Learning Resources

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: This article is based on follow-up survey research from a doctoral case study that highlighted effective retention practices for low-income and/or single mothers who were students within the Women in Transition (WIT) program at Charter Oak State College. The concept of retention in this instance is an enrollment management practice aimed at maintaining a student population while aiding the institution in sustaining organizational success. Emphasis is placed on the retention concepts of social and academic integration that enabled the specific population to persist and succeed.

Abstract: California Community Colleges, since 2014, have explicitly targeted retention, transfer, and completion outcomes through a mandated planning process supported by newly-allocated fiscal resources. The policy focuses on equity-driven institutional planning that identifies and addresses disparities for specific groups (e.g., Latinx students, foster youths, veterans). This article shares insight from five years of case study research, exploring how senior administrators address Latinx student transfer inequity through new culturally-relevant strategies. Within California, Latinx students comprise the largest share of transfer-aspirants, but they have significantly lower rates of academic success. Key lessons are shared to leverage planning efforts to improve outcomes for underrepresented minority students.

Abstract: This article outlines the process by which a public university sought to develop and grow a culture of problem-solving and innovation at a time when the institution was undergoing a number of transitions. By developing a Barriers Team, the institution brought together a group of individuals representing all aspects of the university and charged the members with tackling barriers to success. The authors outline how they used the institution’s strategic plan as a starting point, and then describe the steps, provide examples, and reflect on the long-range viability of the approach.

Abstract: Curriculum complexity impacts several aspects of student success, including time to degree, persistence, and the accumulation of student debt. This article describes the process of measuring and analyzing course prerequisites and sequencing. It outlines strategies to engage campus leadership and faculty in effectively improving curriculum and ensuring that support services are focused on the greatest area of need.

Abstract: The campus exists to serve as a support network for students, but the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the variety of ways in which some students remain underserved. This session will discuss the equity and access issues amplified by the pandemic and how institutions are adapting this fall's programs and environments to alleviate these issues. Come join our panelists for an in-depth discussion of research into student inequities and how their institutions plan to improve the student support system on their campus this fall.

Abstract: Students need more than hand sanitizing stations and plexiglass. They need their basic needs addressed. Many college students are part of a vulnerable population with a fragile hold on basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. Temple University’s Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice compiled an extensive set of resources for institutions to use to assist students in locating and applying for necessary aid.

In this episode, The Hope Center’s Paula Umaña discusses caring and communication: the need to identify your most vulnerable students, then ensure that available assistance is visible and easy for them to access..

Abstract: FLEXSpace—The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange—and the Learning Space Rating System (LSRS) are tools that can help you plan, design, assess, and improve learning spaces on your campus. In this session, you will learn about the newly released FLEXspace 2.0 along with the LSRS. We'll cover the features and benefits of both tools and how they can be incorporated into the planning process. Come learn how to use these tools to inform designs and support end users from planning through post occupancy.

Abstract: 89% of employers say colleges are not adequately preparing students for the workforce. This session explores critical education/workforce gaps in higher education and how they can be addressed through academic planning and learning environments. We'll share data from 11 national studies and our longitudinal research that identifies critical workforce competencies where colleges have an opportunity to raise their value proposition. You will learn innovative strategies and processes to realign academic programming, support services, and physical facilities with critical competencies for post-graduation success.

Abstract: This study examines new student orientation (NSO) programs of 65 four-year U.S. colleges, with a focus on a subset of 39 colleges offering NSOs with available program schedules. The 39 programs were analyzed in detail for content and key elements such as formats, topics, underlying learning theories, and high-impact practice-related activities. Data are drawn from both online orientation schedules for each program and survey responses received from educators at each of the associated institutions. NSOs offered by community colleges and those offered by the four-year colleges studied were also compared. The study results are intended to benefit college administrators and faculty responsible for developing freshman orientations.