An Alternative Vision for Metropolitan Universities

Abstract

The typical student of metropolitan universities of the future will be over twenty-four years old and studying part time. What vision of the university is most appropriate to this reality? Citing 1990 research at University of Maryland University College, the author identifies the principal characteristics that make adult student bodies distinctive. Noting the relevance of this distinctiveness to facilitating learning, the author challenges urban universities to examine the implications for their choice of mission.