Back to School 101
August 9, 2002
Once they've outfitted the kids with new backpacks, lunch boxes and clothes for school, many parents are sharpening their own pencils and heading back to the classroom.
Whether they are finishing a degree, earning a professional certificate, taking courses to change careers or just seeking personal enrichment, more and more adults are hitting the books.
Nationally, the percentage of adult students on college campuses has risen from 45 percent to more than 55 percent in the last seven years, according to Dr. James L. Narduzzi, dean of the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Richmond. In his eight years at Richmond, the number of adults seeking degrees has risen from 400 students registering for 1,400 courses per year to 1,000 students registering for more than 3,000 courses.
"Most adults return to college for work related reasons - they've hit the wall and can't get to the next level without a bachelor's degree," he said. Typically, 70 percent of the adults matriculating at Richmond are women, and most have children. Ninety percent are working, which is why they seek classes at night and on Saturdays. The university also offers some online courses, which are increasingly popular.
Narduzzi also has seen an increase in students taking non-credit courses. "Kids to seniors are enrolled" in professional and enrichment classes ranging from computer certification to sign language and painting. The School of Continuing Studies expects to register 3,000 people for non-credit courses this year.
One of the larger non-degree programs at Richmond is the fast-track teacher licensure program, which allows adults who already have a degree and are often working full time to complete a shortened version of the undergraduate teaching program. "Our goal is to send teachers into the classroom ready to teach," said Dr. Samuel E. Perry Jr., program director. Two two-week internships observing an experienced teacher and six weeks of practice teaching provide front-line experience during the 18-month program.
Older students can do the work, Narduzzi said. Their biggest problem is time management. "I tell them to look for a university with a very supportive environment and lots of options," he said. Perry advises his students to talk over their decisions with family members and employers and to prepare for contingencies, especially childcare. Also, he tells them to make sure they have a passion for what they're doing.
Many older students hate to leave school when they've earned their diplomas. About 25 percent pursue graduate degrees, including Mary Evans, who graduated in May 2002 and is headed back to campus in the fall to begin a master's program. Her advice to other adults contemplating a return to college: "Just try it." Fear of failure is no reason to put off returning to the classroom, says Evans, who worked for five years as a nurse before "retiring" to raise her children. "I found out I was pretty good at it."
Rich Endert, who is working on a bachelor's degree in information systems, advises adults to "take one class" preferably something in which they have a passionate interest. "They will then get an idea of homework requirements and the time commitment" without being overwhelmed with a full course load. Endert, who got a job at First North American National Bank from a fellow student, also touts the advantages of networking with others in your program.
Juggling family and job responsibilities with schoolwork can be hard, but he and his fellow students employ "creative time management skills." It's important to "pick and choose" the courses you'll take and the family events you'll attend and always, he says, "keep the long view."