Envisioning the mature, re-entry student: Constructing new identities in the traditional university setting

As most students attend university following high school graduation, it is not surprising that the institutional 'traditional student' discourse is one of fraternity parties and breaking free of parental control. This discourse infuses university life, and excludes mature students from the vision of those who influence students' academic careers. While educational research provides an 'adult learner' discourse, many mature students find that they are not appropriately served by their professors or reference librarians. What may help is an environment which does not presume a need and its solution based on these discourses, but one which treats all students as individuals.