Information Clearinghouse

Congratulations! You’ve found the AFU @ EMU community and we're so glad that you're here!  AFU @ EMU is dedicated to collaborating with programs and departments across the EMU campus to gather all the information and resources you may need in one place. We invite you to explore this site if you are:

  • Student looking for resources, community, and opportunities aimed at non-traditional/older/returning students.
  • Faculty who want to learn more about non-traditional students/older learners and how best to support them in teaching, learning, and scholarship.
  • Students and faculty interested in research opportunities centering on non-traditional students, older adults, or gerontology. 
  • Faculty who want to highlight their research, service, and/or teaching non-traditional students or infusing aging content in their discipline. 
  • Students who are looking for an interdisciplinary program of study and are interested in learning about aging across the lifespan or older adults. 
  • A parent or caregiver.

This list of resources is changing frequently as we learn more about what is available across campus, so be sure to bookmark this page or join the mailing list for monthly updates!

EMU is a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network and is committed to creating an age inclusive learning environment. For more information contact [email protected].

Available Information & Resources

If you’re a student who is returning to school after 5 or more years or are older than other students then you already know that you need different supports than traditional students.

Women’s Resource Center 

The Women's Resource Center strives to host a variety of programs relating to women, their experiences, and the intersection of identities.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center (UWC) provides writing support to undergraduates and graduate students through all stages of writing.  Access tutorials and learning guides to ensure you have all the tools and skills necessary to succeed at EMU. 

Did you know?

You can access tutorial videos and PDFs with writing and technology tips at our UWC Student Resources Canvas site. Email UWC at [email protected] and ask for an invitation to join!

Get your Frequently Asked Questions answered

The WAC FAQs webpage answers your frequently asked questions about undergraduate consultations. For further inquiries, email UWC at [email protected].

Additional Resources

  • Non-traditional students in your classroom Expand dropdown

    Students who are outside the “norm” of college aged students, traditionally under the age of 30, often have unique responsibilities like work, family, or other commitments, making time management crucial. They may need flexible class schedules and online learning options to accommodate their busy lives.

    There may be a gap between the last time they were in a classroom and the time they come to EMU, necessitating additional academic support and resources. They could benefit from tailored tutoring and skill development programs to excel in their courses.

    These students may face financial constraints and may require specific financial aid options or scholarship opportunities to ease their financial burden.

    Non-traditional/older learner students may experience feelings of isolation or lack of connection with the campus community. Offering mentorship programs, support groups, and social events can help foster a sense of belonging and promote overall well-being.

    Recognizing and addressing the unique needs of non-traditional students is essential to ensure their success and inclusivity in the university setting.

    Supporting EMU Diversity: A Resource Guide for Faculty & Instructors

    This guide has been assembled by the Faculty Senate’s Committee for Action on Intersectionality, Anti Racism, and Equity (CAIARE). It is a compilation of the resources available across campus and in the local community that support the needs of our diverse student body.  This document will be updated regularly. Please bookmark rather than download it, so that you have the most up-to-date version. 

    Tips for Inclusive Online Teaching and Learning
    10 Ways to be Age-Inclusive in the Classroom
    Faculty University Writing Center Support

    The UWC offers EMU faculty members writing support for their classes and can provide in-person workshops, Zoom workshops, pre-recorded workshop videos. 

  • Research Opportunities  Expand dropdown

    Looking for participants

    Dakota Geriatrics at the University of North Dakota is looking for 30 older adults who worked as pilots to be a part of an intergenerational program that aims to bridge the gap between students and older adult pilots through an aviation course. For more information, contact Jeremy Holloway at [email protected] or 419-270-7511 if you have any questions or if you'd like to learn more about the program. 

  • Previous Workshops and Presentations Expand dropdown
  • Non-traditional students by College Expand dropdown

    In fall 2022, 1,186 undergraduate students over the age of 30 were in the junior or senior years, or pursuing their second Bachelor’s Degree at EMU. 

    • 43% (n=458) were in programs in the College of Health & Human Services.
      • This represents 12% of all CHHS UG students. 
    • 19% (n=225) were in programs in the College of Arts and Sciences.  
      • This represents 3% of all CAS UG students. 
    • 13% (n=150) were in programs in the College of Engineering.  
      • This represents 9% of all GACET UG students. 
    • 9% (n=108) were in programs in the College of Business.  
      • This represents 4% of all COB UG students. 
    • 4% (n=45) were in programs in the College of Education. 
      • This represents 2% of all COE UG students.

    In fall 2022, 44% (n=1,058) of all graduate students at EMU were over the age of 30. 

    • 14% (n=149) were in programs in the College of Arts and Sciences
      • This represents 32% of all CAS Graduate students. 
    • 13% (n=141) COB
      • This represents 38% of all COB Graduate students. 
    • 44% (n=470) COE
      • This represents 54% of all COE Graduate students. 
    • 11% (n= 119) COEN
      • This represents 62% of all GACET Graduate students. 
    • 16% (n=168) CHHS
      • This represents 33% of all CHHS Graduate students. 

    Source: (IRIM Tableau data)

    To learn more about non-traditional/older learners in your school or program, contact us at [email protected] for more information.

Faculty at EMU are dedicated to research about non-traditional students, older adults, and gerontology. We have amazing aging-related research projects led by EMU faculty. The process of becoming a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network allowed us to learn more about age inclusivity at EMU.

To submit your research, presentations, book chapters, or other scholarly work for inclusion on this list, email us at [email protected].

Dementia Friendly Saline

Dementia Friendly Saline is currently looking for volunteers to help with their monthly Dementia Friendly Movie events that happen on the 2nd Wednesday of every month.  Volunteers arrive at 12:45 and stay until the movie begins (approximately 90 minute commitment per month), and they are welcome to stay and watch the movie too! We do have a volunteer packet that we would give anyone who's interested so they have an idea of the roles before they come!  The movie changes every month. 

Dementia Friendly Saline is a nonprofit organization that supports persons dealing with dementia (and their caregivers) with social events, education, and information. One of our main goals is to help make daily living in Washtenaw communities less difficult on persons with dementia and their caregivers. Our social events include a Dementia Friendly Movie every month and a Come As You Are Memory Cafe which is held 2-3x a month. We also provide education and tailored workshops to show any business or organization how to make things easier for persons with dementia to do business with them.  

To volunteer or learn more about volunteer opportunities contact program manager Chelsea at [email protected]. 

Lori's Hands

The Lori’s Hands Scholars program supports individuals who are BIPOC, Pell Grant recipients, and/or first-generation college students in pursuing their academic and professional goals. Through a tailored internship experience, scholars will gain experience in nonprofit operations, program development, and community engagement. Scholars will learn about and contribute to the work of Lori’s Hands by providing in-home support for people living with chronic illness. They will support the organization's growth through student recruitment, community outreach, and training development and enhancement. 

Time Commitment: 
Each Lori’s Hands Scholar will dedicate 10-15 hours per week to Lori’s Hands. The scholar will work in both community (i.e., client homes, neighborhood meetings) and administrative (i.e., partner organization meetings, Zoom meetings) settings.

This program comes with a paid stipend. 

Please find more details regarding the internship on our website and the application for interested students here.

EMU has many partnerships in the community highlighting non-traditional students, older adults, and gerontology. 

To submit your partnership or project for inclusion on this list, email us at [email protected].

  • Addressing Stereotypes Expand dropdown

    Disrupt Aging

    To schedule a Disrupt Aging presentation in your class, contact Cassandra Barragan at [email protected].

  • Caregivers and Alzheimer’s Disease Expand dropdown

    Education programs provided by the Alzheimer’s Association

    To learn more about resources for caregivers or partner with AFU @ EMU to host a presentation, contact us at [email protected] for more information. 

  • Intergenerational Projects Expand dropdown

    Digital Connecting Corps

    The DCC, a collaboration between Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Engage@EMU and University of Michigan (UM) Ginsberg Center, seeks to design and implement an intergenerational and sustainable digital support program for older adults living in Washtenaw County. Our goal is to utilize the resources of both institutions’ student capital to consistently serve as tech coaches for the older adult community at Washtenaw County older adult Centers.

    TimeSlips

    TimeSlips is a non-profit alliance of artists and caregivers bringing meaning and joy to late life through creative engagement. Their core improvisational storytelling method is evidence-based and has been replicated by Certified Facilitators in 47 states and 19 countries. Their Creative Communities of Care training infuses creativity into organizations serving elders including skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, senior centers, memory cafés, and museums.  TimeSlips believes every human being deserves to feel meaning and purpose, and that growth and expression is possible all the way through the end of our lives. Learn more at: https://timeslips.org

Barragan, C. & Wladkowski, S. (2020). Strategies to generate endorsement on campus: Aligning AFU principles with university strategic plans and goals [poster presentation]. Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting, Austin, TX. 

Walsh, S.E., Zakrajsek, A.G., Barragan, C., & Wladkowski, S. (2022). Leveraging an environmental scan to promote age as a component of diversity in higher education: A case example from one U.S. university.  In C. Liu, S. Wen & S. Hou (Eds.), Older Adult Education: From An International Perspective. Beijing: Open University of China Press.

 

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