Age-Friendly University

Adult Learner Council
The Adult Learner Council (ALC) at Wayne State University advocates for adult learners, offering a platform for them to help shape programs and services that enhance their educational experiences.

Age-Friendly Technology Tool Kit
An Introduction to Computer and Technology Toolkit is a resource co-created with Detroiters aged 65 and older, designed to enhance digital inclusion. The toolkit aims to bridge the technology gap by offering accessible content tailored to the needs and recommendations of older adults. Its primary goal is to help seniors connect with family, friends, healthcare providers, and researchers through digital tools. By focusing on real-world needs and incorporating feedback from older adults, the project fosters digital literacy and empowers seniors to navigate and benefit from the online world.

Alumni Association
The Wayne State University Alumni Association (WSUAA) is a dynamic network of over 290,000 alumni. It engages alumni and students through various local and regional programs, as well as volunteer opportunities, promoting lasting connections and ongoing involvement with the university community.

Adult Learners
A program dedicated to supporting students who are 25 and older and working on their first bachelor's degree. If you are a second bachelor's-degree earner, post-bac, or graduate student, we encourage you to connect directly with your academic department for support.

Career Services
Career Services offers comprehensive support to students, alumni, and employers. These services include: career counseling, a job networking website, mock interviews, workshops, and career readiness guides.This office actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in career development and works closely with the university and community partners to assess learning outcomes and cultivate student retension and success.

Caregiver Connection e-Newsletter
Monthly e-Newsletter published by the Institute of Gerontology featuring stories & resources for people who care for older adults.

Detroit Area Library Network (DALNET)
Wayne State University serves as the host for DALNET. In 2018, DALNET became a member of the Open Textbook Network (OTN) as part of its commitment to affordable education and student success initiatives.  WSU and DALNET strive to encourage the adoption and utilization of open educational resources, including textbooks, within higher education to alleviate financial burdens on students and enhance learning outcomes.http://www.dalnet.lib.mi.us/about/index.php

Dual Title in Social Work and Gerontology
The PhD in Social Work with a Dual-Title in Gerontology addresses the critical need for social work faculty and researchers trained in geriatrics who can promote evidence‐based practices and serve as role models for future generations specializing in the field. This interdisiplinary program enhances student knowledge of the diversity of older adults in terms of race, culture, socioeconomic status, and psychosocial and physical health status, and the consequences aging in political, economic, and program administration contexts. 

Educational Outreach
WSU Educational Outreach is an organization at Wayne State University focused on promoting academic excellence, diversity, and community service among students. It achieves this mission through collaborative partnerships and engagement initiatives with both the university and external communities.

Emeritus Academy
The Emeritus Academy promotes and facilitas the ongoing engagement of the retired full-time faculty in: scholarship, research, creative activity, and service, mentoring faculty, especially junior faculty, and both undergraduate and graduate student colleagues, fostering disciplinary as well as interdisciplinary collegial dialogue by hosting regular colloquia, lectures, seminars, and conferences, and serves the community through consultations and classes. Location: Tierney Alumni House, 3rd floor.

First Year Intrest Group (FIGs) - Adult Learners
Learning communites avalible at Wayne State University, which allow students to connect with others who share similar intrest or academic goals. First Year Intrest Groups, promote collabroative learning enviorments and ecourages students to engage in interdisciplinary studies. 

Institute of Gerontology (IOG)
The Institute of Gerontology, established in 1965, is a leading authority on aging issues, known for its community outreach and professional engagement. Its mission focuses on conducting research and applying this knowledge to develop programs for older adults, caregivers, and their supporters. The institute is driven by a committed team of faculty, students, staff, and volunteers who are dedicated to promoting successful aging.

IOG Continuting Education on Aging
The WSU Institute of Gerontology (IOG) provides over 300 free continuing education presentations annually for professionals working with older adults, including social workers, nurses, OTs, PTs, and more. These programs, typically offering 1-3 CEs or contact hours, cover a wide range of topics and are delivered by subject-matter experts.

Non-traditional and Parent Law Student Association 
The Non-Traditional and Parent Law Student Association supports students who have taken non-traditional paths to law school while balancing legal studies and parenting. It offers mentorship, networking events focused on family, and educational resources from law schools across Michigan.

Office of Multicultural Student Engagement (OMSE)
OMSE promotes diversity and cultural awareness on campus by providing resources and support for students from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all.

P.U.L.S.E Literacy Conference
The annual event hosted by WSU's Harris Literacy Program connects work-based foundational skills with success for adult learners in both classrooms and workplaces. It features sessions on various topics, including using Microsoft tools for inclusive classrooms, supporting students with trauma-informed teaching, implementing effective math strategies, and applying research-based practices to improve learning outcomes.

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL)
PAL offers free services to help students improve their skills and understanding of course material for academic success, while promoting independent learning. Students can join Course Study Groups, attend weekly peer-led meetings to explore course content, and participate in practice exercises. In high-enrollment courses, tutoring appointments are also available for additional support.

Project H
Project H is a Detroit-based initiative linked to the Wayne State School of Medicine, in partnership with Samaritas Home and Community Center, a homeless shelter for families. The organization focuses on promoting physical, emotional, and environmental wellness, helping families remain together during challenging times. Project H runs pediatric and adult medical clinics where medical students conduct patient interviews and exams, offering them hands-on experience in caring for this unique group of patients.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
SAP is required by the US Department of Education for students to receive financial aid. At Wayne State, adult learners can file a SAP appeal, which may result in the reinstatement of financial aid, the creation of an academic plan to regain good standing, and a chance to explain their situation for possible reconsideration of aid.

Senior Care Foundation
The Senior Care Foundation supports senior living centers and rehabilitation facilities by providing volunteers who engage with older adults. These volunteers create meaningful experiences through activities like playing board games, painting nails, and building challenges.

Virtual Accessibility Training
The Office of Marketing and Communication's Virtual Accessibility Training offers a variety of self-paced trainings related to accessibility. Annual training is required for University staff (e.g. administrators, faculty, support staff, student employees) responsible for creating or distributing information used to conduct core University business with online content to students, employees, guests, and visitors with disabilities.

Volunteer Hub
The Volunteer Hub is a resource created by the Dean of Students Office to connect students to volunteer opportunities on campus and in the Detroit community. Students can loated local nonprofits and engage with them in various ways, such as donating money, volunteering, attending events, and buying items from the wishlists. 

Age-Friendly Technology Tool Kit
An Introduction to Computer and Technology Toolkit is a resource co-created with Detroiters aged 65 and older, designed to enhance digital inclusion. The toolkit aims to bridge the technology gap by offering accessible content tailored to the needs and recommendations of older adults. Its primary goal is to help seniors connect with family, friends, healthcare providers, and researchers through digital tools. By focusing on real-world needs and incorporating feedback from older adults, the project fosters digital literacy and empowers seniors to navigate and benefit from the online world.

Career Services
Career Services offers comprehensive support to students, alumni, and employers. These services include: career counseling, a job networking website, mock interviews, workshops, and career readiness guides.This office actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in career development and works closely with the university and community partners to assess learning outcomes and cultivate student retension and success.

Dual Title in Social Work and Gerontology
The PhD in Social Work with a Dual-Title in Gerontology is designed to meet the growing demand for social work faculty and researchers specializing in geriatrics. The program focuses on promoting evidence-based practices and preparing future leaders in the field. It offers an interdisciplinary approach, deepening students' understanding of the diversity among older adults, including differences in race, culture, socioeconomic status, and health. Additionally, the program explores the impact of aging within political, economic, and program administration contexts.

Healthier Black Elders Center (HBEC)
The HBEC (Health and Behavior Engagement Core) is a community engagement initiative of the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR). It manages a database of metro Detroit seniors who are interested in participating in research studies at Wayne State University (WSU), the University of Michigan (UofM), and Michigan State University (MSU). For over 20 years the HBEC has been funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is based at the Institute of Gerontology.

Institute of Gerontology (IOG)
Established in 1965, the IOG is a prominent leader in community outreach and professional education on aging issues. As a nationally recognized authority, its mission is to conduct research on aging and apply that knowledge to create impactful programs for older adults, caregivers, and service providers. The institute's faculty, students, staff, and volunteers are dedicated to promoting successful aging.

IOG Colloquia Series on Aging
The Institute of Gerontology hosts bi-monthly research presentations on aging and health, featuring national speakers and community professionals. These colloquia take place on Tuesdays at WSU Freer House from September to May. Additionally, the events include professional development seminars for graduate students.

IOG Continuing Eduction on Aging
The WSU Institute of Gerontology offers over 300 free continuing education presentations annually for professionals working with older adults, including social workers, nurses, OTs, PTs, and others. These programs, led by subject-matter experts, cover a variety of topics and typically offer 1-3 CEs or contact hours.

IOG Pre and Post Doctoral Training
WSU students have the opportunity to pursue their PhD within their home departments or programs, while also receiving additional research mentorship and professional development through the IOG. This dual approach allows students to enhance their academic journey by gaining expertise and guidance from both their primary academic programs and the IOG.

Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research MCUAAAR
The Michigan Center for Urbab African American Aging Research, established in 1998, is a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing research, community outreach, and faculty mentoring programs. It operates across Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. MCUAAAR focuses on mentoring researchers who study aging and life courses of African Americans, with the goal of increasing the quality and quantity of research in this area.