ABSTRACT
The theory of emerging adulthood provides a framework for rethinking the work of alumni engagement and student affairs. An integrated approach to student and alumni support during emerging adulthood could increase retention and completion rates dramatically. J. J Arnett themes of emerging adulthood include demographic variability, educational status, and a variety of identity explorations. He outlines the high residential demographic variability of the emerging adult population. Emerging adulthood is a period of intense identity exploration in many areas, including self-identity, love-identity, and work-identity. Programming could include webinars and on-campus programs to help non-degreed alumni understand financial options for continuing in school or map out paths to graduation. Creative partnerships with other educational institutions in regions where many young alumni live could facilitate degree completion and retain connection to alma mater. From profession-based alumni networking events to alumni webinars on resume writing and interview skills, alumni offices have recognized the opportunity of engaging alumni around professional interests.
