The Non-Traditional Student Populations Network is focused on providing education, leadership, and a forum for discussion on behalf of professionals working to improve college student orientation, transition and retention for non-traditional students. The non-traditional student population is vast, diverse, and evolving. It is made up of students identifying as any combination of: part-time, adult learners, returning/re-entry, commuter, veteran, online/distance learners, individuals who work full-time, who have dependents other than a spouse or partner, or students who do not have a high school diploma.
The Non-Traditional Student Populations Network defines the non-traditional student as anyone who is not a first-time, full-time, straight out of high school, living in residence, college student. This means that any student that identifies as any of the following categories is non-traditional:
- Commuter (part-time, full-time, dependents other than a spouse/partner, works full-time while enrolled)
- Veteran
- Adult learners (25 years and over)
It should be noted that the interests and needs of international students are being addressed by NODA’s International Student Network. It should be noted that the interests and needs of transfer students are being addressed by NODA’s Transfer Student Network.
Please note: this is a working definition, and will evolve over time.
Non-Traditional Student Online Resources
- http://www.nontradstudents.com/
- http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/2298/Nontraditional-Students-in-Higher-Education.html
- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129402669
- http://www.antshe.org/
- http://adulted.about.com/od/intro/u/Nontradstudentpath.htm
- http://www.collegeforadults.org/
Information coming soon.
Network Leadership
Coming soon.