ON DEMAND: Adult Student Success - beating the national trend of graduation rate

Abstract

The challenges to adults returning to complete a 4-year degree extend beyond the basics of academic skills. Research on adult student retention points to multiple factors affecting adult student success. The Bachelor of Individualized Studies (BIS) program has developed and piloted a 3 credit course focused on helping adult students prepare for these challenges and is structured using the tenets of universal and backward design. Now in its 4th semester, BIS 301 is applicable to any adult returning to complete a degree. Key learning outcomes include: Professional goal setting, personal goal setting, academic skill assessment, and developing new personal identities and sense of community. The presentation will explain these key structures, learning goals, classroom/student activities, and share student work and reflection on how the course has created a positive mindset of competency and confidence.