Nearly 60 per cent of students at Durham College are classified as mature learners: students who return to school later in life, often balancing jobs, families and other responsibilities. While their journey comes with unique challenges, it also brings diverse experiences and perspectives to campus.
Janelle Kelly, a mature student in the Social Service Worker program, says the transition isn’t always easy.
“It’s a strange feeling being back in the classroom; it’s a strange shift,” Kelly says. “I think a lot of us fear societal expectations — that once you’re in your 30s, you’re supposed to be at a certain point, and now you’re taking so many steps back.”
Kelly describes some of the challenges mature students face, particularly adjusting to academic life.
“It can be quite tricky initially to navigate DC Connect. Especially as a mature student, you have to get used to constantly being in front of the screen, checking to make sure you’re not missing any deadlines. It’s a lot; it can be overwhelming,” she says.
Christina Dixon, manager of the Student Development Office, notes that technology is one of the biggest hurdles for mature students.
“The biggest challenge tends to be around technology, regardless of age. Speaking with some of them, I’ve heard students say, ‘I was sitting there the first day of class, and everybody already knew that we had an assignment due the next week, and I was thinking, oh, well, we didn’t even get the syllabus yet,’” Dixon says.
Dixon also highlights another common concern for mature students.
“Concerns that we sometimes hear with mature students are about the flexibility of programs. Oftentimes, they have full-time jobs or part-time jobs and care responsibilities at home. Durham College does a really great job of offering flexible programming,” she says.
According to Dixon, mature students make up a substantial portion of Durham College’s student body.
“Almost 60 per cent of our students on campus are actually classified in that demographic of mature students, and it’s quite a diverse range of students.”
This trend extends beyond Durham College. The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario reports that the Ontario Colleges Application Service (OCAS) has seen steady growth in mature learner applications since 2014.
Most notably, OCAS data reveals a significant six per cent increase in applicants aged 25 and older between 2019 and 2020-21, showing an acceleration of this trend that began even before the pandemic.
This diversity is also reflected in the classroom. Ray Gubala, a professor in the Media Arts and Design faculty with over three decades of teaching experience, highlights the unique qualities that mature students bring to their studies.
“I think what they have is dedication to wanting to learn and being focused. They understand that their time is precious to them, and they want to get the most out of their money,” Gubala says.
This dedication often stems from their previous experiences. Patricia Mongeon, a professor in the Social and Community Services faculty, notes that many mature students already hold degrees or certificates and are seeking additional education to expand their career opportunities.
Given these unique circumstances and goals, it’s crucial to have appropriate support systems in place. Kelly emphasizes how Durham College excels in this regard, particularly when compared to institutions in her home country.
“There are resources available on campus. You can go to SALS, which gives you a lot of different resources. The Access Centre, I believe, also loans laptops. So, all of that is available, but I don’t think a lot of mature students know of this,” Kelly says.
Dixon says the college is committed to helping all Durham College students succeed.
Mature student events are one initiative that Durham College is taking to help them make connections and enhance resourcefulness.
“Having a sense of belonging is really important for overall student success, and we try to develop that sense of belonging through such events,” Dixon adds.
With resources in place and a supportive community, Durham College strives to help mature students overcome challenges and achieve success.
“Sometimes you have to be pulled back in order to be shot forward,” Kelly says.