Adult Learners Advising Community

There is not a consistent definition of who is considered an adult learner. Below are some typical characteristics that often apply to many of the adult learners we work with:

• 25+ years old
• Students who do not fit the typical profile of the 18- to 22-year-old full-time undergraduate (Giancola, Munz, & Trares, 2008)
• First-time college student 21+ years old (Davidson & Holbrook, 2014)
• Returning to school after stopping out
• “Any student, regardless of age, who has adult responsibilities beyond college classes, and for whom those adult responsibilities take priority in times of crisis” (NACADA’s Advising Adult Learners Commission)

Adult learners can also be referred to as a post-traditional student, adult student, returning adult, adult returners, or mature learners.

1. Be flexible with adult learners for advising appointments, communication methods, and office hours.

2. Provide high quality student support to adult learners through timely communication and information sharing.

3. Advocate for adult learners at your institution through collaboration with other departments.