R ETURNING TO S CHOOL AFTER B EING P ART OF THE W ORKFORCE - B EST P RACTICES FOR H ELPING T HESE S TUDENTS 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  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 Advisement  Our Academic Achievement Center deals with all students offering a large array of programs, including evening advising  Application Help  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 Services  Now, Throughout & Later – Not Just Later  Flexible Enrollment Options  Time of Day, Time of Year, & Place

Bridgewater State University Veterans Issue Example  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  Age Range of MET is 18 to 74 years old!  Average Age of a MET is 31 years old  Student MET (fall 2011) is approx students – 2960 graduate students & 1340 undergrads  For the same period (fall 2011) there were 750 full- time students & 3550 part-time students

Boston University – Metropolitan College The needs of this population include:  Some of the everyday things common to families and students everywhere  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?  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  Population Demographics  Non-Traditional Students (20s-50s +, avg. 33)  International  Working/Part-Time Students  Off-Campus  Online Students  Degree Candidates have On-Campus Requirements  Relocation Costs  Reliance on Virtual resources

Harvard Extension School Needs Unique to Population  Work/Family/School Balance  Housing Costs  Dependency Care  Health Insurance  Unemployment  Career Change  Prior debt  Deferment  Non-Traditional Schedules  Not 9-5

Harvard Extension School How Harvard Addresses Student Needs  Communication: One-on-One Assistance   Website  Change in Income Form  Loss of Employment  Budget Adjustments  Consider Higher Expenses  Mortgages  Family  Medical

Berklee College of Music Population Demographics of Returning Students  Spring 2012  271 Student’s Inquired, 170 Returned  Summer 2012  191 Student’s Inquired, 116 Returned  Fall 2012  167 Student’s Inquired, 167 Returned

Berklee College of Music  Returning Students at Berklee are a Unique Population…  Job Opportunities  Financial Constraints  Never Intended to Stay  Returning Student Needs:  Transfer Credits  Immigration Documents  New Technology Credentials  Housing  Immunizations  Financial Aid

Berklee College of Music How Berklee Addresses Student Needs  One Point Person  Returning Student Coordinator  Communication  Mail, , & Phone Calls  Incentives  Allowed to Register for Classes before Pre-registration Opens to Rest of the Class

EdAssist Population Demographics  Partner with Corporations  Benefit to Employee  Tuition Reimbursement  Advising Offers Career, School Selection, & Finance  Ages Range from 20-Something to Almost Retired

EdAssist Needs Unique to Population  Online or On-Campus  Network Schools  Balancing Work & Home Life with School  Tuition Reimbursement Ranges & Company’s Policy of What is Covered  How to Finance Balance of College Costs not Covered by Tuition Reimbursement

Resources  Veterans Affairs -  IRS Publication 970/Education Tax Credits -

Questions & Discussion