Non-traditional methods for non-traditional students… Little things mean a lot!

Texas A&M University-Texarkana "This presentation will address some of the challenges universities face as they recruit, provide financial aid, and retain transfer students. The emphasis will be on creative methods to contact transfer students, the importance of scholarships, orientation and activities designed to meet their unique needs. "

6 Things you need to know Know your students Know where they come from Know how prepared they are Know their economic situation Know what information they need to have Know how to get them involved

Know how prepared they are CAAP test BAAS Psychology of work class Extended periods between enrollment due to life circumstances Emotional support and encouragement is key THEA Can they pass the Math portion

Know your students 32 years old Female71% 61% are enrolled part time 28% of the students come from Arkansas 83% are employed 25 or more hours each week

Know where they come from Know where they come from Upper division university 100% commuter 100% of the students are transfers from other schools Students commute up to 2 hours from 4 states. 80% will remain within 50 miles of the campus after graduation.

RECRUITMENT Relationships are important High school visits aren’t going to connect with non-traditional students. College extravaganzas advertised in paper Workshops Visits to community colleges/employers Employer collaboration Mailings

Know their economic situation Many merit based scholarships Meet them where they are Online everything Extended time to apply for aid

Know what information they need to have Modified transfer orientations Useful handbook Degree planning and transcript analysis that is student friendly Where to go when you need…..

MENTORS Many hands make light work Involves all levels of the university from president down to janitors Gives students another link to the university Heads off potential problems Gives students an opportunity to ask those “stupid questions” Gives employees who usually don’t have student interaction opportunity to be involved.

Know how to get them involved Traditional activities won’t work! Family fare Community involvement Professional affiliations Professional development opportunities After hours events

OBSERVATIONS Will attend events, but not every weekend Inflexible work hours Still need guidance like traditional students Take their education more serious Decision to go to school is sometimes spontaneous/wait till the last minute to register.