From Nov. 12 to 17, the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education encourages students and institutions to recognize nontraditional students and highlight efforts to improve the adult student environment. All this week, eleven different student groups and organizations will host a series of events aimed toward nontraditional students.
A nontraditional student is anyone who delayed enrollment or transferred from a junior college, is over the age of 24, a part-time or distant student, did not complete high school, works full time, is a parent, or students who are financially independent from their parents, according to the Web site for the University Nontraditional Student Union.
The goal of Nontraditional Student Week is to raise awareness about issues and problems facing nontraditional students as well as provide an opportunity for nontraditional students to network and form a community.
“It’s a great way to strengthen an under-recognized community of students,” said Hollie Putnam, public relations coordinator for the Women’s Center.
“It is also important because it is a collaboration of 11 different organizations which is a big accomplishment; hopefully the organizations involved will maintain contact with each other to better support the nontraditional community.”
The events will run through Saturday at different locations across campus. The events will include a story night on Tuesday, a cakewalk at Spencer View Apartments community room on Thursday, and a family swim at the Student Recreation Center on Saturday.
Each event will have a different focal point aimed toward certain nontraditional students; however, everyone is invited to attend each event. Additionally, sponsors will hand out tickets for a raffle that will take place on Friday for a chance to win prizes.
A large percentage of the student body is made up of nontraditional students, particularly graduate students, almost half of whom are considered nontraditional students. According to the U.S. Department of Education, older students are the fastest growing group to continue their education after high school.
Nontraditional Student Week is recognized by universities across the country within the first two weeks of November. Anyone interested in the events or interacting with nontraditional students is welcome to attend. Contact the University’s Nontraditional Student Union at 346-4305 for more information.
Events during Nontraditional Student Week will focus on a quickly growing student demographic
Daily Emerald
November 12, 2007
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