1. Generation Z goes to
College
A New Generation’s Expectations for Higher Education
2. Who is Generation Z?
• Born between 1995-2014
• Known as the Shaping Generation or Silent Generation
• 9/11 not remembered as an event, but as part of history
• Instead of 9/11, Generation Z has been shaped by school shootings and the war on terrorism
• Grew up in ultra connected, fast-moving technological age
• More dependent on technology than any other generation
• Comfortable with and enjoy operating multiple electronic devices at the same time
• Less likely to travel; choose to spend greater amount of time in “virtual” world
3. Who is Generation Z?
• Generation Z sees genders as equals
• Believe in tolerance and diversity in the classroom and at work
• In the workplace and classroom, Generation Z lacks in personal expression and interpersonal skills
• Prefer communication via internet to any verbal communication
• Passionate about education
• More than 80% of Generation Z plans on attending college immediately after high school
• Vo-Tech is an option for Generation Z more than any other generation
• Cost of college matters to Generation Z
4. Who is Generation Z?
• Ultimate do-it-yourselfers; they will look for their own answers
• Self Reliant
• Do not take suggestions from others well
More than any other generation, Generation Z most closely resembles Baby Boomers.
They least resemble Echo Boomers/Millennials (born 1973-2000).
5. Millennials vs Generation Z
Millennials
• More optimistic about future
• More service oriented ( volunteer)
• “Me” generation
• Tech Savvy
• Like scheduled learning
• Embrace diversity
Generation Z
• More realistic about future
• Interested in social change
• “We” generation
• Tech Reliant
• Want “on-demand” learning
• Embrace diversity
6. Expectations of Generation Z
• Their research is more valuable than information from teachers, parents or peers and will make their own decisions
about college and major selection
• Cost of college should be reasonable; #1 concern
• Are pragmatic and will choose less expensive college
• Believe taking college classes while in high school will prepare them for college
• Believe taking college classes will prepare them for a career
Define success as securing a good job; not as interested in personal fulfillment as Millennials
• Financially driven vs personal fulfillment
7. Expectations of Generation Z
• Want permission to use electronic devices in classroom as part of learning
• Online learning preferred to face to face learning in most areas
• Khan Academy and Skillshare-do it yourself learning
• Desire to co-create online curriculum with instructor
• Like learning through games because it is engaging
• 1/3 of Generation Z plans to own their own business and wants coursework that will enhance business
• Plan to leapfrog entitled millennials in workforce by taking lesser positions and working harder
8. Considerations when Advising Generation Z
• Generation Z doesn’t like to read handouts, checklists or emails in preparation for class work or
advising session.
• Generation Z retains information best by high engagement; doesn’t want to be “talked at”
• Have a short attention span and like to read/digest information in small bytes
• Less interested in math and science career fields than Millennials
• Not particularly interested in communication via Facebook. Facebook is for their parents. Use their
phone to text, not call. Youtube is preferred for communicating vital information.
• Generation Z prefer to use their phone for everything
• Like to be texted; especially for important information
9. Academic Advising of Generation Z
• Generation Z expects to make good academic progress in college; will be
held accountable by “parents”, but parents not part of college processes
• Want instant answers and expect advisors to use technology to get them
• Generation Z struggles with critically evaluating information
• Being redundant with critical information is important
• Word of mouth is important. May take opinion of peers over facts given by adviser
10. Academic Advising of Generation Z
• What processes or approaches will academic advisers need to consider
modifying to better serve and engage Generation Z?
