Orientation is a defining moment for adult learners. It creates a first impression of your institution and sets the tone for everything that follows.

An inclusive, supportive orientation acknowledges the unique challenges adult learners face, instills confidence, and connects them to the resources they need to persist to graduation. Here are three strategies to help you create an orientation experience that truly resonates with this population.

1. Showcase adult learner success

Your institution likely already features testimonials from traditional students in orientation materials. But how many of those testimonials reflect the experiences of adult learners from a variety of backgrounds and life circumstances?

Authentic testimonials create a deeper connection and help returning learners see themselves as future graduates. When building out testimonial content, consider the following:

• Select a variety of nontraditional students, working parents, veterans, career switchers, and others to share their experiences
• Capture real perspectives, including fears, obstacles, and how learners overcame them
• Include specifics like how long they were out of school, family and work commitments, and strategies they used to succeed
• Showcase a range of motivations and outcomes, from returning for a new career to setting an example for their children

Examples:

• University of North Carolina Charlotte
• University of Akron

2. Go beyond academic resources

To succeed, returning and adult learners need support services that align with their real circumstances — not just academic advising. An orientation geared toward adult learners should highlight the full range of resources available to them, including:

• Flexible academic programming — fully online, hybrid, and accelerated course options
• Dedicated financial aid including grants, scholarships, and payment plans
• Generous transfer credit policies to accelerate time to degree completion
• Student services such as transportation, childcare, and access to technology
• Reduced or waived re-application and transfer fees
• SAP policies that create pathways back for students with a remediation plan

Consistent promotion of these resources after orientation ensures this population continues to feel seen and supported. Consider going a step further by connecting adult learners with peer mentors who can share their own experiences and help smooth the transition back to campus.

Examples:

• Camden County College
• William Paterson University

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Strategy In Action: Reimagining Orientation for Adult Learners

Get tips and best practices to help you create an orientation that serves the unique needs of your adult learners.

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3. Create a welcoming environment

Events and orientation programming do more than ease the transition back to college — they give adult learners opportunities to make connections and build a support network. To create events adult learners will value:

• Initial outreach: Use multiple channels — email, social media, and personalized invitations — to reach prospective attendees
• In-person and virtual options: Offer both formats to accommodate different preferences, increase accessibility, and boost participation
• Affinity group spaces: Provide dedicated spaces or time slots for affinity groups to meet, network, and share experiences
• Informal social activities: Plan casual, unstructured activities like coffee breaks or informal meet-and-greets to help adult learners relax and connect
• Alumni panels: Feature alumni who can share their experiences and success stories, offering real-world perspective and inspiration
• Visible campus resources: Give high visibility to career services, mental health resources, academic support, and extracurricular opportunities at every event

Examples:

• Eastern Michigan University
• Montclair State University

Rethink your approach to orientation

Returning to higher education is a significant decision. Reentry can be a vulnerable time — adult learners are adding school to existing work, family, financial, and community responsibilities.

Orientation needs to set the tone for a positive experience, acknowledging those circumstances while connecting learners to the right support. Every effort to understand and accommodate adult learners’ unique needs contributes not only to their success but to the strength of your entire academic community.

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