Posts published in June, 2011
Going Back To College In Mid-Life
Going Back to School Mid-Life – Guest Blogger-Mark Johnstone
Going back to school as a mature student is a big step and unfortunately it can be difficult to find information about how to go about getting started, considering most colleges and Universities are geared towards younger generations. However, getting involved in higher education is very popular among older generations and there are various options available to help you get started.
Fit Studying Around Your Life
As an older student you may have certain responsibilities that you need to consider when beginning a new journey in further education. For example if you have children and work commitments then you can do part time or flexible courses to fit around your life. In addition, some foundation degrees or diploma courses are quicker to complete so it won’t be as time consuming as full time Bachelor degrees. Furthermore, try looking for courses that are run in colleges or universities close to your home so you won’t have to uproot and move if you have family to consider. Also, you may want to think about distance learning which will enable you to study from home and keep in touch with tutors and fellow students through email.
Previous Qualifications
To get into higher education usually traditional qualifications are needed to award you a place at your chosen school. However, if you don’t have the appropriate academic qualifications some institutions may let you start a course due to your professional qualifications or work experience. Generally it will depend on the course you choose to study. The best way to know what criteria is required for a place on the course is to check the university or college prospectus. In addition, the entry requirements for each course can be found online and don’t hesitate to get in touch with the admissions tutor if you are unsure.
Funding
The funding options for mature students differ from the traditional loans and as mentioned before, with flexible and part time courses you’ll have time to work alongside your studying commitments. However, if you choose to do a full time course there will be extra financial help for you if you have children or are the general financial provider for a member of your family.
Being a Student Again
Many mature students fear that they won’t be able to fit into student life after being out of education for so long. For some it can be off putting however there are student online forums that will help you learn about student life and perhaps speak to other mature students. Moreover, the idea of studying can be quite daunting and whether you’ll be able to handle the work load or not. Therefore do not hesitate to attend study skills workshops or look online for study techniques. It will ensure that you have an enjoyable and rewarding learning experience
This is a guest post written by Mark Johnstone from Postgrad.com. Postgrad.com offers information on Masters Degrees and Postgraduate Study in UK
http://www.postgrad.com/
The Challenge And Initiatives To Increase Latino College Outcomes
The nation’s need for college-educated citizens has never been greater, and Latinos are a critical part of the equation. Lumina Focus Magazine examines what states and postsecondary institutions are doing to improve Latino college-going and completion rates.
Useful Report On College Performance Funding
Performance-Based Funding: A Re-emerging Strategy
in Public Higher Education Financing
Cuts in state funding, increases in student enrollment and a focus on boosting college completion rates are among the many factors that call for a more sophisticated approach to financing states’ higher education systems. Toward this end, performance- or incentive-based state funding of public higher education is experiencing a notable resurgence as a means of boosting productivity and other measures of institutional success.
This policy brief explores Performance-Based Funding (PBF), its mixed history of success and its advantages and disadvantages. PBF delivery models, current state PBF systems and those in the proposal and design stage are discussed. The paper concludes with a set of principles and practices essential to effective PBF program design.
