For those who wonder about EMU's role in the surrounding community, one need not look any further than the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP). Entering its seventh year this July, the ADCP can claim its success in attracting local men and women of a wide range of ages, professions and denominations.

"It's just been a remarkable, remarkable experience . . . I just can't brag enough about it," testified Heather Reardon, a student of the ADCP who is earning a bachelor's degree in Management and Organizational Development.

Despite having such a positive reputation among its students, who often recommend the program to colleagues, the ADCP has grown in many ways without the notice of the rest of the university. Because the program is geared towards adults working full-time, the classes are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at a time when most students and faculty have gone home for the day.

"EMU saw a market segment that they were not able to provide educational services to, specifically adults, because they work," explained Terry Whitmore, a former EMC professor and a founding member of the ADCP. By capitalizing on a national trend for adults to return to school and earn their bachelor's degree, the program has attracted an overwhelming number of non-Mennonites (currently 92 percent of the student body) with ages ranging from 25-70.

According to Whitmore, who does not come from a Mennonite background himself, many students had misconceptions about EMU before enrolling in the ADCP. Since taking classes here, including required Bible classes, those misconceptions have changed.

"They've gotten to see some things that the Mennonite faith has to bring to the table," Whitmore said.

Like undergraduates, adult students may be learning more about themselves, too. "I think the goal of most of them is to learn about themselves," said Whitmore. For some students, earning a bachelor's degree has inspired them to take up a new career or pursue a master's degree.

The ADCP currently offers two majors: Management & Organizational Development and Nursing. Students learn about their major through classes called cohorts, which are held once a week for 15-16 months.

Students stay in the same cohort for the whole time, which encourages class participation. Adult students may get a better deal than undergraduates when it comes to tuition.

Textbooks are included in one lump sum, which ranges from $12-13,000 per cohort. In addition to books, instructors utilize handouts and computer simulations.

Like a traditional college course, there is a heavy reading load. Assignments can be difficult to complete while working full-time, but students find much encouragement from their instructors.

"They walk you through it and drag you if you, have to be dragged, to keep on schedule," said Reardon, who has decided to remain at EMU after graduation to earn her master's degree.

Many ADCP students are quickly realizing the impact of their education on their employment status, even before they graduate this spring. "I got a better job, more money, less hours and closer to home," said Ernie Gearing who, after 30 years decided to return to school. "I just got a promotion this week and I know it's because of here," said student Joan Goodrich,

The ADCP has no immediate plans for expansion, but according to program director Sue Cockley, there is plenty of demand, especially in the area of education. "There are a surprising number of adults who call us up and say 'I've got a job some place, but what I really want to do is be a teacher in the public school,' and what we've been trying to do is figure out a way we can do that." If the ADCP did decide to provide opportunities for teacher-hopefuls, it would be in collaboration with the Education Department.

Terry Whitmore has ideas for a different kind of expansion, one that would incorporate traditional and adult students in discussion groups. While a college-age student may be unrestrained in "thinking out of the box," an adult in full-time employment could "bring a whole lot of experience that a 20-year old could benefit from."