Dr. Eichler "Adult/Non-Traditional Students"

At Texas State Univ., 28,959 enrolled students working on a BA. Over 4981 are over 25 (17.2 percent).

Non-traditionals:

Often over 25
Often have an established work history, often military
May have dependents
Typically have not been attending college regularly since high school
Often have transfer hours

Dr. Eichler talked about impediments to non-traditionals' success, such as time, mobility, and money constraints, but also by past attempts at attending the university, so perhaps past failures, which affect not only gpa but also attitudes about themselves, professors, and higher Ed in general.

Higher Ed. is often tailored to a young demographic, but a non-traditional may not care about clubs, Etc.

Non-traditionals with disabilities may have begun college prior to ADA; they may not have been diagnosed; they may have developed workarounds because they did not receive support; and they may resist seeking help now.

Adult-friendly and disability-friendly design are similar in many ways: individualize as much as possible. And be respectful of what the person brings to the campus, classroom, and world.

Dr. Eichler mentioned that some students began college 30 years ago, so much has changed. We learned that SLAC computer science tutors can help students learn how to use basic computer programs such as excel and word.