Research Proposal An Examination on Students’ Perceptions of the Non-Internet Distance Learning Environment and its Impact on Attrition Abstract This study investigates how the widening of the gap between adult students’ perceptions of the actual and ideal distance learning environment engenders higher attrition rates. The population of non-traditional students in postsecondary institutions has outstripped the population of traditional brick-and mortar colleges and universities. However, the statistics of attrition in postsecondary distance educational institutions are astronomical compared to its competitor. This study used the Theoretical Model of Non-Traditional Student Attrition (Wylie, 2004) to explain the phenomenon of attrition for the non-traditional students in the postsecondary non- internet distance educational institutions. The data for the theoretical model was obtained from the instrument known as the University Classroom Environment Inventory (CCEI) administered to one hundred randomly chosen students at the Zimbabwe Open University. Two different forms of the CCEI were distributed to two groups of participants: completers and non completers in 2008. Students provided their perceptions of the actual and ideal distance learning environment. The findings showed a sizeable gap between the learning environment preferred by students and what actually existed. The study provided data for designing intervention strategies to address attrition and improve retention rates. INTRODUCTION Background Statement of the Problem Purpose of the study rationale Research Question(s) Theoretical Framework Definition of Terms Assumptions Limitations LITERATURE REVIEW Include • Distance education and not online learning! • Attrition theories particularly refined Tinto’s Model. Use the Theoretical Model of Non-Traditional Student Attrition (Wylie, 2004) • Learning environments research • Student satisfaction METHODOLOGY