The Commission for Adult Learners is seeking nominations for the 2013 Shirley Hendrick Award, which recognizes a senior University administrator who has contributed significantly to advance programs that benefit adult students. Nominations and supporting documents are due by Dec. 14.

"It's never been a better time to be a learner. Active engagement with the resources that are available -- free and very low-cost open content -- that's what is required to see this as a great opportunity. Adult learners have a lot more choices today. That means higher education institutions have to make choices, as well. You need to figure out your [institution's] strengths and focus on personalized learning plans. Help people figure out their goals and interests and map out a plan to get there. Institutions that get this right will have an advantage."

-- Anya Kamenetz, educational gamechanger and senior writer for Fast Company Magazine, keynote speaker on May 14 at the Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference. An educational futurist, Kamenetz is author of the book "DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education," which focuses on how technology is disrupting the higher education industry. The Hendrick Conference brings together Penn State administrators, faculty and staff to share their best practices for working with and improving the educational experiences of adult learners University-wide.

The Commission for Adult Learners at Penn State is seeking nominations for the 2012 Shirley Hendrick Award. The award recognizes an administrator whose visionary accomplishments have contributed significantly to foster outreach and increase the University's efforts to serve the adult learner. Nominations are due by Dec. 15.

The Commission for Adult Learners is seeking nominations for two annual awards recognizing excellent service to prospective and enrolled adult learners by faculty, staff and students University-wide. The commission will honor these achievements during the annual Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference on May 16 at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.

The Commission for Adult Learners' 2011 Incentive Grant program will provide start-up funds for new and innovative programs and services supporting the recruitment and retention of adult learners throughout the Penn State community. New this year, the commission is asking that programs and services seeking funding incorporate a diversity focus. The goal is to increase outreach and services to adult learner women, people of color/first-generation students and the LGBT community.

Apryl Kadish, admission counselor at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, has been awarded the Superior Service to Adult Learners Award, and Penn State Altoona is the recipient of the Outstanding Adult Learner Recruitment or Retention Program Award from the Commission for Adult Learners. The commission presented its 2010 awards during the recent Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference.

Brenda Harms, principal consultant for Stamats Inc., will discuss the latest research findings on recruitment and retention of adult learners during this year's Hendrick Best Practices for Adult Learners Conference. The conference theme is "INNOVATION 2010: Opportunities for the New Decade." Sponsored by the Penn State Commission for Adult Learners, the event will take place Monday, May 10, at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel.