Celebrating differences

Non-traditional students are anything but non-traditional these days — about 73 percent of undergraduates are considered “non-traditional students,” according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

As the percent of nationwide non-traditional students grows, so does the recognition these students receive.

National Non-traditional Student Recognition Week, Nov. 3-7, is when non-traditional students across the county will be recognized and celebrated for their hard-earned achievements.

“Non-traditional students continue to represent a growing number of students attending college,” said Dennis Lettman, dean of the College of Adult and Lifelong Learning (CALL). “Many of them face significant challenges, and this week is meant to recognize their hard work and dedication towards earning their degree. The week is also to recognize the value and importance of these non-traditional students and to raise awareness across campus.”

According to CALL, the University of Toledo defines a non-traditional student as a student who does not enter into postsecondary education right after high school, attends school part-time, works full-time, has a dependent other than a spouse, is a single parent or does not have a high school diploma.

UT will host several events throughout the week for these students, including a pizza appreciation lunch, a coffee and donut breakfast and various other get-togethers where they can meet and socialize with other non-traditional students.

Despite this recognition week, non-traditional students have had few other opportunities to interact in the past; that is, until two years ago.

Johnny Simmons, a father and non-traditional, fifth-year student majoring in entrepreneurship and marketing, said he saw that students like himself found it harder to fit into the university and that a need existed for non-traditional students to be able to bond and socialize. As a result, he created the Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO).

“When I talked to admissions and learned that over 50 percent of the students at UT are non-traditional, I wondered why we didn’t have an organization for them,” Simmons said.

Crystal Glambin, vice president of student success for NTSO, said she feels one of the biggest struggles for these students is finding resources.

“The NTSO is really a support system, and a gathering of people who can understand the non-traditional lifestyle,” Glambin said. “We try to let them know that they are not alone in their struggles, and there are other people who understand how hard it is to maintain such a hectic schedule.”

Simmons said the NTSO also offers a wide range of workshops such as résumé-building, how to re-enter into the workplace, exercise and healthy living tips.

“The NTSO is a social as well as an emotional support group,” Simmons said. “We are always trying to find more ways to make them feel more welcomed.”

For more information about the NTSO, contact [email protected]