Intended as a handbook for higher and adult education practitioners serving adult students, this book brings together a variety of information on the diverse characteristics of adult students, explaining how their maturity, complex life experiences, and heterogeneity shape institutional responses. Recruitment, admission, and retention strategies and policies that address the unique needs of this population are presented. A chapter on academic advisement stresses the need for comprehensive programs; it includes questions to use with advisees and a program review checklist. The creation of a learning community is discussed using the concept of the "connecting classroom" and the ways in which adults' different beliefs about knowledge and learning should be considered in setting the learning climate. An institution-wide approach to the provision of student services is described. The concluding chapter addresses the key issue of campuswide support for adult learners, suggesting ways in which educators can advocate for adult learners and create institutional awareness of their needs. Appendices include an annotated list of relevant professional associations and an outline for a workshop for faculty and staff. (Contains 23 references.) (SK)