From a New Instructor

To me, the new student typically doesn't know how colleges work with the different degree structures or understand what a major or minor is.  The new student doesn't also know how to do career research to help find their job interests in real life beyond college.  The new student also doesn't know things about making decisions regarding expenses during college and how to manage them by making smart decisions with health insurance, car purchases, etc.

It is these things that I have found a need to counsel students on.

From an Interested Person

Here are a few of the big things I notice my night student's lack in knowledge in regards for the use of eConnect and eCampus, as well as, the opportunities the Career Services and the Center for Tutoring and Learning Connections offer.

I believe this may be because they are not use to having someone help them for free.  Well, ok, these services are part of their tuition, but they do not see it that way.  And, everything being available electronically surprises several of people of all ages.

From a Committed Advising Administrator

They run the whole gammit. First generation college students to parents & siblings that have all attended ahead of them. 

A high percentage are not anywhere near prepared for college work in regard to their level of learning, study skills, time management skills, and critical thinking skills.

Very diverse cultures and for the most part have been raised in sheltered environments. 

They don't understand how the courses in core tie into their overall college career and life career, even though it is covered in a required online orientation & then again at a registration orientation. 

They need to hear things appx 4 times before it begins to have meaning.

They are more non-traditional students than traditional in that for the most part they all work at least part-time jobs, most full time jobs while trying to attend school and be successful.  Many have home responsibilities as well.

Many more than disclose are on behaviorial modication medication for all sorts of afflections that effect their learning.

I could probably write for another 30 minutes, but this is brushing the surface for my 2 cents worth.

From a Journalism Instructor

The students we get have no idea how to study, do work before they get to
class or take notes during class. They expect the professor to hold their
hand. I think they think that since we are a community college, we are just
a continuation of high school and we are not for real.

They need to have a tour of campus including the library and be made aware
of the extras that they qualify for. They need to be exposed to the web and
signed up for the Twitter messages so they can stay in touch.

Also, it would be nice for them to tell us what they are looking for.

From a Student Assistant

Hello ... I love this question!

I am a student assistant in the ACCESS Center here at Richland, which is why I received your email.

As a new student just two short years ago I will tell you that she is someone who is by choice or circumstance re-evaluating her life and wondering where to go next. She is nervous about taking classes because she hasn't been in school for a very long time. She is wondering how she will possibly fit in with other students who may be up to 20 years younger than she. She is scared that she will not be able to handle classes in addition to taking care of her family. She is unsure of what will be required of her. She is excited about her future. She has been in the workforce for many years making less than the national average and has come to realize the value of a college degree. She is needing help and information about how to pay for college. She will be a good student and will receive great grades. She is a long-time consumer and will expect to receive what she paid for. She may need help maneuvering around eCampus and eConnect and will not understand what "Lect, Web" or "OnlinePtl" means when trying to register for a math class.

She will also come to see her time at Richland as "one of the best things she ever did!" She will be very proud when she walks across the stage in May to receive her Associates Degree and will cry tears of joy when she receives her acceptance letter from TWU's Nursing School. She will miss Richland College because it has supported her, encouraged her, motivated her, and accepted her.