Directed primarily at the University of Mid-America (UMA) as a specific program to be evaluated, this report sets forth criteria that can also be applied to other nontraditional educational programs and other programs in general. In a section on terminology, definitions are offered for criteria, standards, indicators, measures, success, and open learning systems or nontraditional study programs. A short history of the State University of Nebraska (SUN) and UMA is given, and the idea of open learning is discussed. UMA goals and characteristics are identified, along with criteria for determining success, the issue of access, relevance to needs and expectations, quality of program offerings, learner outcomes, cost effectiveness, institutional impact, consequences, and generation of knowledge. The paper represents only a first step in a process of conceptualizing the bases upon which policy might be established concerning provision of postsecondary education opportunities and benefits to adults. Implications for a UMA external evaluation are discussed. A 50-item bibliography is included. (LBH)