Finding an Adult-Friendly Program

(as printed in the June 2010 Back to School for Grownups Newsletter)

“How can I find a program that understands adult learning and adult lives?”  Educational programs that target working adults are advertised in pop-up internet ads, bus stops, billboards, print media, radio, even late-night TV.   Most institutions understand something about adult learning.  Fewer grasp the complexity of adult lives where each minute counts.  See this month’s Ask Dr. Laura for a classic example.

A few signs of a truly adult-friendly program are:

1. Marketing Are information sessions offered evenings and weekends?  Do brochures highlight adult students from diverse generations, work backgrounds and family structures?
2. Class schedules Are classes offered at adult-friendly times such as evenings and weekends? Is each onsite course offered in a block of time once a week ?  Are online options available?  Are course schedules determined far enough in advance to allow adults to plan for prerequisites or required courses, and thus stay on track to graduate in a timely manner?
3. Faculty Does the faculty include industry practitioners as well as full-time academics?  Are instructors available for questions via email or course management software (e.g. Blackboard)? Is the syllabus for each course (including all assignments) available during registration periods?  Successful adult students plan for tough semesters and may even work ahead to allow room for life’s unexpected events.
4. Financial aid Is the financial aid office familiar with scholarships and loan options for working adults? Does the school’s financial aid protocol reflect the adult experience, or do documents require, for example, a parent’s signature?
5. Administration Are administrative offices open when adult-centered programs are in session? Or, do adult students need to take time off from work to visit career services, speak to the Dean or resolve registration or tuition issues?  Likewise, are student clubs, special programs and guest speakers scheduled during adult-friendly times?
6. Rigor The danger of too much program flexibility is the loss of quality learning, followed quickly by loss of program reputation in the community – not a good combination for those hoping to parlay their education into a new job.  Few adult students have time (or money) for a do-over if their program of choice lacks the necessary rigor to prepare them to succeed in the marketplace. Expect to do hard work; really hard work.  Expect to face difficult choices.  Professors who accept sloppy, sub-par or habitually late work are not doing the students a favor.  As a consumer, seek out schools with high standards and firm expectations.  These schools respect your time, your goals and your money – and so will potential employers.

Now it is your turn!  What does an adult-friendly program look like to you?  Send your examples to laura@backtoschoolforgrownups.com.  I’d love to hear your perspective!