The Penn State Commission for Adult Learners

Welcome to the Commission for Adult Learners website. Penn State's Commission for Adult Learners is composed of faculty, staff, and students from several University locations. Members are dedicated to improving the adult learner experience at Penn State.

Penn State's definition of an adult learner is a person who: 

  • is 24 years of age or older; or
  • is a veteran of the armed services; or an active duty service member; or
  • is returning to school after four or more years of employment, homemaking, or other activity; or
  • assumes multiple adult roles such as parent, spouse/partner, employee, and student.

The charge to the Commission is to:

  1. provide a visible University-wide body whose primary purpose is to contribute to a supportive climate for adult learners;
  2. monitor the recruitment, retention, customer satisfaction, and status of adult learners;
  3. recommend changes in policy, practice, and procedures that negatively impact adult learners;
  4. foster coordination and information exchange regarding programs and services that attract and retain adult learners;
  5. advocate for adult learners' concerns by providing advice and consultation or conducting special studies where appropriate;
  6. serve as a repository and facilitating body for all adult learner–focused initiatives University-wide.

Sponsors of the Commission for Adult Learners are:

  • Dr. Robert N. Pangborn, Vice President and Dean for Undergraduate Education
  • Dr. Madlyn L. Hanes, Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses
  • Damon Sims, Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Dr. Craig D. Weidemann, Vice President for Outreach
  • Dr. W. Terrell Jones, Vice Provost for Educational Equity

History of the Commission for Adult Learners

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Page last modified on Thursday, March 14, 2013