Counselor Community of Practice Call #2 Slide Deck

1. MetLife Phase 2:
Counselor Community of Practice
Virtual Session
March 30, 2012

2. Today’s Emphasis
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3. Agenda – Virtual Session #2
 Introductions (10 min)
 Advising Avenue
 Faculty attitudes (15 min)
 What do you know about PLA? (15 min)
 “Realistic” approach to advising (20 min)
 Are your students self-aware and aware of the
marketplace?
 Pathways to the future (15 min)
 Your Best Ideas from Today (10 min)
 Confirm next COP topics (5 min)
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4. Why Are Mature Students in School?
 Their work situation has changed, either
voluntarily or involuntarily
 Their economic stability has taken a hit
 Work is different- Less physical labor
 Health considerations are generally positive
 Life expectancy- 78
 Disabilities are declining due to medical advances
 According to a recent AARP survey of Baby
Boomers, 40 percent of them plan to work
"until they drop".

5. Mature Students as Learners
 Studies indicate adult students typically meet
or exceed the performance of traditional
college age students
 Adult learners are actively involved in planning
their learning
 Learning material that is relevant to current or
future employment is important to adult
learners
 Sacrifices in time, money and lifestyle lead to
an increased commitment and success in
learning

6. What is PLA?
Prior Learning Assessment is a process for
evaluating knowledge and skills in order to
award college credit for learning from:
 On-the-job learning  Civic activities
 Corporate training  Volunteer service
 Independent study  Courseware on internet
 Military service
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7. Why Does it Make Sense for Students?
 Less time in class, less money
on tuition
 Less waste – you won’t pay for
training and then pay again for
tuition in the same subject area
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8. Why Does it Make Sense for Your College?
PLA Increases Graduation Rates
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Fueling the Race to Postsecondary Success, March 2010

9. Realistic Advising
 Questions you may be asked:
 Where are the jobs?
 Can I make as much as I used to?
 When can I retire?
 I really like doing _____ so I want a job in that field.
Can you help me?
 I want to be a ________. How much time do I have to
spend in school?
 Can you help me figure out what to do with my life?
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10. Career Pathways Links
•Telecommunications
http://vividfuture.org/
• Biotech
www.finding-your-future.org
•Energy Industry
http://www.epceonline.org/areyouready/index.html
•Solar Power
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/careermap/

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12. Next Session
 Education Expressway
 What support systems are in place?
 How do people know about them?
 How do policies affect your students’
persistence?
 LinkedIn – “CAEL Career Pathways
and Counselor Initiative”
 Post and check
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