UPEI celebrates its Centre for Life-Long Learning

With this week marking International Adult Learners' Week (IALW) in Canada, UPEI acknowledges its Centre for Life-Long Learning for providing mature students with flexible course schedules and support services.

Recognizing the unique needs of adult learners and their busy schedules and lifestyles, the Centre for Life-Long Learning offers an increasing number of courses after 4:00 pm, as well as online. Pat MacAulay, the Centre's director, invites mature students to UPEI. 'Over the past number of years, the University of Prince Edward Island has seen an increase in the number of adults continuing their education. The decision to return to school is not an easy one, but the Centre for Life-Long Learning is pleased to be able to help adult learners navigate their path and make that return easier.'

Rose Arsenault, a student in the final stages of the Bachelor of Integrated Studies program spent many years in non-standard work, sometimes working three jobs to cover her basic living costs when she decided to take action. 'I decided to conquer my fears and go back to school to get an education- invest in myself,' she said. 'This was the best decision of my life. My self-esteem has improved; I have gained financial independence, and now have the opportunity to advance in my career. The support I received from UPEI, my family, employer, and other adult learners was overwhelming.'

A key to UPEI's success in attracting adult learners is through the adoption of Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR), a process that identifies and recognizes learning acquired from many sources including informal study, non-credit and workplace courses, work experience, volunteering, and hobbies. This allows adults with experiential learning to gain recognition for it, and reduce the number of credits they need to complete programs.

The Centre for Life-Long Learning has a professional support team to help its students reach their goals. Dana Murphy, a current student, truly appreciates the Centre's strong support to help her obtain her degree. 'Within the next year and a half, I hope to see myself walking across the stage accepting my degree in front of my proud family and friends. I want to demonstrate to my son that anything is possible and that you can return to school, no matter your age.'

International Adult Learners' Week celebrates adult learners across the country and the joy of learning throughout life. For more information on IALW, visit http://www.unesco.ca/en/interdisciplinary/IALW/IALWcanada.aspx

For more information or to talk to someone who can help you with your return to university, contact the UPEI Centre for Life-Long Learning at (902) 566-0336 or lifelong@upei.ca.