Communication courses have a unique role to play in the education of the adult or nontraditional student in a community college. Because these classes are often one of the introductory courses and academic success may, to a large extent depend on the ability to use oral communication skills in the classroom. Communication courses provide an opportunity to assess the needs of these students. A survey was made at a suburban community college in the students. A total of 68 students in four communication courses (three introductory courses and one small-group communication course) taught by four different instructors completed surveys. Results indicated that (1) approximately 60% of the sampling were nontraditional students, and 70% of those were nontraditional by virtue of their age; (2) services that were most needed include counseling and extended library and laboratory hours; (3) females rated high the gain in communication skills and their increase in confidence as a result of the communication course, while males ranked the skills of speech giving and "knowledge of communication"; and (4) females wanted more interpersonal practice and help with managing stage fright; males included the technical aspect of video taping. Findings suggest that the introductory course should be more concerned with experiential activities that build practical competence rather than studying theories of communication. Several unnumbered tables of data and the survey instrument are included. Contains 11 references. (RS)