Nov. 1, 2005 -- The Office of Non-Traditional Student Services at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro will host several events next week as part of a nationwide celebration in higher education.

According to a recent consultant’s report, 33 percent of the students at ASU-Jonesboro are non-traditional students. 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.

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

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

“Activities are planned throughout the week to recognize the non-traditional population on our campus, as well as to improve the adult student environment,” said Kimberley Johnson, director of non-traditional student services.  

The following activities are planned: 

Monday, November 7: 
Did You Know? informational seminar geared toward the needs of non-traditional students, 6 p.m., Non-Traditional Student Lounge, Suite 2064, Student Union

Tuesday, November 8:
Chat n’ Snack, 12:30 p.m., Non-Traditional Student Lounge, Suite 2064, Student Union; family movie “Chicken Little,” 5 & 7 p.m., Student Union Auditorium

Wednesday, November 9:
Televised faculty and student panel, “Non-Traditional:  The Different Faces of Higher Education, 4 p.m., Radio/Television Studio, Communications Building

Thursday, November 10:
“Conflicting Roles of Non-Traditional Students,” seminar, 12:30 p.m., Non-Traditional Student Lounge; “Union After Dark,” social mixer, 7 p.m., Mockingbird room, Student Union, childcare provided

Earlier this fall, students and their families moved in to the last of the new Indian Village apartments on campus, as the final project was completed for 192 Floridian-style apartments.

“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,” Stripling said as they opened.

In addition, Stripling said, the campus has done a number of things to make the university more desirable to non-traditional students. This includes recently hiring a director of non-traditional student services to coordinate social activities, and student services specifically addressing the needs and concerns of non-traditional students.

For more details, please contact Kimberley Johnson, director of non-traditional student services at 870-972-2842.