In the 21st century economic landscape, many argue the importance of a college degree, as entry into many occupations now requires advanced credentials. Pursuing a college degree costs time and money, often presenting barriers to those pursuing the dream. Prior learning assessment (PLA) offers a solution to spend less time and money earning a…

Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, comprises three primary units that each serve a distinct population: the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is a residential college for roughly 2,800 traditional-age undergraduates; the College of Adult and Professional Studies and Graduate School (CAPS/GS) serves roughly 2,200 adult learners at both the…

Programs for adults learning English vary widely in size and scope. Some are large, multilevel programs, such as the Arlington Education and Employment Program (REEP) in Virginia, which has more than 45 staff members, over 100 volunteers, and an array of student services for the 7,500 learners served annually at the program's 7 locations. Others…

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University--Worldwide serves more than 36,000 online students across the globe, many of whom are military and other non-traditional students, offering 34 undergraduate, graduate, and professional education/workforce certificate programs, presented both online and via blended delivery modes. The centralized model of online…

Prior learning assessment programs are characterized as having a highly individualized service or a more standardized pattern. Three model programs are described: Webster College in St. Louis, Adelphi University in Garden City, Long Island, and Sinclair Community College in Dayton. (Author/MLW)

Higher education institutions are creating academic centers or institutes run for and by older adults, often retired professionals. The organizations are quasi-independent and organize their own programs. While they are usually attached to continuing education divisions, they are also seen as a community service. (MSE)

As increasing numbers of adults approach postsecondary education, the financial aid community must research specific issues: adult student costs, resources, aid received and aid denied, perceptions of aid offices and services, information needs, expense budgeting, aid packaging, office staffing, and publications needed. (MSE)

Rapid technological advances will double America's information system every 8 years. As a result, adults in and out of the work force will need continual updating of the information and skills they use in all aspects of life. Of the current 58.4 million adults engaged in some form of organized education, only 12.4 million are attending colleges or…

The National University Consortium for Telecommunications in Teaching, the first national effort to provide high quality bachelor's degree programs for Americans who cannot attend college full-time on campus, is described. It is suggested that both institutional participation and enrollment projections may be exceeded. (MLW)

The history and development of Australia's first part-time undergraduate degree program, in Griffith University's interdisciplinary humanities program, are chronicled. Related issues are discussed, including administrative and legal considerations and problems unique to part-time students. (MSE)

The University of Albuquerque established a degree program for adults which includes (1) a time shortened concept, (2) a seminar format in the general education program which allows the adult students an opportunity to question, critique, discuss, and engage in scholarly dialogue with seminar preceptors, (3) a flexible schedule that allows adult…

A variety of programs at Ivy League colleges to attract and retain adult students are described. Issues to be addressed in establishing and administering such programs are outlined, including program organization, admissions policies, academic quality, faculty attitudes, management of student life, counseling, financial aid, and college mission.…

Adult education program designs are described for four institutions: Mary Baldwin College, Loretto Heights College, the Vermont State Colleges, and Clark University. A network formed among these institutions serving as a mutual support system by which research and literature could be exchanged. Four common premises developed: (1) the decision to…

European case studies on strategies for adult education are presented as representative or exemplary approaches to universal access. Each is described within a historical and social context: the British Community Colleges and the Open University; the Swedish Study Circles; the Evening Folk High School in Germany; the social-cultural animation…

DePaul University (Illinois) has addressed the problem of delays in employer reimbursement of tuition costs by extending payment due dates and treating reimbursement as pending financial assistance. Since implementation, enrollment in courses designed specifically for adult students have increased, and withdrawals have decreased. One-third of…