Going Back to College

Students of all ages may face obstacles when going to college.  Yet, for the returning adult student, going back to school may seem like a daunting challenge.  Adult students may have other responsibilities and commitments which young freshman do not face.

Family Responsibilities

Many adult students already have a spouse and children.  Returning to school while raising a family is one of the biggest challenges a student may face.  This challenge can be the most rewarding experience in the end.  Going back to school while raising a family has the potential to be one of the most rewarding times of your life.  You are on the journey of learning and fulfilling your life’s passion.  Meanwhile, the self-improvement you encounter while in school, will reflect back into your family.  As you develop in your education, your self-worth and knowledge will empower you to try new life experiences.  Your family will benefit from your new sense of self.  The best gift you can give your family is to take care of yourself first.  Going to school and fulfilling a dream of earning a degree is a great way to show them that you value yourself and your family.

Online classes offered by universities like Dickinson State University  give adult learners the opportunity to have the flexibility to go to school when it fits their schedule.  Online learning is the best option for balancing family commitments while pursuing your degree.

Working and Studying

If you are going back to school, there is a chance you are still working.  Most students who are in school full-time, also have a part-time or full-time job.  This can be a challenge for many students, but new technology has helped ease student’s schedules.  Dickinson State University offers courses using Tegrity software.  Tegrity gives the professor the ability to record their classes and save for future sessions.  Students who are unable to attend a lecture on-campus then have the ability to review the lecture later online.  DSU is committed to providing their students with the latest technology to help them balance their work, home and college lives.

Fear of Being the ‘Older Student’

If a 95 year old woman can graduate from college without worrying about her age – so can you.  Nola Ochs, who began taking college classes more than 30 years ago, has become a celebrity on the campus of Fort Hays State University in Kansas, where she will graduate with a degree in history. "Several years ago, I quit counting my age," Ochs said. "We celebrated my birthday, but I didn't want to be told how old I am."

One of the most common fears a person may have when returning to school is being the ‘old’ person in a class.  While the traditional age of students is more common within entry-level classes, older than average students have the definite advantage of life experience.  You understand exactly who you are and what you want to do in life – traditional college students will find you as a valuable resource.  Use your time in college as a way to make new connections, and leave your age at the birthday cake.  Going back to college is your time to expand and grow as an individual, and will aid you in furthering your career.  If you limit your life based on your age, the opportunities will always be limited.

Do What Feels Right

Going back to school is a big decision – but if you feel it is the right time, and have found the right degree to pursue – follow your heart.  Doing what feels right is what’s important.  Living your dreams with passion will guide you to overcome any challenge laid before you.  “Keep your eye on the prize” and enjoy the learning experience.

Top 5 Reasons to Go Back to College

Did you go to school right after high school, but after living the college life, decided to go back to work and earn a living? If so, you are not alone.  According to Classes and Careers.com, 33% of college students drop out before finishing their degree.   Students have many reasons to quit, including financial difficulties, lack of scholarships, or unsure of what program they want to study.

After years of working in the job force, many people find they are ready for a career change, but the lack of a college degree is keeping them from advancing or switching careers.  Some people are looking to earn more money, and a college degree will propel them into those opportunities.  These are all good reasons to go back to school.  But,  if you are still unsure, we’ve compiled a list to help you see if finishing your degree would be right for you.

Reason #5

Job Promotions

Students who go back to school after years in the workforce may find that they are being passed up from job opportunities in their field.  Many employers encourage education and will help pay for you to go back to school.  Talk with your Human Resource department and see what kinds of opportunities are available to you.  Your employer will be impressed with your willingness to succeed, and you will earn a degree that can follow you throughout your life.

Reason #4

Switch Careers

In the past, people stayed with the same company in the same career for their lifetime.  This is not as common today as industries have changed due to outsourcing, and global competition.  Employees have more options and are looking to improve their life situation.  Going back to school gives you the chance to pursue the career you may have dreamed about as a child.

Reason #3

Financial Increase

The old adage remains – those with college degrees do earn more money.  Students often raise the question of whether continuing their education is the right choice due to financial aid and rising college tuition.  Yet, recent studies by the College Board have shown that those with college degrees are more likely to be employed and earn more money.

Reason #2

Complete Your Bucket List

If you already have some college credits under your belt, returning to college may be one of those life goals you have yet to complete.  With those credits already completed, you are already ahead of the game and won’t take as long to finish your degree.

Reason #1

Personal Growth

Once you complete your degree, you will have a valuable resource for a lifetime. A degree is more than a piece of paper – the knowledge and connections you make during your time in school will help you grow as a person. For many people, college is the best time of their life. Extended learning students have the advantage of life experience, and understand they want to be there.  You have more confidence now and are ready for the challenges of school and see them as opportunities to grow.

Interested in going back to school? Check out programs at http://dsublue.com.

Tips for Taking Online Classes

As students re-enter university systems, they will more than likely take a mixture of on campus and online Going the Distance: Online Education in the United States, 2011,” reports that more than 6.1 million students took at least one online class during fall 2010.   An online class is defined in this survey as a course where more than 80 percent of all content is delivered online, and there are typically no face-to-face meetings with instructors.  Online learning offers a different set of challenges to students, but can be just as effective as on campus courses.  We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you make the most of your online classroom experience.

Read the Syllabus

Online instructors offer in depth syllabus which should explain the course in detail.  Make sure to read the syllabus, and send your instructor any questions you may have as soon as the course begins.  Knowing what to expect for the semester will help you plan your workflow and give you a method for time management.

Introduce Yourself to Your Professor

Faculty are overwhelmed in a sea of names when it comes to online courses.  Put a face to your name by sending your professor a personalized greeting, either in email or through the online course.  Add a profile picture to your signature so the professor has a face behind the name.  New online classrooms are turning towards a social media style content systems, but as this transition takes place, you can be ahead of the game.  

Use Technology to Your Advantage

So much computer technology is at our disposal.  Use this technology to your advantage by scheduling tasks or calendar events in your email or through an online workspace.  If your university’s education management system has tools or enhancements, take advantage of them.  Due dates are important for online classes, and knowing when assignments or assessments are due will help you prepare in advance.  Often times, you will be able to finish course work at your own pace.  Set aside specific times during the work for specific classes, just as you would if you were going to class on campus.

Make Yourself Available

One of the challenges of online learning is not having as much collaboration with other students.  You can alleviate this by making yourself available to your peers.  Post in discussion forums that you are willing to have online study times with other students, or are available for questions.  If you are stuck on a lesson or assignment, those peers will reciprocate and be available for you as well.  Set the example by being a leader and go the extra mile.  Not only does this help you get more out of your online courses, it will also make the difference if you are in between a grade level.  Professors will look at this extra effort on your part, and give you the higher grade.

Interested in going back to school online? Check out Dickinson State University online programs at http://dsublue.com.