Barriers and Facilitators for Mid- and Later-Life Community College Students: The Role of Faculty

• In Event: Faculty Development in Response to Diversity, Transitions, and Opportunities

Abstract

This qualitative study, which focused on mid- and later-life (MLL; age 40 and older) students, included focus groups with faculty (both adjunct and tenured) and students along with key informant interviews at multiple community colleges in a Midwestern state. MLL students are a heterogeneous group and often have more demands on their time than traditional age students. Adjunct faculty teach the majority of classes at community colleges but are not provided the same professional development opportunities as tenure track faculty and are often not well integrated into the college system. Our findings on the critical roles faculty members play in helping MLL students succeed suggest that providing additional support for faculty is a valuable investment for community colleges.

Authors

• Phyllis A. Cummins, Miami University

• Annabelle Arbogast, Miami University - Oxford

• Kathryn McGrew, Miami University - Oxford

• Peter Riley Bahr, University of Michigan