November 02, 2011

University to mark Non-Traditional Student week

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale is celebrating National Non-Traditional Student Recognition Week with special activities recognizing its diverse group of non-traditional students.

“Celebrating Change” is the theme for festivities that begin Sunday, Nov. 6, and run through Nov. 12.  The week includes an open house, reception, workshop, potluck dinner, tailgate and more.  The focus is on students who fit the bill as non-traditional for a number of reasons including being parents, working full-time, being veterans, delaying college entrance, earning a GED before attending college or for various other reasons.

“In the three years that I have been a student here, I have seen many positive changes at SIU, especially for non-traditional students like myself.  The Not Your Typical Students (NYTS) registered student organization wanted to bring some special attention to those who have supported not only the changes here on campus but also those we are experiencing in our personal lives as non-traditional students,” said Kristian Alton, NYTS treasurer. 

“This will be the second year for the event.  Last year more than 200 students, faculty and staff members learned more about non-traditional students and the unique challenges we face.  We hope to make this year’s event even bigger,” Alton added.

The Celebrating Student Parents social is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, at the Evergreen Terrace activity room.  All student parents and their children are welcome to come enjoy free food and fun.

The Celebrating Change Reception is on Nov. 7 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Student Center’s Cambria Room.  Marius “Gabe” DeGabrielle, consultant for the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education, will present the keynote address and all students, faculty and staff may attend.  A reception afterward will honor those who support positive change at SIU Carbondale for non-traditional students.

The Celebrating Space Open House will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Morris Library rotunda.  This is your chance to learn about the library’s family study room and enjoy light refreshments. 

The Celebrating Learning Workshop is set for Nov. 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Illinois Room in the Student Center.  The session’s speakers will discuss finances, diet, exercise and stress levels that are part of life for the nontraditional students and how others can be supportive of them. 

Everyone is welcome to stop by the Celebrating Change Fundraiser in the Pulliam Hall breezeway Nov. 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Meet with non-traditional students and purchase hot dogs and assorted goodies to benefit the NYTS RSO.

The invitation is out for families to bring their favorite desserts to the Celebrating Families Family Favorites Desserts Potluck on Nov. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Evergreen Terrace activity room.  This is your opportunity to meet and mingle with other non-traditional students and their families and enjoy tasty treats.

Wrap up the week at the Celebrating Veterans Tailgate beginning at 9 a.m. Nov. 12 in Lot 52, the parking lot next to the arena.  All students are welcome to stop by before the Saluki football game and show your support for SIU Carbondale’s student heroes.

Sponsors of “Celebrating Change” week activities at the University include Not Your Typical Students RSO, Non-Traditional Student Services, Students with Children RSO, The Veteran’s Center, SIUC Veteran’s Organization, University Housing and Undergraduate Student Government.