Although experiential learning has value, "diploma mills" that offer college credit for life or work experience are not a legitimate means of accommodating nontraditional adult students. (SK)

Describes the experiences of a mentor with a retired nursing home proprietor who entered an off-campus degree program. (JOW)

This article discusses a recently developed educational alternative in the United States. This is the "university without walls," characterized by independent study combined with vocational training. (Text is in German.) (Author/AM)

A history of the Open University of Great Britain, its role as a leader in nontraditional education, and its influence on programs in the United States and elsewhere. (LS)

Describes the university and community perceptions of the role of the university in providing outreach off-campus degree programs, perceptions of the impact of the bachelor of science in nursing program in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and the process by which such a program can be identified, negotiated, and conducted. (JOW)

Cites case studies involving professional people attempting to gain doctoral degrees through correspondence universities. Examines the history of these institutions and problems of accreditation. (CT)

Australia's external degree programs have managed to maintain high standards for graduate degrees through residential and weekend schools, teaming of visiting or part-time faculty with regular full-time faculty members, faculty-wide approval of grades, direct supervision, strict admission standards, and rigorous programs. (Author/WD)

A 1987 evaluation of the Brisbane College of Advanced Education's external studies operations was conducted using a survey instrument sent to a sample of 397 external students, not including dropouts or those who have temporarily withdrawn. The survey was designed to collect information about the college's external students, their pattern of use…

This 1985 survey of staff attitudes toward external studies at Brisbane College of Advanced Education is a follow-up to a 1984 survey, the results of which were reported to college staff in September 1984. Goals of the 1985 survey were to facilitate the detection of new areas of concern and to assess the degree to which success had been achieved…

The case for public library support for open university programs. Description of some existing public library projects and discussion of ways in which libraries can participate in adult degree programs. (LS)

An annotated bibliography covering the open university in the United States and Great Britain as well as the role of the library in such programs. (LS)

The University of Southern California (USC) Library School offered an experimental self-paced, independent learning program during the 1976-1977 academic year to help those students who desire this type of professional training but are unable to attend classes on a daily or semi-weekly basis in the traditional pattern of scheduling. Program…

Part of a government report on "Efficiency in Higher Education," this study dealt with the cost of existing or proposed external degree or non-traditional programs in adult higher education, an area which is lacking in substantive cost data. Twenty-seven institutions were contacted because they were believed to have non-traditional programs; high…

Continuing education for rural Americans is seen as a "step-child" to conventional on-campus programs. Elements of the British Open University are explored with the view of adapting them to American rural continuing education. (KR)

The status of external degree programs in traditional institutions is examined. Basing evaluation on the guidelines set forth by the Carnegie Commission for Non-Traditional Study (l973); it is suggested that external programs have not adequately been integrated into the academic mainstream. (Author/MLW)