Attention non-traditional students! We want to hear from you. What types of events would you like the university to host that would encourage you to participate? With your busy schedules filled with school, work, and family commitments, what activities would grab your interest? Let us know your thoughts!
PreCalc (Posting on behalf of my daughter) Hi everyone! I’m an 18-year-old sophomore at a community college. For my sophomore year of high school, I was homeschooled and then completed a relaxed online program to graduate during my junior year. I enrolled in community college and attempted precalculus, but it proved to be overwhelming, especially […]
I’m feeling anxious about participation in my class, where it counts for 10% of the overall grade. As someone who is introverted and on the autism spectrum, I struggle with social cues, which makes it even harder for me to engage. I try to raise my hand every class, and occasionally I get called on, […]
I’m feeling like a fraud, and it doesn’t seem like just imposter syndrome. As an international student pursuing a STEM degree in the UK, I often question my achievements. On paper, I maintain a 4.0 GPA, but it feels like luck has been my only ally throughout my academic journey. It started with my GCSEs, […]
As a non-traditional student, I think a few tailored events could really help us connect and feel more engaged with the university. Here are some ideas:
Flexible Networking Events: Hosting evening or weekend networking sessions would be great, especially with industries relevant to our studies. Maybe even introduce some informal meet-and-greets with local employers.
Family-Friendly Activities: Organizing events that include family activities, like a family day with games and resources for parents, would make it easier for us to participate without feeling like we have to choose between school and family.
Work-Life Balance Workshops: Sessions focused on time management, stress relief techniques, or balancing personal life with studies could really resonate with us.
Interest-Based Clubs and Meetups: Offer spaces for non-traditional students to form groups around interests—whether it’s parenting, career advancement, or hobbies. This could enhance our social connections and support networks.
Guest Speaker Series: Inviting speakers who can relate to our experiences or who have successfully balanced non-traditional student life with work and family could provide motivation and insights.
Career Development Events: Workshops specifically aimed at resume building, interview preparation, and career transition guidance can help us leverage our life experiences in the job market.
Wellness Retreats: Short retreats or relaxation days that focus on mental health and wellness can provide a much-needed break and foster a sense of community.
Overall, creating opportunities that respect our time commitments while addressing our unique challenges can help non-traditional students feel more included and engaged. What do you think?