1 Inspiring Students to Succeed

Benefits of Being an Adult Learner Typically adult learners are motivated learners-they have a need for or a desire to return to school and value their educational experience Adult learners can draw upon life experiences to help understand course concepts Oftentimes returning to school is linked to their career or career goals and that adds an incentive for adult learners to excel

Why Get a Degree? What is the payoff for you and your family when you return to school for an advanced degree?

Why Get a Degree? Better and more job/career opportunities Increase in wages Provide a positive role-model for other family members Career satisfaction

What to Expect Approximately 40% of students are over 40 Average age of student, full-time: 21 part-time: % of students attend CCRI part-time 60.1% of students are female Top five majors: general studies, liberal arts, business administration, nursing level 1 & law enforcement

How Much Time is Needed to Study for Class The amount of time needed to study outside of class and how study time can affect your family, work and other commitments For every hour in class, you should spend at least 2 hours studying outside of class. For example, a typical three credit course meets for 2.5 hours per week You should be studying a minimum of five (5) hours per week for just that one class!

Time Management Amount of time needed to study outside of class That’s 7.5 hours (2.5 hours in class and 5 hours studying) from your schedule that needs to be devoted to one course That’s in addition to working, taking care of family members, cleaning house, cooking, shopping, laundry, socializing, etc

Time Management Tips to manage your time… Take small steps – register for one or two classes at a time Build into your weekly calendar time to study & record important due dates for tests, assignments & college deadlines Study on-campus if your home is too chaotic or distracting Study in small chunks of time every week – don’t cram!

Prioritizing Your Goals The decision to return to college is a life altering commitment – review your goals routinely to ensure that you are keeping on track Realize that in order to fit class & study time into your weekly schedule you will most likely have to let some other commitment or task go!

Prioritizing Your Goals For example: It’s nice to have a completely clean and orderly house, but it is not a necessity. You can live with a bit of dirt! Don’t try to be a super human person – you probably can’t do it all and you probably shouldn’t try Ask for help with domestic chores Learn to say no! Don’t over-commit yourself or let yourself be distracted from your academic goals

Financial Facts CCRI tuition: Typical 3 credit course cost $422* Full-time (12 + credits) per semester cost $1500* *Excluding course lab fees if applicable and books Cost of College includes tuition, fees and books as well as hidden costs such as: Potential loss of salary, vacation/sick leave, childcare, transportation, etc.

What to expect in class Be aware of generational differences that may arise between returning adult students and traditionally aged students You may notice a difference in motivation, aptitude and attitude It may be difficult for adult learners to deal with “younger” students who may appear more knowledgeable or seem more technically savvy If you are a parent, you may be sitting next to students who are younger than your own children!

What to expect in class As the semester progresses and assignment deadlines approach, stress levels for many students increase The end of the semester can produce a lot of stress – do not wait to ask for help or put off doing your assignments to the last minute!

Asking for Help A crucial mistake often made by returning adult students is not asking for help or not asking for help early If you are experiencing difficulty in class speak to your instructor! Request a tutor early in the semester – before your mid-term exams & grades (Tutors are available at no cost to CCRI students)

Asking for Help A crucial mistake often made by returning adult students is not asking for help or not asking for help early The Student Success Center * offers peer tutoring and study skill workshops at no cost to CCRI students Advising & Counseling Department can offer a whole range of counseling services including; academic, career and personal counseling at no cost to CCRI students *Please visit our website for more information:

Your Academic Success Our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring student success—achieved through support services, access to education, and teaching excellence. A CCRI education not only helps students improve their career prospects, but it also makes transfer to some of our country’s finest four-year colleges possible.