The Indiana Commission for Higher Education will encourage Indiana residents who have some Indiana college education, but have not yet completed a degree to returnto college to complete their education. The statewide initiative titled “Return and Complete” will make it easier for adults to re-enter higher education programs. Former college students who meet the minimum requirements of having attended college within the last ten years and attended at least two terms in which theyaccrued 15-30 credits are eligible. Institutions will offer incentives such as single point of contact admissions, dedicated individuals to help adults, flexible admissions hours, and a variety of financial aid and supplemental services (daycare, transportation, food). A plethora of public and private school stakeholders set the groundwork for the details of the initiative: “In Indiana, where policymakers hope to achieve a 60 percent higher education attainment rate by 2025, this population represents a significant opportunity. By encouraging these former students to return to college, Indiana can make significant progress towards its college completion goals, strengthening its workforce and improving the financial prospects for thousands of Hoosiers” (2015 Guidelines). This well-founded initiative takes into considerations the varied needs of adult learners.

Additional Sources:

“Return and Complete” At a Glance http://www.in.gov/che/files/Return_and_Complete_Guidance_At_a_Glance_8.1.2015.pdf

“Return and Compete” Guidelines for Indiana

http://www.in.gov/che/files/Institutional_Guidance_for_Return_and_Complete_8.1.2015.pdf

The recommendations are in large part drawn from the work done and lessons learned by colleges and universities with the returning adult population prior to the establishment of this new mandate.”