Returning to college as an adult learner can be a daunting task. Life’s responsibilities — work, family and financial constraints — often take precedence over educational aspirations. Yet, at ÐÓ°®°É (UA), adult learners find solace and support through the Adult Focus office, a beacon of guidance that helps students navigate their academic journeys with personalized attention and a wealth of resources.
Scott Roberts, associate director of Adult Focus, describes the office as a crucial liaison for adult learners throughout their college experience, from initial inquiries to graduation day.
“Essentially, we serve as advisors and guides, helping students navigate their way back into the academic world and ensuring they stay on track to graduate,” Roberts said.
One defining feature of Adult Focus, also supported by Assistant Director David Marsteller, is its empathetic and personalized approach. Both Roberts and Marsteller have more than 20 years of advising experience, all at UA. “The first step is to ask how I can help and what they want to do, and then I sit back and listen,” Roberts shared, emphasizing the importance of understanding each student’s unique story and goals. These conversations often reveal deeper insights into the student’s aspirations, leading to tailored educational pathways.
For instance, a student might come in wanting a degree in computer engineering but, through conversation, they might discover a passion for cybersecurity or data analytics. “It’s about understanding what they want to do and what they have done, and then finding the best path forward,” Roberts explained.
Student Stacy Waite, a 42-year-old social work major, found her calling after raising her children. “I realized that one day, ‘mom' wouldn’t be my main responsibility anymore, and I should find something fulfilling for when that day comes,” she said. “After a lot of research, I came across the social work program at Wayne campus, which is less than 10 minutes from my house. It was a sign!”
With the support of Adult Focus, Waite is pursuing her degree to provide motherly care and advocacy for the elderly — a passion rooted in her past work at a nursing home. Because many of her credits transfer easily to UA, Waite is on track to complete her bachelor’s degree in less than two years.
Similarly, Zoe Clayburg, 25, pursuing a degree in special education, credits Adult Focus for providing the support and accommodations she needed. Despite facing significant challenges due to her learning disabilities, Clayburg stayed on course with Adult Focus as her compass. “I’ve had so much support from the advisors at Adult Focus. They have been there for me since I started school, even providing me a job as a student assistant. My family and the staff in the Office of Accessibility have also been incredibly supportive, helping me thrive in school. I have a very good support system.”
All that support empowered Clayburg to join UA’s marching band, Ohio’s Pride. “I was in marching band in high school all four years and wanted to spark my love for music again. I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
The holistic view of Adult Focus extends to every aspect of the advising process. “We combine our efforts with all advising personnel on campus,” said Roberts, highlighting the comprehensive nature of their support. This approach ensures that adult learners receive
guidance not only on their academic journey, but also on financial aid, career services and personal development.
The office also collaborates with various organizations, such as College Now of Greater Cleveland, which provide scholarships and FAFSA support, Ohio Means Jobs where Marsteller assists in the resource room, and Project Learn of Summit County as they help to celebrate GED recipients and find space for their refresher classes. UA is also part of the Ohio College Comeback Compact which helps students who left college without a degree continue their education.
The support from Adult Focus is a lifeline for many, providing not just academic advice but also emotional and motivational support that retains students. Such support was found by Samantha Jose, a 38-year-old nursing student. Jose is minoring in Psychology and
pursuing a certificate in Addiction Services to use her own experiences to help others. “I have made some tough choices and lived through hard times. I have since started over and am working hard to become the best me that I can be,” Jose said. “I struggled
with addiction and alcoholism most of my life and have now been sober for more than 10 years. I am looking forward to a career and being able to provide a future and health insurance for my family.”
For those considering returning to college, whether to better themselves and their families or to find a new career, Waite offers encouraging advice: “Keep the faith and have confidence in yourself. If you feel called to do something or it’s time for a change, it probably is — go for it!”
When they “go for it,” one of the first people they’ll likely interact with is Roberts. He’s no stranger to the challenges faced by adult learners. Growing up, he faced his own academic challenges. “I never went to my last day of school from seventh grade on,” he shared. “I wanted to come to UA and play soccer, but injuries sidelined that dream. I worked in bars, dealt with life’s ups and downs, and eventually returned to education. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree at 32 and then earned a master’s degree in higher education. And I’m currently pursuing a Master of Studies in Law.”
His personal journey provides him with a deep understanding of the challenges and triumphs that adult learners experience: “I have experience, I understand the struggles,” he said. “But I also understand the glory you can have when you earn a degree.
Story by Alex Knisely
To learn more, visit uakron.edu/uaaf.