Nontraditional Student Recognition Week at A-State is Nov. 4-11
JONESBORO -- With a fourth of its undergraduate students and 85 percent of its graduate students classified as nontraditional (typically age 25 or older), Arkansas State University gives special attention to the particular needs of this group of students.
The office of Nontraditional Student Services (NSS), within the division of Student Affairs, has created a series of special opportunities for these students in conjunction with National Nontraditional Student Recognition Week, Nov. 4-11.
“The purpose of these events is to honor and recognize nontraditional students,” according to Niya Blair, assistant dean and director of the Multicultural Center.
A-State students have come together to form the Nontraditional Students Organization, which will help promote the members’ interests.
“As non-trads we tend to just focus on coming to class, doing our studies as quickly as possible to head back home or work to take care of many of our other responsibilities, such as our children. We need to see ourselves as being a part of the ASU community and having school spirit,” said Angy Abaunza, a senior psychology major and president of the Nontraditional Student Organization. “That is why it is exciting for me to help start a student organization for nontraditional students that will better help students like me to connect more to ASU and get involved.”
Monday, Nov. 5, is Grab and Go Monday from 8:30 a.m.-11: 30 a.m. in the Reng Student Union-Multicultural Center. Nontraditional students can grab coffee and pastries while meeting other nontraditional students.
Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. in the Multicultural Center is “Game Night: Parents vs. Kids.” Nontraditional students may bring their children or other family members to play games including Jeopardy. Prizes will be given away and dinner will be served.
On Wednesday, Nov. 7, is “Live and Learn: NonTrad Concerns” from noon-1 p.m. in the Multicultural Center. Students can discuss issues they face as a nontraditional student and learn how the newly formed Nontraditional Student Organization can help them.
On Thursday, Nov. 8, from noon-1 p.m. is “Live and Learn: Study Skills in the Multicultural Center.” Nontraditional students can find out ways to study more effectively and hear about other campus resources that provide support with academics.
The week concludes with Movie Night. There will be three showings of the Disney Pixar movie “Brave.” Students can bring the family to watch the movie showing at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m. in the Reng Student Union Auditorium.
Nontraditional Student Services also defines a nontraditional student as one who: did not enter college after high school, is married or single with children, commutes 30 miles to the university, or is a working professional.
NSS provides educational and social resources and programs throughout the year to better support this population of students whose needs are unique from traditional students.
Some of the major concerns for many nontraditional students are receiving enough financial support, balancing family, work, and school and knowing about the resources on campus that can help make them a better student.
The activities planned for Nontraditional Student Recognition Week are a balance of events that brings students together academically and socially and better connects them to the university.
For more information about Nontraditional Recognition Week or Nontraditional Student Services please contact Niya Blair at (870) 680-4052.
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