Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Perceived Barriers and Levels of Satisfaction with Student Services for Adult Learners

Nicole Cabrere-Buggs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v13i2.2641

Keywords: Adult, population, rise, access, outcomes, support services, child care, career planning, academic advising, financial aid, dispositional, institutional, situational, barriers

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Abstract

Adult students face a multitude of issues when attending college and seeking assistance from student support services to succeed. Because of other responsibilities outside their education, such as full-time jobs and family or household responsibilities, adult students have minimal access to these support services. This study was intended to investigate differences in level of satisfaction with student support services used by adults seeking a baccalaureate degree, and to examine the barriers faced by these students. The study examined situational, institutional, and dispositional barriers at one public research university, which may shed light on areas in student services which need to be addressed in higher education.