Definition of "returning student?"

[Anonymous]

Hi,

In one thread people talk about a college being good for "returning students" without defining the term, which I had not heard before. I don't see a general definition on Google but one school defines it as students that "have been away for more than four consecutive quarters."

Is this sort of your understanding?

[Anonymous]

It depends on context. I wouldn’t even call it a “term” just descriptive.....as in, students coming/going back.

When coming from of a College, I would probably think it meant students that have matriculated there previously as opposed to new first-year students..... so “returning students move in day house vs new students move in day”.

Coming from a parent talking about the kids going back to school, it could mean something totally different ....like “driving my returning students back from being home for vacation or something”.

[Anonymous]

Someone who is not of the usual student age because their education wasn't interrupted.

[Anonymous]

I think a PP is right-it means sophomores-seniors. They are returning rather than new to the school. That’s how it’s used at my DCs university.

[Anonymous]

At my DD’s school it refers to students who have experienced an interruption in their education at the same university. Registering for classes requires departmental approval. Example given was for foreign students who stayed in home country too long and let their visa expire. I’m sure it also applies to students who were on academic probation because all privileges are suspended. My DD has taken off semesters to work internships and this is considered to not be an interruption in her education by the school. No notice nor approval required to register for classes.

[Anonymous]

In the industry, it refers to anyone who isn’t a first time freshman.