According to statistics published by the American Association of Community Colleges, the average age for a student enrolled in a community college is currently 29. Many people expect that number to continue to rise as the “Baby Boomer” generation matures.
The faculty and staff at Salt Lake Community College are not only prepared for this influx of non-traditional students, but are also excited.
There are many programs available at SLCC to help students of all ages succeed in their educational goals.
“The more diverse the class, the better the discussions,” says Zendina Mostart, Sociology instructor.
Non-traditional students return to college for a variety of reasons. Some return to get a degree for a new or better job, others come to fulfill a lifelong dream.
Whatever the reason, returning to school sounds easier than it really is.
One hurdle that most non-traditional students have hard a time with is the use of the ever-evolving technology. Many non-traditional students get discouraged because technology is such a big part of curriculum and classes.
SLCC is currently addressing the technology issues by making the college’s most used websites, MyPage and Canvas, more user-friendly.
They also staff the computer labs with aides who are familiar with the sites and can provide help.
“We have open labs and encourage students to visit them or the help desk in the Technology Building [at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus], room 216,” says Casey Moore, SLCC Director of Technology.
In light of the increased need for help with technology, the Technical Help Desk held their first Tech Day @SLCC event on September 10, 2014.
They supplied advice and snacks to all students and faculty who attended.
Students left the event in much higher spirits knowing that they were not the only ones having problems.
Moore says that there are plans to possibly expand the event to other campuses in the spring.
The Information Technology department also has many free services available to students. Students can request help on the department’s new website.
Above all, SLCC faulty and staff want to stress the fact that it does not matter how old students are.
Any person can still make a difference in this world and SLCC is here to help with that.
