Meeting Special Student Needs
Entering or reentering college, you may be surprised to find that many of your fellow students are adults.  Indeed, the college and university population of students over the age of twenty-five is at an all time high with estimates that this population of students makes up between 40 and 50% of all students. The lot of adult students that enter or return to college has not gone unnoticed by college administrators and faculty. Most colleges provide specific support services for adult, sometimes referred to as non-traditional, students, their children, and families.
Once you begin the semester and become familiar with the campus, take time to find out what services are available to you. So, you may find:
* Staff trained to meet the needs of adult learners. Specific admission counselors, advisers, financial aid counselors, and coordinators of support programs and special services often are provided to work with non-traditional students, to answer your questions, and to ease your first weeks in college.
* Financial aid is available. Financial aid includes grants, loans, and/or student work programs. Eligibility may be influenced by many factors, so learn if you meet the criteria. Discover that local clubs and organizations offer scholarships to adult students. As many adults do not know about these scholarships, and therefore, don’t apply; money may be available even after the term begins.
* Day care is provided for children of students. Day care at a reduced rate is often offered by campuses for students, faculty, and staff. Also, some of campus day care facilities take drop-ins on an emergency basis.
* Work opportunities are available for adult students. Check with your institution’s financial aid and placement offices for work opportunities. Many campus offices have found adult students to be excellent workers because of the maturity and work experience they bring to the job.
* Support groups for adult students. Support groups are essential for many reasons but perhaps the most critical is that the friendships and network you develop will reduce the feeling that you are all alone. Such groups are important as participants share valuable information that can save you time and money.
* Academic assistance may be available at little or no cost. Discover that you qualify for free tutoring. Writing, reading, computer, and math labs are often available to assist you.
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