Despite 22 years in marketing, Roxane Sanderson of Tinley Park found that she couldn't move up in her career without a bachelor's degree, so she enrolled in DePaul University's School for New Learning (SNL) and plans to earn an undergraduate degree next year.

     South Holland resident Kelly Paul is a single working mom, taking anywhere from one course to four a quarter to earn a degree.

     Eric Blakely of Harvey is a military police trainer and church minister, who combined interests in business and religion to design his SNL degree, which he earned in February.

     While their stories differ, these students all had the same goal in mind: earn an undergraduate degree from the School for New Learning at DePaul University's South campus in Oak Forest using their knowledge, skills and real-world experience. The School for New Learning at DePaul uniquely caters to the needs of adult learners and has been cited as a leader in accelerated, individually tailored degree programs.

     Adult learning is a growing demographic force in higher education, projected to account for at least 40 percent of college enrollments in the foreseeable future, according to William Mahel, author of "Lifelong Learning At Its Best." Since the school opened in 1972, SNL has graduated nearly 3,500 students. The average SNL student is 36 years old who works full-time and takes classes part-time.

     Students can design their own program, choosing classes and studies that apply to their career or interests. Students concentrate on three general areas: lifelong learning skills, the liberal arts and the student's individual concentration.

     SNL allows students to use life experiences, including leadership, volunteer activities and work experience to earn credit. Students are required to prove competencies in their experience. "We care more about what the student knows than how he or she gained their knowledge," said Losardo.

     Students work with faculty mentors and meet with committees to design their degree and make decisions about their learning. This element is powerful support for the busy adult learner, students said.

     "With mentorship, you understand the system, complete course work faster and make sound decisions about structuring your degree," said Blakely, who in addition to being a part-time military trainer, serves as a minister at New Life Church of God and Christ in Harvey.

     Paul said she enjoys the flexibility that the degree offers. Recently promoted to area manager in marketing at Ameritech, Paul demonstrated competence in marketing concepts and earned credit for her career skills. She will finish her bachelor of art degree with a concentration in accounting this June. "I take classes at my own pace," she said. "Sometimes I've taken 16 hours and other quarters none."

     DePaul South Campus is located at the University & College Center of South Suburban College at 16333 S. Kilbourn Ave. (or University Drive), Oak Forest, Illinois, 60452. An open house is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 13 at DePaul's South Campus. Representatives from student counseling, financial aid, SNL and the School of Education, which also offers courses at DePaul South, will be available. For more information, call 708/633-9091.