Adult learners come to USI from many different cultures and backgrounds, each with their own sets of experiences and personal responsibilities. Maybe they're parents, business owners, retirees, or come from any other walk of life.
There are always exceptions, but an adult learner will likely identify with at least one of the following situations:
There are many forms of financial assistance at your reach, including financial aid, employer reimbursement, scholarships, and grants.
For instance, the state of Indiana offers an Adult Student Grant, aimed at helping residents age 25 years and older pursue higher education. You can visit Learn More Indiana to explore the many financial assistance options available for adult learners in Indiana.
You might even consider working for USI; employees, their spouses, and their children are often eligible for tuition waivers.
Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a student-centered and faculty driven process for awarding college-level credit for demonstrated acquired knowledge. The University follows PLA best practices established by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and PLA is administered internally through the Provost Office in collaboration with Faculty Senate and the Registrar’s Office. At USI, undergraduate PLA credit takes many forms, including:
Additional information and eligibility requirements can be located on the Registrar's Office website.
Were you a previous undergraduate USI student who has not been enrolled for more than two years and your academic record was unsatisfactory? If so, you may be eligible for the USI Fresh Start Program. Don't let a previous unsuccessful attempt at an undergraduate USI program prevent you from returning to complete your degree!
1. Connect with your advisor early on.
Your academic advisor can help you create a degree plan, share important resources with you and provide support to you as you acclimate to the higher education field.
2. Set short-term goals and celebrate wins along the way.
We understand school can be intimidating. By setting short-term goals, you can have multiple small achievements to celebrate. This helps you stay motivated and goal-oriented, helping you achieve your dreams.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions and reach out for help.
We are here for you! If you are unsure about something, just ask. We are always happy to connect you with other departments on campus and direct you towards resources available to you.
A growth mindset is believing your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This requires you to move from your comfort zone to your growth zone.
As an adult learner, you may experience more obstacles to completing your degree, such as raising a family, having a full-time job, or other commitments. The growth mindset helps you embrace the challenges you may be facing and persevere through them. It teaches you to value mistakes and learn from them, helping you grow both as a student and an individual.
First, you'll move from your comfort zone to the fear zone, where you may lack self-confidence, make excuses, or avoid challenges. When you reach the learning zone, you'll start seeking out new opportunities and challenges, acquiring new skills, and expanding past your comfort zone. Finally, you know you're in the growth zone when you have confidence and believe in yourself, are setting new goals and achieving them, finding purpose in yourself and what you're doing, and reaping the benefits of the self-motivation and growth you've gained throughout your journey.
Developing strong time management skills is critical for adult learners, who are typically balancing school, work, family, and other personal obligations. Here are some helpful tools to reinforce effective time management:
1. Use a calendar or planner.
Write down important deadlines for assignments or projects. Then, you can break these down into more manageable tasks and set deadlines to keep yourself on track. You may find it useful to plan out your month, week, and/or your day.
2. Set boundaries.
Know when to say "no." Sometimes, your school work will have to take priority and you may have to say "no" to your family, friends, or even coworkers. However, this will not be forever and your hard work and dedication will pay off!
3. Take advantage of your "in-between" time.
We have a lot of time between activities during our day, and most of the time we don't even realize it. You can watch a lecture, read a chapter, or review assignment instructions while waiting to pick up your kid from practice, during your lunch break, or during a long commute. Every minute adds up!
Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we may have to ask for help. This can require out-of-the-box solutions. Consider this example:
A student doesn't have Wi-Fi at home but has an online exam to take. What can they do?
Study Tips
1. Create a study schedule. Treat your study time like an appointment - block it on your calendar and protect it from interruptions.
2. Study in short, focused sessions. Use 25-30 minute study blocks with short breaks (Pomodoro method). It helps maintain focus, especially when juggling work or family commitments.
3. Connect your learning to real-life experiences. It is likely you will retain information better when relating course materials to your career or personal experiences.
4. Plan ahead and stay organized. Review your syllabus early, set reminders for due dates, and break large assignments into smaller steps.
5. Ask for help and use campus resources. USI offers on-campus and virtual tutoring, advising, and tech support. Reaching out early and utilizing these free resources can save you time and stress!
Test-Taking Strategies
1. Prepare early and review regularly. As an adult learner, you most likely have a busy schedule. Start reviewing in small chunks days or weeks ahead your exam to avoid last-minute cramming.
2. Focus on understanding, not memorizing. Connect test materials to your work or life experiences. Real-world connections help you recall and apply concepts more effectively.
3. Clarify expectations before test day. Don't hesitate to ask your professor what to expect - format, timing, or key topics. Knowing this information upfront reduces anxiety and saves study time.
4. Create a calm testing environment. Whether you're testing online or in person, try your best to minimize distractions. Let family or coworkers know when you are taking a test so you can focus without interruptions.
5. Manage your mindset and pace. Take deep breaths, read each question carefully, and don't rush. Confidence and calm thinking often lead to better results than speed.
Check out our Student Support Services page to view resources available to all USI students!
