Torchbearer: Summer 1997

Special Students, Special Services

By Chancellor Bill Snyder

We've had a little difficulty trying to figure out what to call our older students-reentry, non-traditional, adult? But, UT Knoxville's commitment to those older than "typical" college students has always been strong.

About one in five of UTK's approximately 19,000 undergraduates is more than 25 years old, out of school more than three years, married, has children, or some combination of the above.

We are looking for new ways to bring more adults to the campus and help them succeed. As America ages and the concept of lifelong learning becomes more entrenched, today's so-called non-traditional student will become more the norm than the exception.

Several years ago, the University recognized that adult students' needs are different from those of the 18- to 24-year-old undergraduate who lives on or near campus or who commutes from the suburbs. We tried several names on the office door before we settled on the Adult Student Services Center as the place older students could come for help.

Dr. Maxine Thompson has been a constant during those name changes, and she says a word of reassurance is the first thing many adult students need. Some have never been in college. Others are returning years after dropping out, and some are unsure about study skills, integrating with younger students, and balancing work, home, and school.

Dr. Thompson has one-on-one meetings with prospective students who request them. Conversation in these meetings centers on the University and how it operates, what it is like to be an adult student, and other concerns that arise.

Students receive information about area child care agencies, are advised on juggling work and school schedules, and are provided career counseling. A mentor program is available, as is a student locator service-in case an emergency arises with a child.

At student orientation, which we offer before both fall and spring semesters, new students receive academic advising and register for classes.

Adult students tend to fall into two groups, those who enroll for professional and work-related reasons and those who are here for the joy of learning. They are split about evenly between day and evening school. Some are here after successful careers in one field to develop skills for a second.

Despite the notion younger undergraduates have that adult students are "curve breakers" who make the highest grades in class, there is no data to support the contention. Grade point averages are about the same.

Many faculty say they enjoy having older students in class, because they are more likely to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and participate in classroom discussions.

Adult students often bring life experience to class that enhances younger students' learning. Sometimes they have the opportunity to put to work at home or on their job what they have just learned in the classroom.

Lifelong learning is a priority with me and my staff, and enhancing the overall experience of our adult students is one of the best ways we can demonstrate that commitment. Every year we welcome alumni back for Homecoming, but we would like you back for a longer stay-as an adult student.

Also See "Up in Years"