Quiz: Does Your Institution Support Adult Learner Success?
These questions can help your institution uncover its institutional strengths and opportunities to develop strategies that better serve adult learners.
More institutions of higher education recognize the need for effective adult learner recruitment, re-enrollment, and retention strategies. But how can schools evaluate their current efforts and make smart choices for improvement?
ReUp’s institutional assessment is an opportunity to evaluate your current adult learner strategies and provides a roadmap to further refine and strengthen those strategies. Let’s explore why the key considerations presented in the assessment matter, and what they reveal about your institution’s approach.
Strategic planning and resource allocation
One of the foundational questions in the assessment asks whether adult learners are included in the institution’s strategic plan. This question isn’t just about policy—it’s a reflection of commitment. Institutions that prioritize nontraditional students in their strategic planning are better positioned to allocate necessary resources, set realistic goals for degree completion, and ultimately create an environment conducive to success.
Case study insight: The University of Idaho (U of I) saw tremendous value in engaging adult learners and offering them a pathway back to higher education. Not only would it align with the school’s students-first mindset, it was also a way to impact social and economic mobility in the state. The university made increasing its adult learner population a strategic goal. Working with ReUp, U of I vastly expanded the number of adult learners reached, recorded their feedback, motivations and obstacles, and offered tailored support based on the insights. Since the partnership began, nearly 565 adult learners have re-enrolled at the university and 248 completed their degrees.
Distinct outreach strategies
Another essential question involves whether there’s a distinct outreach strategy for adult learners, separate from traditional students. Adult learners often juggle multiple responsibilities, from careers to family obligations. Recognizing these differences and tailoring outreach accordingly is crucial for meaningful engagement.
Reflect on this: Does your institution use a single approach for all students? If so, you are likely missing opportunities to connect meaningfully with adult learners. Tailored communication, re-orientation sessions, flexible scheduling, and personalized support can significantly enhance engagement and retention.
Research and data-driven insights
How often does your team dive into research on adult learner trends? Researching trends, motivations, and challenges among returning adult learners, alongside student success tracking, is a cornerstone of effective engagement. Understanding what drives adult learners and the barriers they face not only informs strategy but also shows a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to evolving needs.
Case study insight: Chicago State University lacked insight into what their adult learners were thinking, where they were in their life journey, and what challenges they were facing. They partnered with ReUp to better reach and understand this population. The insights and recommendations that came from ReUp’s work had ripple effects across the entire institution, from enrollment services to marketing to academic affairs and sparked conversations about how every aspect of the student experience can be seen through the lens of an adult learner’s experience.
Support systems and accessibility
The quiz asks about dedicated support systems for adult learners, such as specialized advisors, centers, and mental health resources on campus. These elements are not just add-ons; they are vital components of a supportive educational environment. Ensuring access to advisors and coaches who understand adult learners can make the difference between a learner persisting to graduation or stopping out again.
Example in practice: At the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, a ReUp partner, every adult and returning learner receives a welcome email from the adult student enrollment counselor that includes an invitation to meet. Prospective learners are often referred to the university’s Center for Adult and Returning Students (CARS) by faculty and staff if the learner has expressed a need for support as they make decisions and move through the enrollment process. CARS addresses the academic, advising, scheduling, career development, and financial support needs of adult learners.
Feedback and continuous improvement
Finally, the assessment encourages institutions to implement systems that allow for direct feedback from adult learners. Regular input can guide policy refinement and program development, ensuring that the institution remains responsive to the needs of nontraditional learners and effective in fostering degree completion. Actively seeking and acting on feedback also creates a culture of openness and continuous enhancement.
Reflect on this: How does your institution gather feedback from adult learners? Actively listening and responding to their insights can drive continuous improvement and foster a supportive educational environment.
Take the assessment:
A catalyst for growth
The questions posed by the institutional assessment are more than mere reflections—they are catalysts for meaningful change. By engaging with these inquiries, your institution can uncover its current strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies to better serve adult learners. Embracing this reflective approach not only benefits the learners but enriches your academic community.
Learn more about our work with adult learners and institutions of higher education through our case studies and learner stories. For our latest thoughts on how to support adult learners, follow us on LinkedIn.
Let’s start the conversation
Schedule a call with a ReUp team member to learn more about what a ReUp partnership could do for your institution.