Change Management in Higher Education: An Institutional Study on Expandinga Holistic Approach to Online Learning for Adult Learners

Abstract

Using change management theory, this research involved aninstitutional study of adult learners at the University of Wisconsin –Stoutto identifybarriers they facein higher education.A survey was distributed to the target population on campus to identify barriers in order to propose new services and processes to establish in an online learning environment to provide more accessibility and inclusiveness.The study showed that there are many barriersadult learners facerelated to personal, academic, financial. These results were used to discuss what types of services are missing and needed in order to not only focus on redesigning curriculum but also to include amore holistic approach toreduce or eliminate barriers. The research recommends using change management theory to help establish these newly identified areas of improvement on an organizational and operational level to help college institutions transition their academic program and services online, especially as Covid-19continues to present challenges for traditional in-person learning.