As higher education continues to see a changing student population, there is clear evidence that food insecurity is a real concern on college campuses. The need to increase food availability and access on campuses is critical to the retention and educational experiences of students. Eight students participated in interviews about their experience…

A focus group and questionnaire gathered information on differences in the attitudes and beliefs of older medical students compared to younger students. Older students mentioned increased home responsibilities relative to peers, lack of perceived respect by attendings and residents, and use of different learning strategies; more older students…

The major objective of this study was to determine the needs and problems experienced by re-entered college students (those 25 years and older). Although limited to one institution, the sample was substantial in size. A questionnaire survey, mailed to all 2,958 re-entered students, was designed to determine whether or not any patterns existed in…

At Northern Kentucky State University, the Peer Support Organization offers older students, especially women, peer counseling and a chance to discuss problems. The organization was introduced to help these nontraditional students adjust to their unique demands that often include husbands, jobs, children, and school. (JMD)

This paper describes the problems and successes of adult working-class women at Staten Island Community College (New York) who have been moved by the aspirations enunciated by the women's movement to enter the college in increasing numbers. Among the problems that such reentering women face in the pursuit of a higher education are ambivalence and…

Examines learning problems encountered when adults return to the university as students, including lack of educational counselling, pressure of outside commitments, outdated mathematical and science skills, and anxiety about study skills. Strategies to assist mature students are described. (JJD)

This paper examines the needs of the adult learner and how these needs are being met at Kent State University, Ohio, and by other colleges and universities. Factors explaining the rise of adult learning on college campuses and demographic information on the current adult student population in colleges and universities are presented. Reasons for…

This illustrated handbook provides advice and answers prospective questions for women who are considering a return to higher education. Based upon the author's own experiences, it begins by focusing on some of the reasons for returning to school. Next, various concerns and anxieties that a woman might face in going to college--self-doubt, fears of…

Noting that educators have progressed considerably in the development of instructional and institutional strategies for nontraditional students, this paper provides a chart summarizing possible solutions to the various problems of such students in postsecondary education. Dealing with both affective and cognitive domains, the chart lists areas of…

A study compared perceptions of institutional climate among four categories of female education students at the University of Utah: traditional age students (age 24 and under) who are Latter Day Saints (Mormons) or non-Latter Day Saints (non-LDS); and older students (age 25 and over) who are LDS or non-LDS. It was hypothesized that older students…

Mature women are returning to colleges and universities in ever-increasing numbers. These women have special goals and special needs and it is essential that institutions of higher education respond to these needs. The problems faced by the older woman student are numerous and may be characterized as either institutional or personal. Institutional…

Factors that influence satisfaction and retention of nontraditional students in graduate programs of education were studied. The study participants attended a major, midwestern university and consisted of three groups: 10 Hispanic graduate students (26-58 years old); 10 Anglo graduate students (29-43 years old); and graduate faculty teaching the…

Results of a survey conducted in 1980 by the Women's Opportunities Network of the University of Georgia are presented. The survey was designed to identify the character'; characteristics and needs of nontraditional women students and to help guide the development of programs and activities that would benefit this group. In addition to providing…

A literature review of barriers to women who re-enter higher education studies is presented. Several factors are thought to influence the experience of re-entry women: the type of institution she attends, the type of program that she finds there, and her personal and social situation. Re-entry women are discussed in terms of inner city women, low…

Descriptive data about mature, full-time students enrolled in three postsecondary nonuniversity institutes in Saskatchewan, Canada, were gathered. Information was sought about the personal characteristics of these students, about the decision making process they followed when deciding to return to school, and about the difficulties and benefits…