Hendrix Lacks Support for Non-Traditional Students
Diana Stogner
Issue date: 2/10/06 Section: News
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When most think of college students, they think of young, 20-something year olds drinking beer on a weeknight, partying it up on the weekends, and living a carefree life as they prepare to enter the "real world." However, many people, including those in the Hendrix community, seem to forget there are other students who already have "real world" commitments such as careers, children, or both. While Hendrix College does recognize it has non-traditional students, there are currently no assistance programs in place to help these students with special needs. And, according to College administrators, this is not likely to change in the near future.
A non-traditional student is one that is not of the typical age or societal situation as the majority of his/her peers, according to http://www.wikipedia.com. While exact figures are unavailable, the Registrar's Office confirmed that, to its knowledge, there are very few students who classify themselves as non-traditional. However, these small few have begun to call on the Hendrix administration for support as they pursue their undergraduate degree.
"Applying resources to non-traditional students is a need that is currently not being meet," senior Valerie Keene said. "Why aren't there more family oriented activities on campus, such as finger painting?"
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joyce Hardin said there is such a small population of non-traditional students that she was unaware of any need for such programs. Though, if brought to her attention, the College would consider adding some.
"Hendrix offers programs that do the most good for the most students," she said.
Dr. Kim Maslin-Wicks, professor of politics, said, "I would like to see Hendrix encourage retired community members to audit classes for intellectual stimulation."
Maslin-Wicks is also advocating Hendrix offer night classes, which would make students' schedules more flexible around family or work.
The College also currently does not offer housing designated specifically for families or students with special needs. Though the Front Street and Clifton Street apartments would be a logical fit for these students, the College currently does not offer year-round housing. The incongruity of a summer break would cause a hardship on those students raising a family or with no other place to live. These students are forced to choose between traditional on-campus housing or removing themselves from the tight-knit campus life and move off campus. But, for some, it's not even a decision.
A non-traditional student is one that is not of the typical age or societal situation as the majority of his/her peers, according to http://www.wikipedia.com. While exact figures are unavailable, the Registrar's Office confirmed that, to its knowledge, there are very few students who classify themselves as non-traditional. However, these small few have begun to call on the Hendrix administration for support as they pursue their undergraduate degree.
"Applying resources to non-traditional students is a need that is currently not being meet," senior Valerie Keene said. "Why aren't there more family oriented activities on campus, such as finger painting?"
Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Joyce Hardin said there is such a small population of non-traditional students that she was unaware of any need for such programs. Though, if brought to her attention, the College would consider adding some.
"Hendrix offers programs that do the most good for the most students," she said.
Dr. Kim Maslin-Wicks, professor of politics, said, "I would like to see Hendrix encourage retired community members to audit classes for intellectual stimulation."
Maslin-Wicks is also advocating Hendrix offer night classes, which would make students' schedules more flexible around family or work.
The College also currently does not offer housing designated specifically for families or students with special needs. Though the Front Street and Clifton Street apartments would be a logical fit for these students, the College currently does not offer year-round housing. The incongruity of a summer break would cause a hardship on those students raising a family or with no other place to live. These students are forced to choose between traditional on-campus housing or removing themselves from the tight-knit campus life and move off campus. But, for some, it's not even a decision.