Data and analysis of characteristics of students at Athabasca University in Alberta, Canada, are presented for 1981-1982 and for previous years. Data were obtained from student responses to the General Admission Form, which is appended. Information is provided on the age and sex distribution of students, along with student age and sex distribution by program. Information for all students and for students by program are also provided concerning: educational preparation of students, most important reason for wanting a university education, preferred learning situation of students, marital status of students, and occupation of students. Findings include the following: student admissions increased by just over 30 percent in fiscal year 1981-1982 from the previous fiscal year; the female/male split of students admitted to Athabasca University was 62 and 48 percent, respectively; over two-thirds of the students were 25 to 44 years old; 89 percent of the students had completed high school and 67 percent had some form of postsecondary education; and the characteristics of students in career-oriented programs were significantly different from those of students in other programs. A list of data elements is appended. (SW)