Salient characteristics of non-traditional students: Implications for college student personnel services

This population is not an easy one to identify. The search for a meaningful profile is complicated by the heterogeneity of the group 2 and the multiplicity of sub-groups. Yet, it is obvious that we have seen a dramatic increase in this student population which has received too little attention from professionals in higher education. Currently, student services tend to focus on the college student 17 through 25 years of age, single, male, unemployed, and full-time (Cross, 1974). Student services that have been implemented for the non-traditional student are mainly in the academic areas, with such programs as evening/weekend classes, credit for prior learning, extended office hours and elderhostel (Thon, 1983). If we are to meet the needs of this population, then student development educators need to examine the characteristics of non-traditional students and to develop student services approaches that will meet students\u27 needs and maximize their total educational experience