Creating a New Future: Recruiting and Retaining Nontraditional Students

Abstract

As stewards of our regions, Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) institutions have a special responsibility to enhance the educational attainment in our communities. In this paper, we present the rationale for engaging with nontraditional students, taking into account the complexity of their identities. Although we acknowledge the barriers to access and success, we present results of a student survey of adult learners at Northern Kentucky University which highlights their needs and preferences. We also focus on follow-up evaluation of efforts to enhance convenience and access for students. Further, we emphasize efforts to build programs that serve nontraditional students and provide clarity of expectations (for both faculty and students) in existing programs.