MOVIN’ ON UP:Transition and TransferServing older students and students with disabilities

ICEBREAKERBefore we get started let’s do a little

What to expect today …

Understand the experience of the older student, the student with a disability, the student who feels like he or she just doesn’t fit in …

What to expect today …

But then needs to take the next step …

Now fits in to that two year college

What to expect today …

Eve NicholsMetropolitan State University

Jane LarsonMinneapolis Community and Technical College

First, a little about us …

Metropolitan State University Established in 1972

to meet the needs of older learners.

Average age of Student is 32

Majority of the students are working adults with family responsibilities.

The average student has attended five institutions

90% of student population are transfer students

Students with DisabilitiesMetropolitan State University

Students with DisabilitiesMetropolitan State University

Disability Services Office established in 1994

Average age is 37 Majority are working

adults with families

The average student has attended two institutions typically area community colleges

85% are transfer students from area community colleges

Minneapolis Community and Technical

CollegeAbout our students TRiO DSSS

58% Part-Time 53% Women Average age is 28 Only 9% are recent

high school graduates 26% First Generation 48% Low income

This year, MCTC was awarded a TRiO Student Support Services Grant with a goal to serve 100 students with disabilities to graduate and transfer.

Today we will discuss ideas to help keep students reach these goals.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College

58%

MCTC Students with Disabilities

SOME OF THE PROBLEMS WE SEE ON OUR CAMPUS …

What are we seeing …

It was difficult enrolling at the two-year institution but now I am comfortable here

I just can’t complete the last requirement I need to transfer … What do you think that is???

Yep, I’m transferring in the fall … Have you talked to anyone where you are transferring? Do you know the deadlines for application?

What are we seeing …

I think I would like a double majoror

I would like to have a certificateor

I like it hereor

I don’t like it there

Have you talked with anybody there?

2 Yr. to 4 Yr. Transition Issues for Older Students with Disabilities

Differences in models of service delivery

Skills in self-advocacy Differences in social life Access to technology Differences in academic

requirements Availability of tutors

2 Yr. to 4 Yr. Transition Issues for Older Students with Disabilities

Understanding and working through the transfer process

The unfamiliar, support services and university procedures

Reluctance to embrace difference

What Can Disability Service Providers Do?

Staff training on Disability Services Programs at area 4 year institutions

Have a contact person on each campus

Visit websites Campus visits Familiarity with documentation

guidelines

What Can Disability Service Providers Do?

Staff training on Disability Services Programs at area 4 year institutions

Have a contact person on each campus

Visit websites Campus visits Familiarity with documentation

guidelines

What Can Disability Service Providers Do?

Invite Disability Services staff to visit your campus (Success Day)

Advise students to start out slow – course selection is critical in the first semesters

Assist students in self-advocacy skills Student development – self

realization(time management, study skills, counseling)

Why are we talking about this?

Age creates significant challenges of serving students ‘one size does not fit all’

Beyond accommodation - provide an environment that is welcoming to the older student

Questions?

Thank you