Free Workshops Aim to Help Non-Traditional Students Prepare for College

Published: 10/02/2009

For students like Kim Van Camp, 44, of Lake St. Louis, returning to college as an older, non-traditional student can be “petrifying.”
 
“When I decided to go back to school, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I could be these students’ mother,’” she said.
 
At SCC, that’s one reason the Returning Learners Club exists – so that “non-traditional,” older students have somewhere to turn for support. It’s also a large reason why, three times each year, SCC hosts a free Returning Learners Workshop on its campus, located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville.
 
The workshops will address study and concentration skills, career options, goal setting, decision-making, time and stress management, assertiveness training, and self-confidence. Participants will also learn about SCC’s programs, courses, financial assistance, and student services.
 
On day one of the workshop, participants will spend time becoming acquainted with one another, receive study skills training, and become familiar with SCC through campus tours and mini-seminars that address common student concerns. The workshop will aim to build self-esteem and confidence about going back to school.
 
On day two, career and financial aid counselors will discuss the logistics and goals of starting back to school as adults, parents, and professionals. Participants will learn about the various ways to pay for college, such as financial aid and scholarships.  A career counselor will administer tests designed to determine an ideal career and also discuss career opportunities with potential students.
 
On day three of the workshop, participants will hear from a guest panel, addressing the question, “Can I learn again?,” and an SCC faculty member will discuss what to expect when returning to school. There will also be an addition to the study skills training seminar from day one.
 
Van Camp did not attend a workshop until after she had already begun classes at SCC, and came to speak about her experiences as a returning learner.  After sitting in on the workshop, she realized that the session is a valuable resource for getting the information you need to succeed in college.
 
“You sit there and realize that many other people are in the same boat as you, and that they don’t know about financial aid, getting their schedule, or meeting with academic counselors either,” she said. “This truly is a great way to learn everything you need to know about becoming a student at SCC.”
 
Because each session builds upon the previous one, attendance at each day of the workshops is recommended. For more information or to enroll in the workshop, call Andrea Crouch at 636-922-8248.
 
St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences, and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational, and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit www.stchas.edu.