This study analyzed the demographic and scholastic characteristic differences between a nontraditional and traditional student cohort (total n=11,878) at Ferris State University (FSU) in Michigan, identified (through literature reviews) successful recruiting and retention activities for nontraditional students at other postsecondary educational institutions in the United States, generalized the findings between nontraditional students in the United States and those at the college, and developed an action plan affecting recruitment and retention of nontraditional students at the university. Among the findings were that FSU currently lags behind national trends in the percentage of nontraditional students and exhibits several characteristics that were considered inhibitors in recruiting and retaining nontraditional students. Among the corrective recommendations offered were the following: (1) implementation of inservice training on the characteristics, motivations, learning styles, and needs of nontraditional students; (2) development of marketing strategies geared toward adult learners; (3) removal of barriers through the offering of services during evening and weekend hours; and (4) periodic evaluation of recruitment and retention efforts to identify strengths and weakness of current activities. Appendices making up 40 percent of the document include letters of support, a mission and role statement, enrollment data, and responses to the questionnaire. Contains a 112-item bibliography. (GLR)