Challenges Of Non-Traditional Student Analysis

One of the greatest challenges of higher education administration systems today is meeting the needs of non-traditional students. Our global economic recession has created a competitive job market, compelling people back to school from all walks of life. Today’s student bodies comprise young parents, professionals seeking a career change, non-English speakers, international students, and traditional, collegiate 18-22 year-old American students. While such variegated student bodies add great depth to American universities, most of the current administrative paradigms have yet to accommodate for these demographic and socioeconomic diversities. As such, I believe it is incumbent upon public administration professionals to address the needs of non-traditional students at the policy level. It is
Of all my duties there, it was counseling students that I found most compelling. Through assisting them with the college enrollment process and providing support for international students to meet strict requirements for arrival, immigration, and visa processing, I found parts of the bureaucratic system antiquated and abstruse. Flawed though the system was however, I learned how to work within it to help move my students more fluidly into full and part-time student status. My work at Fullerton resulted in increased enrollment, illuminating me to my innate talent for business management. This job also gave me pause to realize how much I enjoy working with people. I was inspired not only by the progress of the students, but by the dedicated staff, especially my supervisor, Pailer Ellis. Ellis’ work reflected a deep integration of knowledge, passion, and experience in academic management. To this day, I refer to her in my mind’s eye when I wish to re-focus and dedicate myself to new