University celebrates non-traditional students

11/09/2021 

Approximately 250 non-traditional students are enrolled at SUNY Cortland. Although their backgrounds often are wildly different, they all have interesting stories to tell.

The university defines non-traditional students as undergraduate students who are 24 years of age or older or, regardless of age, may have dependent children, be working full-time, have military experience or have made a break in education at some point after high school.

“I’m personally amazed at all that our non-traditional students accomplish while taking classes at SUNY Cortland,” said Cheryl Smith ’05, coordinator of student outreach and non-traditional student support. “It can be hard being an adult student in class with traditional-aged students. I enjoy getting to know them.”

The university will acknowledge these individuals Monday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Nov. 19, during its celebration of Non-Traditional Students Week.

Stories about outstanding non-traditional students will be shared during the week.

Monday, Nov. 15: Aaren Woodworth, a 25-year-old physical education major from Long Island, credits insights gained outside the classroom for his current all-in approach as a teaching assistant who advocates at professional conferences and seminars on behalf of his profession and the non-binary community in physical education.

Wednesday, Nov. 17: When she’s in Whitney Point, N.Y., Christina Wells mothers her three rambunctious boys. At school she changes gears, presiding over the NTSO, serving on the executive board of Tau Sigma, the national transfer student honorary society, and aspiring to teach physical education.

Friday, Nov. 19: Mathew Adams of Ithaca, N.Y., survived a 2011 housefire on his 20-year-long path to becoming the senior communication studies major, WSUC 90.5 FM radio commentator and film industry afficionado that he is today.

Additionally, the Bulletin features Lauren Murphy as its Campus Champion in this edition.

Next week will include a host of special activities, both on campus and virtually.

Unless otherwise indicated, these social get-togethers will take place in the Non-Traditional Student Lounge located in Cornish Hall, Room 1221.

Events include:

• Monday, Nov. 15: Continental breakfast, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee, Danishes, muffins and scones.
• Monday, Nov. 15: Game night, 7 p.m. on Webex. Let’s have some fun while we play some family-friendly games.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16: Macaroni and cheese lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy macaroni and cheese as well as veggies, dip and assorted soft drinks.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17: “Scholarships for Non-Trads,” 11:30 a.m., Old Main, Room 130. Learn how to apply for scholarships, including those for non-traditional students, with Matthew Pitcher, scholarship coordinator from the Financial Aid Office.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17: Mid-week sweet treat, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Enjoy some cake and cookies.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17: Non-Traditional Student Organization meeting, 6:30 p.m. on Webex. Join the NTSO e-board, meet other adult students and help plan events/activities for the spring semester.

• Thursday, Nov. 18: Coffee and bagels, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Enjoy coffee and bagels with cream cheese.
• Friday, Nov. 19, TGIF pizza party, 12 to 1:30 p.m. Celebrate the week’s end with some pizza and wings.

Additionally, nominations are being accepted for the “Celebrate-a-Non-Trad” campaign, which aims to recognize non-traditional students who often balance college with other commitments such as family, jobs and long commutes. SUNY Cortland will present nominated non-traditional students with a certificate and campus recognition. Nominations should include the student’s name, contact information, relationship to the student and comments about the nominee. Comments will be listed on the certificate, unless otherwise noted. To nominate a student, fill out the nomination form.

Non-Traditional Students Week is co-sponsored by the Non-Traditional Student Organization and Advisement and Transition.

For more information about Non-Traditional Students Week events, contact Non-Traditional Student Support at 607-753-4726.