
Harvard Extension School
How Harvard Addresses Student Needs
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Communication: One-on-One Assistance
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Change in Income Form
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E-mail
Website
Loss of Employment
Budget Adjustments
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Consider Higher Expenses
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Mortgages
Family
Medical
Berklee College of Music
Population Demographics of Returning Students
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Spring 2012
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Summer 2012
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271 Student’s Inquired, 170 Returned
191 Student’s Inquired, 116 Returned
Fall 2012
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167 Student’s Inquired, 167 Returned
Berklee College of Music
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Returning Students at Berklee are a Unique Population…
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Job Opportunities
Financial Constraints
Never Intended to Stay
Returning Student Needs:
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Transfer Credits
Immigration Documents
New Technology Credentials
Housing
Immunizations
Financial Aid
Berklee College of Music
How Berklee Addresses Student Needs
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One Point Person
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Communication
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Returning Student Coordinator
Mail, E-mail, & Phone Calls
Incentives
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Allowed to Register for Classes before
Pre-registration Opens to Rest of the Class
EdAssist
Population Demographics
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Partner with Corporations
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Benefit to Employee
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Tuition Reimbursement
Advising Offers Career, School Selection, & Finance
Ages Range from 20-Something to Almost Retired
EdAssist
Needs Unique to Population
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Online or On-Campus
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Network Schools
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Balancing Work & Home Life with School
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Tuition Reimbursement Ranges & Company’s Policy of
What is Covered
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How to Finance Balance of College Costs not Covered by
Tuition Reimbursement
Resources
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Veterans Affairs - www.gibill.va.gov
IRS Publication 970/Education Tax Credits www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf
Questions
&
Discussion