Institutional Planning for Non-Traditional Students at a Rural State College

• Main Author: Young, Mark A
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.1984
• Subjects: Adult Learning; Adult Students; Ancillary School Services; Change Strategies; College Planning; Curriculum Development; Higher Education; Institutional Advancement; Long Range Planning; Nontraditional Students; Public Relations; Rural Schools; State Colleges; Student Characteristics; Student College Relationship; Student Needs; Student Recruitment; Workshops

A workshop was used as a long-term planning method by a small, rural state college in Montana to promote recruitment and service to nontraditional students (adults 25 years old or older). The first step was the review of national trends and conditions within the state and college by a committee composed of administrators, faculty, and nontraditional students. The workshop provided recommendations to improve recruitment of this population, as well as student services and the curriculum. Information was provided on key differences between traditional and nontraditional students, as well as conditions within the college that affect older students (i.e., study areas, office hours, computer orientation). In addition to considering academic preferences of nontraditional students, workshop participants discussed instructional alterations that would benefit adult learning. The findings of two studies were presented: a survey on nontraditional students, and a survey of faculty members' views of the needs of nontraditional students. Included in this workshop report are a summary and analysis of the survey findings, short-term recommendations for public relations and institutional progress, and long-term recommendations for acquisition/renovation, and curriculum development. (SW)