The Crucial Role of Student Services for the Non-Traditional Student

Student services are essential to the educational mission. Comprehensive resources provided by student services are a key strength and backbone of colleges and universities. The intentional integration of coursework and student services provides a full educational environment, creating a positive experience across students’ curricular, home, and social lives. After all, everything is education–every action and interaction is an opportunity for learning and cultivation.

Student services are particularly essential for the non-traditional student. As important as it is to create classroom environments in which students inquire deeply into meaning, connection, and purpose, we must also collectively pay attention to all the time students are not in class. Students are actually in classes only about 15 hours per week – leaving off sleep, there remains about 100 hours per week. Many of these non-class-time hours are taken up with family and work life, studying, and course assignments.

At Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School (PO), the Center for Student Achievement, Resources, and Enrichment (CARE) is committed to providing support services that foster academic achievement and professional development. At PO, students are comprised of both traditional and non-traditional students. Some examples of non-traditional students include individuals who attend school part-time, those who may have not pursued education immediately after high school, or others who graduated from undergrad several years ago. Non-traditional students have families, work commitments, and other important obligations. Others are looking at a career change.

CARE offers students the resources needed to help navigate the challenges of balancing school with work and family demands. They strive to empower students to reach their highest academic, personal, and professional potential. CARE staff help students develop and enhance professional skills to prepare for future employment or promotion opportunities.

The CARE office also provides learning assistance that enriches the academic experiences of PO students. They offer tutorial assistance and help students enhance their critical thinking, professional, and learning skills. Their support services and resources help motivate, inspire, and enhance students’ overall educational experience at PO. CARE’s goal is to encourage students to believe in themselves and in their ability to reach their academic goals.

To learn more about Pacific Oaks College, visit www.pacificoaks.edu. For program information or to apply for admission, contact admissions@pacificoaks.edu or call (626) 529-8061. Pacific Oaks College is located at 45 Eureka Street Pasadena.

About Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

Founded more than 70 years ago by a small group of Quaker families, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School (PO) is a nonprofit, accredited higher education institution offering Bachelor’s-completion and Master’s programs in human development, organizational leadership and change, marriage and family therapy, education, early childhood education, and teacher credentialing. Pacific Oaks Children’s School provides early childhood education programs for children ages 6 months through 5 years and has pioneered achievements in the areas of anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution.

PO remains dedicated to the fundamental Quaker principles of inclusion, social justice, and the valuing of each individual. The school has a long history of serving non-traditional and adult students and is known for its experiential and culture-centered approach to education. PO offers classes at its main campus in Pasadena, its San Jose Campus, and at instructional sites throughout California. PO is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU). For more information, visit www.pacificoaks.edu.

Pacific Oaks College is an affiliate of TCS Education System, a nonprofit system of colleges advancing student success and community impact.