Support for Adult Students to Overcome Barriers and Improve Persistence

Abstract Adult students represent one of the fastest growing student populations within higher education. While their educational goals are similar to traditional students, the challenges and barriers they may encounter differ. Higher education institutions must assess their support services, coursework, and resources to determine if they meet the needs of adult students and assist in overcoming these obstacles. This study reviews one institution’s approach to supporting adult student persistence. Efforts included student support both within and outside of the classroom experience, with an emphasis on proactive engagement strategies focused on interventions and opportunities to engage with students throughout their entire educational journey. Significant modifications as well as new initiatives were implemented beginning in 2019 to address gaps and areas of opportunity within the adult student support offerings to improve persistence. The strong foundation of support resources, connection building with key staff and faculty, and a commitment to student engagement were all essential in the observed improved persistence and retention rates during the 2019–2020 academic year.