NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION: AN ASSESSMENT OF NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION NEEDS
Abstract
The purpose of this action research project is to better understand the needs of non-traditional students and how to meet those needs through a specific college orientation program. Data results showed that non-traditional students at The University of Southern Mississippi felt they were not best served by their orientation experience. The researcher recommended, based on information provided by survey responses, that The Office of Orientation and Transition Programs implement an orientation session that was specifically for the non-traditional student population. By providing information on the university’s speaking and writing center, health services, counseling services, and library resources, it could lead to positive student experiences, retention, and degree completion for the non-traditional student population.