Today, more adults age 30, 40 or 55 and better, realize that they could enjoy greater satisfaction and success in life by going to college.

What motivates adults to attend college? Some are propelled by economic changes, such as plant closings or work force down-sizing. They seek new skills to compete in today's job market. Others want to advance their careers by completing certificate or degree programs. Those who delayed a post-high school education to raise a family or go straight to work, enter college to finally achieve their personal goals.

Today's older adults are healthier and more active than in generations past. Baby-boomers aren't planning a sedentary retirement. They choose college to “re-tool” their skills so they can put their passions to work and better serve their community. Mature learners also attend college to socialize with others of similar interests and goals. College contributes to their physical, social and emotional well-being.

Adult learners are an asset to the college community. By sharing their real-world experiences in class, they enrich the learning of all students. Likewise, adults grow from their campus interactions with students of all ages. This intergenerational exchange has a positive impact on community relationships.

Cayuga Community College offers a variety of course options and has a strong faculty and administrative support system to assist adults in achieving their college goals. The Study on Sunday accelerated degree program offers adults a manageable balance of classroom and independent study. Classes are fast-paced and lively. Qualified instructors encourage student participation and small group discussion. Busy adults already know how to manage their time, work on their own and meet deadlines. The Study on Sunday Program takes advantage of these skills to offer more sessions during the year for faster progress toward a degree. Classes meet every Sunday for just three hours. Each three-credit class meets just eight times. This program also offers the advantage of mid-semester starts, so adults don't have to wait to get started on a degree.

Cayuga offers five degrees and two certificates which can be completed entirely online. Online study provides valuable flexibility to fit college courses around busy adult schedules. In Cayuga's online courses, students get assignments, take part in discussions and submit papers and projects over the Internet.

For those adults who favor leisure learning, CCC offers an extensive selection of credit-free classes each fall and spring semester. From ballroom dancing to advanced cake decorating; from bird watching to quilting; there is always something new to explore.

Adults can sharpen workplace skills through professional development and career skills trainings from Cayuga's Business and Industry Center. A scholastic coaching certification series, security guard training and an infection control and barrier precautions course are just a few examples of the fall training schedule.

Adults who want to learn more computer skills can access classes in digital photography and Photoshop as well as introductory courses in word processing and data management software. These classes are affordable and offered at convenient times for adult participation.

Janet Nelson, M.S. Ed., is the director of Adult Learning at

Cayuga Community College. She may be reached at nelsonj@cayuga-cc.edu

Want to know more?

For more information about CCC, visit www.cayuga-cc.edu or call 255-1743