Support for Adult Students to Overcome Barriers and Improve Persistence

Abstract

Adult students represent one of the fastest growing student populations within higher education. While their educational goals are similar to traditional students, the challenges and barriers they may encounter differ. Higher education institutions must assess their support services, coursework, and resources to determine if they meet the needs of adult students and assist in overcoming these obstacles. This study reviews one institution’s approach to supporting adult student persistence. Efforts included student support both within and outside of the classroom experience, with an emphasis on proactive engagement strategies focused on interventions and opportunities to engage with students throughout their entire educational journey. Significant modifications as well as new initiatives were implemented beginning in 2019 to address gaps and areas of opportunity within the adult student support offerings to improve persistence. The strong foundation of support resources, connection building with key staff and faculty, and a commitment to student engagement were all essential in the observed improved persistence and retention rates during the 2019–2020 academic year.

Keywords:

• Adult students
• student success
• academic barriers
• persistence
• retention

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Blake J. Renner

As a higher education leader, Dr. Blake J. Renner has focused his efforts on eliminating barriers and creating equitable learning environments to enable students to realize their academic potential. For nearly 10 years, he has worked at Franklin University with a focus on expanding and providing direct student support both within and outside the classroom. In addition to serving as the Dean of Students, he teaches undergraduate and doctoral courses and serves as a doctoral faculty advisor and dissertation committee member.

Elizabeth Skursha

Elizabeth Skursha is a higher education professional with over 10 years of experience in admissions, academic advising, and student support. She currently serves as the Department Coordinator for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Franklin University. Her higher education interests include retention and persistence, student success, and strategic communication and student engagement.