Learning Resources

Abstract: Edited by Eugene L. Zdziarski, Norbert W. Dunkel, and J. Michael Rollo
Routledge: Oxfordshire, England: 2021
388 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-0367333720

Abstract: This was a free webinar hosted by CAEL, AASCU, and SCUP.

Students over the age of 25 are the fastest-growing segment in higher education. From 2000 to 2012, the enrollment of students over the age of 25 increased by 35%, and between 2012 and 2019, the share of students over age 25 increased by another 23%.

Even though more adult learners and nontraditional students are enrolling in higher education, many institutional practices do not consider the unique needs of this population. The best adult learner strategies not only increase student satisfaction, they improve enrollment rates and adult degree attainment.

More than ever, nontraditional students and adult learners are making up more and more of the student body at colleges and universities across the country. Institutions can create equitable pathways that can help overcome disparities in adult learning, and better prepare themselves for adult students who have been disconnected from higher education.

Learn how to effectively stand out from other institutions who are making mistakes in 10 key areas with the adult learner population.

Abstract: Professor Armstrong describes the college's particular interest in sexual assault prevention and highlights the critical role that academic department chairs can play in designing institutional research partnerships that support faculty interests as well as the institution's. She emphasizes many faculty's long term commitment to campus health and wellbeing and offers a clear-eyed view about how to leverage faculty research skills for campus goals.

Abstract: Vice President Diorio describes how Student Life (or other institutional areas) can successfully embrace faculty researchers to further institutional goals. She highlights the benefits of developing tailored, evidence-based programming through in-house research partnerships and how Student Life can enhance the academic skills of their most-involved student activists.

Abstract: Ella Goodwin, a Lafayette College senior and co-president of a student organization called Pards Against Sexual Assault, shares a student’s desire for clear institutional planning in areas of critical student concern. She emphasizes that financial renumeration for the work that student activists already do to create and support vital campus programming is critical to successful partnerships. She highlights the importance of the opportunity to develop research skills for undergraduate students particularly beyond STEM.

Abstract: As Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs are coming under national scrutiny for their lack of proven effectiveness and antiquated systems, the University of Missouri-Kansas City reevaluated the culture surrounding its student employee positions. After collaborating with financial aid personnel and identifying key stakeholders, a new program was created to focus on professional-readiness skills and developing a culture of high-quality, campus-wide customer service. Former expectations of FWS positions were revised to include more intentional career-readiness opportunities. Doing so required investing in professional development for supervisors and support for mentoring student employees. This article presents the planning and collaboration methods that are vital to implementing an innovative program and provides insight for other universities seeking to professionalize their FWS programs.

Abstract: While the pandemic pivot saw institutions racing to embrace new technologies on the fly, the lasting effects of COVID-19 have given rise to a new way of planning ahead and embracing the ability to see changing requirements as opportunities. Hear how Grand Valley’s Loren Rullman frames the changes to student life with the word “more”—more technology, more options, more outside-the-box thinking, and more action and cultural change—as we look ahead to the transformation of campuses for fall and beyond.

Abstract: The past month has been trying for all of higher education. How do we transition our constituents from crisis to collaboration in order to meet the needs of the entire campus community? In this conversation, Mike Martin, Associate Dean Science, Math, and Health at John Carroll University discusses how the administration addressed the first few weeks of the COVID-19 crisis and how they have creatively shifted gears with students and faculty toward what’s next.

Abstract: While the majority of their students are online, it’s not so easy to take the same methodologies to deliver on mission when quickly switching their residential students to an online environment when expectations are different. Cynthia Tweedell, Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Ohio Christian University talks about how this faith-based institution with a personal touch is working through the transition for students, athletes, and summer programs.