Maybe you have seen them: older people who come to your class every day and turn out to be fellow students. Some are old, some are Really old and they are usually way too eager to learn. What are they doing? Didn’t they graduate years ago? Maybe they did (or didn’t) and are now back to learn more.

The University of Colorado Boulder has a large number of these so-called “adult learners,” and they are numerous. Of the more than 37,000 students at CU Boulder, Thousands are part-time students, pursuing either bachelor’s or master’s degrees. A portion of these part-time students are adult learners. This means that many traditional students are likely to encounter one “non-traditional” student every semester. That’s why you may have seen them before.

But who are these adult learners?

According to Graham Douglas, assistant director of student success in CU Boulder’s Division of Continuing Education, participants range from professional athletes just finishing college to retirees attending a single class. While their individual stories may be very different, CU Boulder’s adult learners all have impressive skills and perspectives that make them interesting friends.

The continuing education works “for many students who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree, (but) may already have some college education,” says Douglas. Because their life circumstances have changed, these students have decided to return to their undergraduate studies. Some of them are veterans or military members who may have taken courses while on active duty.

Some of these students will benefit from special programs designed specifically for former students, such as “CU completed” for students who started but did not finish at CU Boulder, and “Finish what you started” for Colorado residents whose studies have been impacted by the pandemic.

The continuing education department also offers a postgraduate pre-health program for students who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree and want to continue their education for a career change into the healthcare field.

“(These students) need the basic science prerequisites to apply for admission to a professional school. Most of them are interested in medical school, others in a PA program or … dentistry,” Douglas said. “This is a significant group for us (in the Department of Continuing Education).”

There is a smaller group of adult learners who “already have a bachelor’s degree and want to either improve their career prospects or change their career direction. They may only need one or two additional graduate-level courses.” Alternatively, they may try a graduate degree in a whole new field to see if it’s a good fit for them.

Finally, there is a group of non-traditional students who come from the community and are interested in auditing courses. The community audit program requires instructor approval and there is even a senior audit program for community members over 55.

“(Community auditing) definitely brings a lot more experience to campus … and some unique perspectives,” Douglas said.

So why should a traditional student care?

First, these adult learners are just that—adults. They typically work, sometimes in multiple jobs. They may be raising children, caring for their elderly parents, running a household, maintaining a marriage, or all of the above. While their individual situations are different, they have all taken fascinating paths to CU Boulder and typically lead fulfilling lives outside of the university.

Second, adult learners are usually determined to use their schooling to advance their careers. They are very goal-oriented and determined and make excellent learning partners.

Third, friendships between traditional and non-traditional students are unique. The two groups are at different stages of life, have different priorities and views, but they all share a common work in the classroom. They are climbing the same mountain together and can use their different skills and perspectives to help each other move forward.

I was an adult learner taking JRNL 5822: Reporting on the Environment last semester. As a former scientist who took years off to raise her children, I wanted to take a journalism course to jumpstart my new career as a science writer. I could have done this on my own by taking a free, anonymous online course to engage and reflect on my new career. Instead, I chose to take a challenging, in-person, graded course at CU Boulder. I absolutely blasted it and am so glad I did.

My experience was almost perfect, the only downside was the price. I found that the professor, Hillary Rosner, hit the nail on the head: she taught us the basics of science journalism, helped us improve our skills, and, most amazingly, taught me how to courage to dive into a new career, regardless of my age. She is wise, has an impressive background, and always answered my many work-related questions.

My fellow students, both graduate and undergraduate, have been consistently accepting of me. I am still amazed at how interested they seemed in my prehistoric views, and when I asked a question, which was invariably career-related, they wanted to hear the answer too. There was hardly ever a frown, and I now have several new friends the age of my own children! I know I can turn to these new friends for mutual advice and support as we put what we have learned into practice.

And don’t forget: adult learners aren’t just nerdy people in their fifties.

“It’s pretty common for student-athletes to return to complete their degree, either while playing professionally or after their professional careers are over,” Douglas said. “(These students have) a lot of unique experiences … and an incredible work ethic!”

So next semester, if you notice grey-haired (or incredibly muscular) classmates, don’t hesitate to sit next to them. You might be in for a long, motivating and new friendship.

Contact CU Independent guest writer Wendy Orlando at [email protected]