Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice
The people who guide Michigan's adult learners — connected, supported, and learning from each other.
Launched in October of 2025, the purpose of the Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice is to foster collaboration, share best practices, and provide essential support for professional navigators in this crucial role supporting the advancement of adult success in higher education.
Once you join the community, you’ll have access to a member’s-only web page with a member directory and additional resources.
Our members are invited to share the resources they use and borrow/adapt from others!
Resources will include:
- Student Resources: Templates for academic plans, financial aid checklists, guides to navigating college bureaucracy, Michigan Reconnect and other financial aid.
- Advisor Tools: Intake forms, sample communication templates for students, case studies, informational videos from institutions.
- Professional Development: Recordings of past sessions, presentation slides, articles, and research on adult learning.
- Institutional Policies: A place to share and compare policies related to adult learners (e.g., prior learning assessment policies, credit for work experience).
Community sponsors (including The Center, Detroit Drives Degrees, and MCAN) will invite Navigators to relevant networking and learning events throughout the year.
Our goal is for the Community of Practice to become a vital support system and a catalyst for professional growth, ultimately leading to better outcomes for adult learners across Michigan.
Join us!
Complete this form to help us better understand your needs and interests.
MEMBERS ONLY AREA. Need your password? Look for an email from 8/27/26 or send a note to TheCenter@talentfirst.net.
Member Feature
ALN CoP member Jessica Gwosch and team at Monroe County Community College have had great results with their Momentum program for Adult Learners. Check it out!
Have events of interest to our Community?
Upcoming Events
Webinar – FAFSA Completion for Adult Learners
September 2, 2026, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
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Braiding Community Support for College Student Basic Needs
September 9, 2026, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Lansing
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Monthly Virtual Meetup – Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice
September 23, 2026, 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Register through Members-only page
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MCCA Student Success Summit
October 1 & 2, 2026 | Muskegon, MI
Join us for a breakout session featuring members of our
Community of Practice!
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33rd National Conference on Students in Transition (Virtual)
September 30–October 1, 2026
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MCCA Student Success Summit
October 1 & 2, 2026 | Muskegon, MI
Join us for a breakout session featuring members of our
Community of Practice!
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Monthly Virtual Meetup – Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice
October 23, 2026, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Register through Members-only page
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MCAN Conference 2026
November 3 & 4, 2026
Join us for an in-person networking session with the Adult Learner Navigator Community of Practice!
FAQ
Built by members, for members. These are the questions navigators actually ask — submit yours to m.burke@talentfirst.net and we’ll add it.
Who can join the Community of Practice?
Anyone in a navigator role supporting adult learners in Michigan — campus-based or community-based. Membership is free.
How often does the community meet?
Monthly, on Zoom, with occasional in-person events. Registration links are on the Meetups page above.
I missed a meetup. Where’s the recording?
We will post snippets of meetup presentations in our Resource Library.
Can I bring a colleague?
Yes — send them to the registration page so they can be added to our directory and access these resources!
How do I update my directory listing?
Email TheCenter@talentfirst.net with your changes and we’ll update it in the next refresh.
Can I suggest a meetup topic or present?
Please do — that’s the whole idea. Use the Contact button or raise it at any meetup.