DePaul University's School for New Learning (SNL), which expressly caters to the needs of older students, has been cited as a model program in a recent book and by a national educational council. The innovative school was recognized as one of the best for adults looking to earn college degrees while balancing jobs and families simultaneously.

     Named one of the six "Best Practice" institutions in North America by the Chicago-based Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and the American Productivity and Quality Center, headquartered in Houston, SNL was touted for its individualistic education of non-traditional students. The honor was derived from a survey of experts and educators in adult education.

     SNL also was highlighted because of its unique approach to the adult learner. According to the survey, "the school's clear emphasis on putting the needs of the learner first, and reaching out to those who have been poorly served, is reflected in all aspects of the school's operations, from curriculum design and student services to the hiring of faculty and professional advisors."

     SNL was also cited in the book "Lifelong Learning at its Best" written by William Maehl and published by Jossey-Bass. Maehl praises the comprehensive advising component of the SNL curriculum, which is key to the educational process. According to Maehl, the effort helps unlock student's potential for learning and development and enables timely and individualized interactions between faculty and students around academic issues so that students can make informed decisions and help manage their learning.

      "This is a distinguished honor for our program, and I believe our advances can pave the way for improved adult education throughout the country and beyond," said Susanne Dumbleton, dean of the school. "Adult learners have specific needs that we seek to meet in high-quality terms. This recognition is an indication that we are doing our job well."

     SNL was created in 1972 as one of the first university-wide efforts in the nation to address the learning needs of adult students, and one of the only attempts to serve this population through a separate college.

     The average SNL student at DePaul is a 36-year-old woman who works full-time and takes classes part-time. To date, nearly 3,500 students have graduated from the program.

     Adult students, those aged 24 and older, have become major players in the field of postsecondary education. According to Maehl, between 1970 and 1994, adult enrollment at colleges and universities across the country grew from under one-third of the total to over 44 percent. While numbers have dipped in recent years, Maehl says that adults are expected to account for at least 40 percent of college enrollees for the foreseeable future.

     Students, who can earn bachelor's and master's degrees through SNL, are able to do novel things such as design their own curriculum, and choose topics and issues to study that have the greatest impact on their lives or application to their current jobs and careers.

     Karla Mans-Giroux needed flexibility when she decided to earn a bachelor's degree. Her commitments as a wife, mother and business analyst for an office products firm based in Lincolnshire, Ill., already demanded the bulk of her time, so Mans-Giroux decided to follow the advice of a co-worker who recommended the SNL program.

     Now in her second semester of study, the 34-year-old is reaching for her goals through SNL. "I work at my own pace and I decide when I will complete my degree," said Mans-Giroux. "I can use life experience toward my degree and work independently. I have alternatives."