Joseph C. Chen
Nontraditional Adult Learners
DePaul University
discourse diversity colleges universities united states oftenneglected population nontraditional adult learners article explores invisible aspect undergraduate diversity addresses competencebased education focuses demonstrating actual ability innovative approach caters adult learners life phase learning needs college arguably youthcentric phase life generally designed younger student however stereotypical fulltime student lives campus actually small percentage entire postsecondary population due demands increasingly competitive world work nontraditional adult learners continue seek postsecondary education unfortunately credit hour system significant barrier entry success adult learners merits competencebased education discussed implications provided best meet significant component student diversity