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ERIC Number: EJ1396868
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0737-7363
EISSN: EISSN-1948-4801
Available Date: N/A
A Welcoming Environment: Nontraditional Students' Experiences at a Small, Healthcare-Focused University
Journal of Continuing Higher Education, v71 n2 p152-167 2023
Nontraditional students represent a large percentage of the population in higher education, yet some institutions may be better suited than others to serve their needs. This research took place at a small, healthcare-focused university that attracts many nontraditional students, so I sought to gather information about the quality of their experiences. I conducted online interviews with a sample of nontraditional students (seven female, one male) to see if they felt welcomed, if their needs were being served, and how they coped with challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Transcriptions of the recorded interviews were reviewed, and an inductive approach was taken in analyzing them. Statements were coded into six themes: the "welcoming environment" of the university, "comparisons" to other schools, "relations" between traditional and nontraditional students, "helpful services" offered by the university, "suggestions" for ways to help nontraditional students at the university, and "social support" received by the students. Analysis revealed that the students were highly satisfied with their university experience and the quality of the academic support they received. Future research could assess the effectiveness of services for both traditional and nontraditional students in terms of student satisfaction, student success, or retention rate.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A