Non-traditional students move
in to campus in record numbers

Sept. 19, 2005 -- According to a recent consultant’s report, 33 percent of the students at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro are non-traditional students.

(Non-traditional is defined as those students who are married with or without children, single parents, or are over the age of 25.)

By comparison, the report also stated that 16 percent of the population at the University of Central Arkansas and 10 percent of the population at the University of Arkansas are non-traditional students.

“Recognizing that enrollment was headed toward a growth in the area of non-traditional students, we want to make ASU more attractive for them,” said Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor of student affairs.

Last week, students and their families moved in to one of the 92 new apartments at Indian Village on campus, as Phase II of the construction project was completed.

“We wanted to build some nice apartments for students, while also making it affordable to live there and attend college. While looking at apartment housing in Florida, we discovered something we loved with vibrant colors, open soffits (a custom on the coast), balcony areas, sidewalks and outdoor lighting. So, we came back and built something similar here,” Stripling said.

“Families have much different needs than those students coming from high school. And, we wanted an attractive place, because this is the first thing you see when coming in the east side of the campus. There are places for kids to play and balconies to sit and study. All that is missing is the ocean and the sand. They’re quite beautiful.”

In addition, Stripling said, a director of non-traditional student services was hired this summer to coordinate social activities and student services specifically addressing the needs and concerns of non-traditional students.

Olympus Construction put the finishing touches on the last six buildings only a few days ago. Last Monday, they celebrated finishing Phase II with a traditional barbecue for the workers. Phase I, which was finished last year, included 100 apartments bringing a total of 192 Floridian style apartments on the campus.

“Many positive comments have been received from the students and their families, stating that they enjoy the patios and decks and the interior and exterior colors,” said Kelly Ponder, coordinator of Indian Village.

As non-traditional student housing, the apartment homes will include a mixture of graduate students, married students and those with children, single parent families, and students over the age of 25.

For assistance or to place a name on the list, contact Kelly Ponder, Indian Village coordinator, at 972-2042 or via email at kponder@astate.edu.

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