Six time management strategies for adult learners at Rider

Discover the strategies and Rider support resources that will put you on the path to excellence

Navigating the journey of pursuing a higher education presents its fair share of challenges, especially for adult learners. Juggling the demands of adulthood — from work commitments to family responsibilities — on top of academic pursuits can seem daunting. If you find yourself in this reality, finding ways to master the art of time management is essential. Effectively managing your time can lead to multiple benefits, including heightened productivity, reduced stress levels, enhanced work quality and a boost in self-confidence among many other things. 

If you are an adult considering returning to school or starting your educational journey, gaining better control over your time can make a significant difference. At Rider University, our Continuing Education Program supports non-traditional learners in and out of the classroom. In addition to our career-focused programs, we offer a range of support resources to help you manage the path to earning your degree.

One resource available to students is Rider's Student Navigation Office (SNO), which supports students from the admissions process through their first year. The SNO office connects students with comprehensive academic resources and student-centered programs designed to facilitate a smooth transition and provide ongoing support during their time at Rider.

In this article, Cristian Vergara, director of the SNO, shares practical time management tips and how their office supports students to stay on track as they work towards their degrees.

1. Plan ahaed

As an adult learner, planning is crucial to balancing your studies with other responsibilities and achieving your educational goals. Setting clear academic goals and breaking them down into manageable steps can guide your progress and keep you motivated. At Rider, we’re proactive about providing the necessary tools from the start to enhance your learning experience. 

Before you enroll, our admissions counselors will work with you to connect you with an academic program aligned with your goals, financial aid options tailored to your needs and other support services. This guidance sets the stage for an attainable and successful educational journey. After enrollment, you will be referred to offices such as the SNO for ongoing support.

“Students meet one-on-one with a navigation coach to develop an academic plan that considers program demands and outside obligations, and encourages active participation within our campus community,” says Vergara. 

He continues, “Our focus on adult learners is to enhance the opportunities for students to participate in engaged learning activities while meeting the demands of obtaining a college education.”

2. Set goals

When planning for your future, it can be useful to begin by setting goals. Ask yourself where you see yourself in the next two to five years and what specific actions you need to take to achieve those goals. Along with deciding on your major and minor, consider the research and internship opportunities that align with your aspirations including the companies you may want to work for in the future.

“In addition to our academic support, we assist students in identifying and prioritizing their educational goals that help students excel in their programs of study,” says Vergara. “As the student establishes a rapport with their navigation coach during the first semester, they work together to create a space for the student to share their motivation and academic goals.” 

Using an individualized plan, you and your navigation coach will develop an effective strategy to leverage the support and resources on campus to foster academic readiness, student engagement and faculty relationships. 

“Ideally, during the first meeting, students will have a plan to connect with campus resources and key success supporters during their first year,” says Vergara.

3. Take advantage of non-traditional learning opportunities

Education is not a “one-size-fits-all” model, especially for adult learners. Choosing the right program option can help you integrate learning into your already busy schedule more effectively. Rider offers convenient course options, including 100% online programs, allowing you to avoid the stress of commuting and giving you the flexibility to pursue your degree at your own pace.

Accelerated options, such as J-term Winter and Summer Sessions, enable you to delve deeper into your studies and take one or more courses per session, helping you save both time and money.

Continuing Education students may enroll in any course offered by Rider; however, evening and online classes are specifically designed to accommodate the schedules of non-traditional students.

4. Establish a routine for time management

Finding a time management system that suits you is key for taking control of your schedule and effectively allocating time to work, family and friends, academic pursuits and personal time. While creating a schedule may be challenging, it’s essential to make the effort. Creating a set routine that includes practicing effective time management can boost productivity and reduce stress and anxiety.

Using a planner, time management apps, a traditional notebook for creating to-do lists, or a combination of these methods can help you find a system that suits you best. Rider students can stay organized and manage their education more effectively with access to the EAB Navigate app, which is used alongside services provided by the SNO.

“Our office recommends that students download the EAB Navigate app as it connects students, advisors and services to promote academic planning and success,” says Vergara.

5. Ask for help

You are not alone in your academic journey. Aside from your personal support network, Rider faculty and staff prioritize support and do our best to ensure our students have direct access to the help they need. 

“We work tirelessly to discover new insights, innovative support, and student-centered ways to make things easier,” says Vergara.

Alongside our Student Navigation Office, our Academic Success Center offers free programs and services designed intentionally to maximize student involvement in their learning and development. The Office of Career Development and Success is another campus resource to help you explore your career interests and develop the skills that will lead to the career of your choice. We also offer tailored programs and resources to support veterans and military-connected students, students with disabilities and more. 

6. Adjust accordingly

There are several ways to incorporate your education into your schedule and establish a routine for managing your time. However, it is essential to assess your approach occasionally to ensure its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to your goals and strategies.

At Rider, we’re here to give you the guidance to help you stay on the path to earning your degree and reaching whatever goals you set. 

“We understand that making a plan is only halfway through the process. This is why we emphasize check-ins with the Navigation Coach to adjust and adapt to the challenges presented throughout the semester,” says Vergara.

He continues, “We evaluate the success of the plan during key moments of the semester, typically during the second week of classes, mid-semester and two weeks before finals to ensure that our individualized plan with the student is as effective as it can be and that we connect with our partners to incorporate additional support.”

7.  Recharge: Take breaks and time off

Rest and recovery are essential for maintaining productivity and focus. Take breaks from your studies and work to avoid burnout. Spend quality time with family and friends and pursue your passions. This balance boosts productivity and supports a more balanced, focused and successful academic journey.