Generation Z goes to College

A New Generation’s Expectations for Higher Education

Who is Generation Z?•Born between 1995-2014•Known as the Shaping Generation or Silent Generation•9/11 not remembered as an event, but as part of history• Instead of 9/11, Generation Z has been shaped by school shootings and the war on

terrorism•Grew up in ultra connected, fast-moving technological age• More dependent on technology than any other generation• Comfortable with and enjoy operating multiple electronic devices at the same time

•Less likely to travel; choose to spend greater amount of time in “virtual” world

Who is Generation Z?

•Generation Z sees genders as equals• Believe in tolerance and diversity in the classroom and at work

•In the workplace and classroom, Generation Z lacks in personal expression and interpersonal skills• Prefer communication via internet to any verbal communication

•Passionate about education• More than 80% of Generation Z plans on attending college immediately after high school• Vo-Tech is an option for Generation Z more than any other generation• Cost of college matters to Generation Z

Who is Generation Z?• Ultimate do-it-yourselfers; they will look for their own answers

• Self Reliant• Do not take suggestions from others well

More than any other generation, Generation Z most closely resembles Baby Boomers. They least resemble Echo Boomers/Millennials (born 1973-2000).

Millennials vs Generation Z

Millennials• More optimistic about future• More service oriented ( volunteer)• “Me” generation• Tech Savvy• Like scheduled learning• Embrace diversity

Generation Z• More realistic about future• Interested in social change• “We” generation• Tech Reliant• Want “on-demand” learning• Embrace diversity

Expectations of Generation Z

•Their research is more valuable than information from teachers, parents or peers and will make their own decisions about college and major selection•Cost of college should be reasonable; #1 concern• Are pragmatic and will choose less expensive college

•Believe taking college classes while in high school will prepare them for college•Believe taking college classes will prepare them for a careerDefine success as securing a good job; not as interested in personal fulfillment as Millennials• Financially driven vs personal fulfillment

Expectations of Generation Z

• Want permission to use electronic devices in classroom as part of learning• Online learning preferred to face to face learning in most areas

• Khan Academy and Skillshare-do it yourself learning• Desire to co-create online curriculum with instructor

• Like learning through games because it is engaging• 1/3 of Generation Z plans to own their own business and wants coursework that will enhance

business• Plan to leapfrog entitled millennials in workforce by taking lesser positions and working harder

Considerations when Advising Generation Z

• Generation Z doesn’t like to read handouts, checklists or emails in preparation for class work or advising session.

• Generation Z retains information best by high engagement; doesn’t want to be “talked at”• Have a short attention span and like to read/digest information in small bytes• Less interested in math and science career fields than Millennials• Not particularly interested in communication via Facebook. Facebook is for their parents.

Use their phone to text, not call. Youtube is preferred for communicating vital information.

• Generation Z prefer to use their phone for everything• Like to be texted; especially for important information

Academic Advising of Generation Z

• Generation Z expects to make good academic progress in college; will be held accountable by “parents”, but parents not part of college processes

• Want instant answers and expect advisors to use technology to get them• Generation Z struggles with critically evaluating information

• Being redundant with critical information is important

• Word of mouth is important. May take opinion of peers over facts given by adviser

Academic Advising of Generation Z

• What processes or approaches will academic advisers need to consider modifying to better serve and engage Generation Z?