The non-traditional student, or adult learner, is making up the new majority in secondary education, creating several implications for community colleges. The average non-traditional student is an adult, age 25 or older, who has returned to school either full-time or part-time. The student must balance school with employment, family, and financial commitments, placing them "at risk," and leaving no time for extracurricular campus activities. The student generally has better grades than younger students, but takes longer to complete their studies. Active approaches to learning are most effective. The non-traditional student needs improvement of basic academic skills, information about job opportunities, decision-making and stress management skills, and identification of individual strengths and abilities. The key to the persistence of non-traditional students is social integration, fostered by faculty members, and creating a sense of kinship. Improved registration, parking, financial aid, networking, accessibility, and information services would be of great benefit. Increased enrollment due to welfare reform and technological advancement is expected, with many of the students being non-traditional. Community colleges must develop a system of efficient and up-to-date training to meet these students' needs. Contains 11 references. (YKH)