Parkland Marks National Nontraditional Student, Distance Learning Week

Departments recognize online, nontraditional students week of Nov. 4

In two separate national observances that run the week of Nov. 4, Parkland College will recognize its nontraditional adult student and online student learners.

National Nontraditional Student Week, Nov. 4–10. According to the Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE), a nontraditional student is one who: likely lives independently of parental financial assistance; may have one or more dependents; may be a single caregiver; may not have a traditional high school diploma; may have delayed postsecondary enrollment; may be attending school part time; or may be employed full time. Nontrads comprise the fastest-growing segment of college enrollees, according to the Dept. of Education. At Parkland College, nearly 35 percent of all enrolled students are over the age of 21.

To celebrate this group, Parkland College's Adult Re-Entry Services, in conjunction with Eastern Illinois University and other academic partners, will be celebrating Nontraditional Student Week from Nov. 4 to Nov. 7. Planned activities include a presentation with EIU's Bachelor of General Studies program on how to advance from an Associate in General Studies degree to the BGS degree; a "nontraditional-friendly" transfer fair; refreshment opportunities; and more.

For more information on nontraditional students and campus events for Nontraditional Student Week, please contact Anthony Hooker, admissions advisor, at 217/351-2462 or ahooker@parkland.edu.

National Distance Learning Week (NDLW), Nov. 4–8. The purpose of National Distance Learning Week (NDLW) is to generate greater awareness and appreciation for distance learning, including K-12, higher education, corporate and military, while recognizing leaders and best practices in the field.

Parkland College's Professional Development and Instructional Technology department (PDIT) is taking the opportunity to promote its online classes and programs during this week. PDIT lists the top reasons to take online classes, available through the following blog post on the college's website: bit.ly/2pN2A2M.

For more information on distance learning and online classes at Parkland College, please contact Lori Wendt, learning management system specialist for PDIT, at 217/353-2012 or lwendt@parkland.edu.