Gen 201 - Continuing Academic Success

Continuing Academic Success

Gem Holcomb

GEN 201

April 26, 2016

Mrs. Vickie Horton

Fears, Concerns & Challenges

All students entering college go through a period of adjustment. However, adult students may need special assistance if they are to succeed.  Having a support structure is key to maintaining success in all endeavors.  Communication is very important.  Expressing concerns to family, friends, and co-workers can help to overcome these areas and helps to increase the retention and success rate of adult learners.

Balancing Family, Job & Education

Challenges that adult learners face can include but are not limited to: concerns about their families and careers. They ask themselves “what if I don’t have time for my family after I start school?” “What if my spouse feels that he/she needs to take on more responsibilities and can’t handle it?” “What if my child gets sick, my car breaks down, I have to work late or I have an emergency at home?”  All if not most adult students returning to school have voiced one of these concerns at one time or another.

Finding a learning institution that can provide an environment that addresses a lot these concerns can take the pressures off of adult learners.  University of Phoenix is a prime example.  They provide services and resources to help most adult students in achieving academic success.

Managing Finances

Finances are and can be stressful.  Families living in a single income household may have concerns with paying for school, particularly single parents.  Researching grants, college loans and government assistance programs are impoverished or threatened by poverty. The stress of trying to put together various sources of funding, such as federal aid, scholarships, and part-time or full-time employment to cover the tuition, fees, books, and cost of living can be overwhelming. Another major concern is childcare and health care costs for children.

Gaining Confidence in School Work

“I haven’t studied in years.” “I’m out of practice.” “My brain feels rusty.” “I’m not sure I can read, write, or do math well enough to take college courses.” Other concerns include test taking, competing with younger students, and the fear that instructors will not like having an older student in class.

UW-Barron County offers tutorial services for Writing and Math. We have an Academic Assistance Advisor available to provide students with study skills and encouragement towards academic success. We also offer non-degree “refresher” classes in English and Math in addition to a Learning Skills class so students can gain the skills needed to be successful.