Older Adults or Adults Returning to University

With the ever-increasing demand on higher education in the job market. More adults than ever are coming back to attain a degree, whether that be a Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc. We define Adults Returning to University as anyone who is 25 years or older and returning to the university after taking some time off from school. With this identity, there are several strengths and challenges students may face, CAPS is here to help if you find yourself struggling.

  • Common Strengths
    • Resiliency
    • Life Experiences
    • Strong Support Network
    • Internally Motivated To Learn
    • Problem Solving Skills
    • Clearer Goals
  • Common Challenges
    • Financial challenges
    • Feeling tokenized
    • Feeling of invalidation
    • Feeling of being invisible
    • Culture of micro-assaults
    • On-campus dating
  • Campus Resources
  • What if you need help?
    • Talk to friends and family (if available) to discuss what is going on
    • Discuss any academic concerns with faculty
    • Talk to your academic advisor if something needs to be adjusted to fit your needs
    • Check in with CAPS to see if we can help
  • Tips to make the transition back into college easier
    • Familiarize yourself with campus through tours and a campus map: Familiarizing yourself with campus will help make you feel more comfortable on campus and make it so you have one less thing to worry about when trying to get to class.
    • Get to know your advisors and professors! Getting to know your advisors can help you know where to turn if you hit a snag during your academic career. They can guide you and connect you to resources on campus you might not be aware of otherwise. You will be interacting with your professors on a weekly basis, connecting with them can help you to understand class material better and make it more comfortable to ask for help later in the semester!
    • Try to squeeze in study time throughout the day: If setting aside two hours each night seems impossible due to a demanding work or family schedule, try to squeeze in small amounts of time to study throughout the day. This can look like reading through your articles on the bus in the morning or taking time to outline a paper during lunch.
    • Make time for family and friends: It is hard to find a balance with your new role as a student. Careers and familial obligations are hard to balance with school work, however, often your relationships are part of the motivating force to go back to school. Lean on your family and friends for support during this difficult time. Ask for help and patience as you navigate your new role.
  • Online Resources
  • Scholarly Article
    • Deutsch, N. L. & Schmertz, B. (2011). "Starting from Ground Zero:" Constraints and Experiences of Adult Women Returning to College. The Review of Higher Education 34(3), 477-504. Johns Hopkins University Press. Retrieved March 29, 2019, from Project MUSE database.