Engaging Adult Students

Abstract

With the increase demand among adult students for baccalaureate degrees opposed to associate degrees, metropolitan universities are excellent educational options for these students to complete their educational goals due to the geographic proximity of these institutions to work and housing. Metropolitan campus administrators are increasingly focusing on issues related to adult student engagement, learning, and retention. To date, only a few studies exist that examine adult student engagement. Most of these studies focus on the community college experience. This article describes student engagement experiences of three African American adult students on two metropolitan campuses. The author offers five recommendations for campus administrators and faculty for enhancing adult student engagement.