Innovative Practices to Engage and Retain Adult Learners Johnna Evans & Paul Nardone

This presentation is “in the cloud.” Access PowerPoint slides and other presentation materials at:

www.misericordia.edu/consulting

Presenters

Johnna Evans Student Services Coordinator, Center for Adult & Continuing Education, Misericordia University

Paul Nardone Interim Director, Center for Adult & Continuing Education and Adjunct Faculty Member, Misericordia University

This Session Will Explore • Creating a culture that considers the adult learner. • Innovative approaches to student services. • Academic advising for the adult learner. • The importance of communication with the adult

learner. • Opportunities for adult students inside and outside

the classroom.

About Misericordia • Founded: 1924 by the Religious Sisters of Mercy. • Total Enrollment: 3,196, 69% women, 31% men. • Full-time Enrollment: 1,958, 65% women, 35% men. • Part-time Undergraduate Enrollment: 692, 76% women,

24% men. • Part-time Graduate Enrollment: 546, 76% women, 24%

men.

About Misericordia • Academic Programs: 34 degree programs in three Academic

Colleges: Arts and Sciences; Health Sciences; and Professional Studies and Social Sciences.

• Graduate Education: Master's degrees in nursing, education, business, and organizational management. Master’s and doctoral degrees in occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and physical therapy.

About Expressway

• An accelerated degree program that provides the quickest route to a bachelor's degree.

• Designed for highly motivated adults who want to earn their degree in a timely manner, have prior college credits, and have work or relevant life experience.

• Students have the ability to enroll eight different times during the year, not just in the fall and spring.

About Expressway

• Take up to four three-credit courses per semester. • Earn a bachelor's degree in as little as two and one-half

years. • Convenient, predictable scheduling. • Highly qualified faculty members who practice

professionally in their field. • Personal attention and supportive adult learning

environment .

About Expressway

Expressway is available in three formats to work with an adult learner’s busy schedule: • One night a week, 6-10:15 p.m.

• Every third Saturday

• Online

Non-Traditional Students • Financially independent • Delayed enrollment in college • Work full-time • Attend college part-time • Have children • Not having attained a standard high school diploma • Single parents

Source: 1997 NCES Longitudinal Study on Student Persistence

Adult Student Characteristics • Trigger life event prompted a return to school. • Want learning to be relevant. • Bring knowledge and experience to the classroom. • Are busy with work and family. • Want to be good role models for their children. • Are motivated to earn a degree. • Are anxious about getting good grades.

Source: The College Board’s Office of Adult Learning Services

Adult Student Characteristics • Are uncertain about their academic skills, especially math &

writing. • Want credit for life learning. • Want their education to pay off in a better life situation. • Like helping their peers. • Are unsure of how to act in an academic environment. • Are worried about their financial situation. • Are anxious about being in class with younger students.

Source: The College Board’s Office of Adult Learning Services

Why Adult Learners Drop Out

• Anxiety and stress over college-related expenses: 71.3%

• Anxiety about not spending time with loved ones and friends: 58.5%

• Worrying about intellectual ability to complete coursework: 51.5%

Source: The Apollo Research Institute survey of 4,500 non-traditional students

Why Adult Learners Drop Out

• Stress caused when classes interfere with normal routine: 49.1%

• Stress caused by a fear that a degree is needed to prove competence to others: 42.0%

• Resentment over doing coursework over something else: 40.4%

Source: The Apollo Research Institute survey of 4,500 non-traditional students

Services New student orientation

• Offered every semester

• Online and in-person sessions

• Follow-up sessions and continuing support

Services • Personalized Education Plan (PEP)

• CACE page on MU portal

• Classroom visits

• Workshops and guides

Services • Student Success Center

• Writing Center

• Insalaco Center for Career Development

• Women with Children Program

Support Networks • Adult Student Council

• Peer Mentors

Communication • Regular email updates and reminders

• Reminders to visit CACE page • Availability to answer calls and meet with

students

Communication • Proactive call outreach

• Positive reinforcement • Other correspondence

Communication • Student surveys

• Informal student feedback • Focus groups

• Referral Program

Communication

“The art of conversation lies in listening."

~Malcolm Forbes

Advising

• One size does not fit all

• Extended office hours

• One stop shop

• Going above & beyond

• Adobe Connect sessions

Making Learning Relevant

• Practical Applications

• Service Learning

• Internships

Campus Events

• Adult Student Dinner Dance

• Adult Student Picnic

• Potluck Dinner

Campus Events • Bunny Brunch & Easter Egg Hunt

• Halloween

• Santa Brunch

Campus Events • Summer Concerts

• Football Tailgates

Recognition • Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society

• Phi Beta Delta Honor Society

• Outstanding Adult Learner Award

• Grace Andrews Award

• Commencement

Staff Support • Administration

• Colleagues

• Family

Our Story

Helping adult students to realize their dreams and learn to succeed.

What’s your story?

Johnna Evans jevans@misericordia.edu, 570-674-3021

Paul Nardone

pnardone@misericordia.edu, 570-674-8130

www.misericordia.edu/consulting