One of the most significant issues facing colleges and universities today is the growing need for lifelong learning and for coherent strategies to serve the adult learner. The Commission on Higher Education and the Adult Learner has outlined five priorities for adult education that demand attention and action: (1) occupational maintenance, education aimed at helping people do their jobs more effectively; (2) retraining for displaced workers; (3) equal opportunity for all students; (4) eliminating adult illiteracy; and (5) achieving competence in the information age. These five priorities are not an all-inclusive agenda, but they illustrate some areas in which individual institutions might bring their own resources to bear. Educators must examine their own institutions to see how best each can serve the adult learner. A more effective division of labor among the providers of adult education is required. The development of rigorous standards for continuing education programs is needed, as is the recruitment of high quality administrators and faculty. Colleges and university divisions of continuing education must be responsive to new markets and the special needs of adults. Stronger alliances must be built between colleges and universities and other providers of adult education. A final point is that, to meet the needs of adult learners, educators must urge federal, state, and local governments to support continuing education. (SLD)