VGCC Student Support Services’ Focus Is Nontraditional Student

Special activities are planned at Vance-Granville Community College within the next few weeks to focus on nontraditional students, Helen  Lindsey, coordinator of Student Support Services, announced.

The events are scheduled to coincide with the observance of national “Nontraditional Student Month” in November. Included are a continental breakfast on Nov. 11, a round-table discussion on Nov. 13 and a group session on Nov. 15.

The term “nontraditional” describes those students who did not follow the path historically of entering college after high school, those over the age of 24, those married/single with dependents, those employed full-time or part-time, and/or those with other circumstances that may interfere with their successful college completion.

Lindsey pointed out that the recent economy has forced many adults back into a learning environment after many years in an industrial setting. And some of these nontraditional students are experiencing difficulty in adjusting to the classroom.

She added that it is the goal of the Student Support Services Program to help these students gain a better understanding of the college’s culture, acquire a better sense of belonging, and develop a ‘can-do attitude.’

“Specifically, we attempt to identify and work with these students in the areas of personal, academic, financial, career, and college transfer planning,” Lindsey said.  She concluded, “If the first year of college is successfully completed, it is very likely that these fragile, but determined, students will remain in school.”