Higher education is undergoing a profound transformation. What was once considered the "non-traditional" student is now the overwhelming majority, bringing with them diverse needs and unique challenges.
We recently hosted a webinar with experts from Massachusetts to explore this shift, focusing on how institutions are adapting their support systems to ensure success for every student.
We heard from James Knight, Massachusetts Lead at Genio (formerly Glean), Cody Johnson, Coordinator of Academic Computing at Berkshire Community College, and Erin Mayo, Assistant Director of Student Accessibility Services at the College of the Holy Cross.
The shifting landscape of higher education
James set the stage by revealing a startling statistic: an estimated 93% of students in the USA are now classified as non-traditional learners. This means the traditional image of an affluent, recent high school graduate attending full-time is no longer accurate. Today's students are often:
- Older than 22
- Working while studying
- Parents or veterans
- Neurodiverse individuals
- First in their family to attend higher education
This dramatic transformation necessitates a re-evaluation of how institutions approach teaching, learning, and student support. Historically, these individuals have been underserved due to barriers like affordability, lack of funding, insufficient study skills, or ingrained stigma. "They instead actually form the bulk of higher education populations across the United States," James emphasized, underscoring the urgent need for institutions to adapt.
Massachusetts specifically shows higher levels of mature students (over 22) and a 3% increase in students with disabilities compared to the national average. Furthermore, initiatives like "Mass Reconnect" and "Mass Educate" have led to a significant surge in community college enrollment, with new student enrollment up by 40.5% from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024 across Massachusetts community colleges. This growth, while positive, puts additional strain on student support services.
Evolving student support to address new needs
Both Cody and Erin shared how their institutions have witnessed a dramatic shift in student support needs. Erin noted an "increased student support and more students are registering with our office," also observing a rise in complex housing and dining accommodations in addition to academic ones.
Cody described an immediate and significant change at Berkshire Community College since Fall 2023, moving from "transactional fix type support" like password resets to "recurring appointments" and various interventions as their calendars became "completely booked". This influx has seen their enrollment increase by 20-25% year over year.
A key theme was the increase in student self-advocacy and the destigmatization of seeking help. Erin highlighted more students reaching out for support during crises and connecting to appropriate resources. Cody noted that 20% of his job now involves "marketing and promoting" available support resources, rather than just providing the support.
The panel also discussed whether the student population has truly changed or if it's a cultural shift allowing students to seek help more readily. Cody suggested it's "maybe 50% of each," noting a significant increase in first-time or returning college students who may not have been "classically prepared" for college. Erin agreed, emphasizing efforts to "encourage more students to disclose and receive accommodations and destigmatize disability on campus" through outreach and peer education groups.
AI in Higher Ed: Benefits and cautions
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education was another critical discussion point. Erin noted that her institution is forming task forces to determine policies and approaches to AI, acknowledging that while students "love it because it's easy," she remains "a little hesitant to use it because of private, confidential information".
Cody shared that Berkshire Community College has focused on encouraging faculty to "explore AI more, maybe we should incorporate this rather than just prohibit it".
He observed a light bulb moment in Spring 2024, with a significant increase in students using tools like ChatGPT in the lab. The discussion likened AI's impact to the invention of the calculator, suggesting a need to frame AI as part of the new learning experience rather than solely a "form of cheating".
James also emphasized the importance of data privacy when considering AI tools, advocating for a checklist of guidelines for institutions to ask AI companies about data handling and security.
The future of student support: Universal design and decentralization
Looking to the future, Cody cautioned against using AI as a "band aid" for deeper institutional issues, emphasizing the need for "actual changes" within practices while "adopting and adapting these new tools". He highlighted the shift towards focusing on what the institution can change, such as further embracing universal design for learning.
Erin is excited about expanding their neurodiversity program to assist neurodivergent students with learning boundaries and social skills, aiming to build an affinity group for them. She also noted the challenge of clarifying the difference between "access versus comfort" when it comes to housing accommodations.
James believes the future will see a "decentralisation of student support," moving away from being "entirely on disability services" and towards "more and more allies across campus," including faculty and other departments.
Cody exemplified this, sharing that "Berkshire Community College went institution wide with Genio, expanding access from 30 students to nearly 300 active users, including faculty and staff, recognizing that universal access helps combat stigma and fill support gaps."
Holy Cross also supports non-traditional students through an endowment covering neuroscience tests for students with financial need and runs first-generation and LGBTQIA+ programming through their DEI office.
This universal approach has tangible benefits. James shared that Volunteer State Community College saw an "11% increase in student retention" among first-year students using Genio compared to those who weren't. This demonstrates the power of comprehensive, accessible support for all students.
Building the foundations for student and institutional success
Introducing study skills courses is a foundational investment that yields significant returns. For students, it translates into increased confidence, improved academic performance, and enhanced overall college experience.
For institutions, it leads to better retention rates and ultimately, a more engaged and successful student population, contributing to long-term sustainability.
As the NML continues to define the student body, proactively equipping them with strong study skills is not just an act of support; it's a strategic imperative for fostering a truly inclusive and thriving higher education environment.
Key Takeaways:
The insights from James, Cody, and Erin paint a clear picture: higher education is in a period of rapid evolution, driven by the changing demographics and needs of its students. By embracing universal design for learning, fostering a culture of self-advocacy, strategically integrating new technologies like AI, and decentralizing support across campus, Massachusetts institutions are leading the way in ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or learning style, have the tools and confidence to succeed.
