Undergraduate Study

Findings are presented of a study of some of the characteristics of nontraditional students in an undergraduate social work program, as compared to the characteristics of traditional students. Curriculum and service changes that social work programs can implement to accommodate some of the special needs of nontraditional students are also discussed. All female junior and senior social work students (W=42) at a state university were administered a questionnaire that included questions relating to demographics, possible problem areas, and service changes. The sample included 17 nontraditional students and 25 traditional students. Results included the following: (1) ethnically the groups were comparable, but the nontraditional students were more likely to be divorced or married and have children; (2) the nontraditional students experienced more difficulties with child care and social isolation; and (3) the majority in both groups had problems with financial aid, scheduling, personal finances, and handling employee/student roles. Data are provided in three tables. These results are compared to those of other studies of nontraditional students and found to be similar. Recommendations that social work programs could implement in order to address the needs of returning students in the areas of curriculum and teaching, advisement, class scheduling, extracurricular activities, and credit for life and work experience are discussed. (KM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document