Student Support Services for Millennial Undergraduates

Abstract

Education has changed as a result of technological advances. Distance learning, particularly online learning, has rapidly increased its presence in higher education. At the same time, a new generation of students characterized as being the first generation to grow up with the Internet, are entering college. This generation, commonly called millennials, expects access to the Internet to manage their daily lives. However, as they enter college, many discover that support services that are readily available on-campus are not available online. A problem exists because services typically provided to support on-campus students may not be available in kind for online learners, leaving them to fend for themselves. Additionally, it is likely that other services, yet to be identified, might be required by millennial students. As increasing numbers of undergraduates take online courses, a full set of student services should be readily available through the Internet. Students require online support services that will allow them to succeed in their educational endeavors. Ideally, support services should be pervasive and available without time and place restrictions.