Columbia-Greene Community College has been selected as one of ten SUNY community colleges participating in a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen services for adult learners. Announced by John B. King Jr., the effort brings together the State University of New York and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to better understand the needs of adult students and improve the support systems that help them succeed.
Through the partnership, participating campuses will administer CAEL’s Adult Learner 360 assessment, a research-based tool that gathers feedback from adult learners as well as faculty, staff, and administrators. The assessment will help identify strengths and gaps in existing services and guide colleges in enhancing resources such as advising, credit for prior learning, enrollment support, and other student success initiatives.
“Columbia-Greene’s adult learners will benefit from the additional support services provided by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, which will increase their opportunity and likelihood of success,” said Victoria L. Walsh. “I am grateful to Chancellor King for advocating for these resources which benefit our community. The assessment methodology and tools provided by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning enhances our holistic work with all students, especially those who have enrolled through SUNY Reconnect.”
The initiative also supports the goals of SUNY Reconnect, a statewide program that provides eligible adult learners ages 25–55 with free community college tuition, fees, books, and supplies while they pursue associate degrees in high-demand fields. Insights from the Adult Learner 360 assessment will help SUNY campuses strengthen pathways for adult students returning to college and advance opportunities for academic success and workforce mobility across New York State.