Theories on adult development and learning and some of the Ontario universities' programs and services for the adult learner are examined, and Athabasca University, Alberta's answer to the British Open University, is described. Peter O'Donnell discusses adult learners' needs and explains how Athabasca University serves this specific type of student. While Ontario does not have a university created solely for adult students, its institutions are also concerned about the adult learner. Marion Croft reports on Wilfrid Laurier University's Telecollege, which offers university degree credit courses on cable television. Some of the programs and services for adult learners offered at the University of Guelph are described by Mei-Fei Elrick, and Fran Bonisteel reports on Atkinson College in York University's efforts to make a university education available to working adults on a part-time basis. Additionally, Sandy Reid describes services designed to ease the transition into becoming a student provided by University of Western Ontario's Mature Students Advisor's Office, which is staffed by a person who is familiar with the adult student's experience both from the student and advisor points of view. The efforts of the Faculty of Education of Lakehead University in Northwestern Ontario to meet the professional needs of teachers for continuing education are addressed by L. Larry Korteweg, and Lakehead University's School of Engineering special engineering program, which allows graduate engineering technologists to complete an engineering degree program in two academic years and a short summer session, is described by J. G. Locker. Finally, Isobel Mackay describes the mature women students' program at the University of Waterloo, and Faith Gildenhuys notes adult student programs and services at Carleton University. Book reviews are also included. (SW)