Description: This paper considers the historical origins of a university adult education centre (AEC) before proceeding to outline how recent radical restructuring at university level has repositioned the centre in mainstream activities. The paper examines how the worker-education and 'extra-mural' origins of the AEC impact on present day perceptions of the centre's activities and programmes. The ACE operates in a university where 94% of the student cohort enters directly from school. The paper will examine the implications of such a demographic and context for the adult learner and the work activities of the centre. " What is the process of 'negotiation and resistance' between the student-centred adult education philosophy and the subject-centred higher education philosophy? " What questions emerge around the commodification of higher education, and how does this impact on the student experience? " What knowledge is considered legitimate? " What tensions emerge around the understandings of appropriate knowledge? " What role will the Adult Education Centre play in widening participation among mature learners? Educational policy in Ireland to date has been targeted at maximising participation in higher education. This had an impact on global participation at the expense of minor groups. The focus on widening participation is a relatively recent one in Ireland, with targets now set for mature student participation. It is logical that European policies and practices in widening participation should inform our work. Methodology: Background: This paper examines archival materials and records and suggests a rationale for the conduct and practice of Adult Education in a higher education setting Method: The review includes analyses of tutor and student evaluations. Interviews are conducted with a range of university practitioners. A literature review of comparative international experience forms a background for this research. Conclusions: This is a pragmatic reflective exercise in assessing the emergence of 'praxis' for the AEC, and identifying the potential to inform future debates and policies at a time of immense change in Irish Higher Education. Much of the work of the AEC to date has focused on programme and support services development. This research exercise intends to review critically this work, chart the direction of the centre and consider where it might fit in the changing university landscape. Results: This paper will inform practice locally and institutionally, by restating the mission and vision of Adult Education in higher education Implications: Our unit is moving from a service focus to becoming an academic centre. This paper will facilitate us in building our research capacity. It will identify thematic strands that will warrant further exploration.