A non-traditional student organization is in its start-up phase at Tech. If you are interested in leading or joining a group for Tech students who are recognized as “non-traditional,” this group may interest you. A “non-traditional” student is defined as a student who is also a parent, a veteran, someone who commutes more than 30 miles to campus, someone is age 23 or above or someone who has been out of school for a year or more. For an extreme example, there is currently one emergency administration and management student who is working toward his degree online and who is completely out of the country somewhere off the coast of Mexico.

Many students who are parents are juggling jobs, parenthood, and college. This is perhaps one of the biggest challenges they may face in their lifetime. This is one time a strong support system can make a big difference in the quality of life for both parents and children.

Many non-traditional students feel isolated and have difficulty meeting and developing a support system especially in the first year of college. It is hoped that this organization will facilitate bringing isolated students together.

Some of the group's possible goals include providing tips for campus and community resources and developing online networks like Facebook or Twitter and other venues. They are also looking at ways to partner with other on-campus organizations and tag-team with them. They are looking for ideas on everything including what name to choose for the organization.
The top three things that non-trads want is:
1. A place to gather during the day between classes:
2. Information about the campus and upcoming events:
3. The opportunity to meet other non-trad students. Right now the group is on a Listening

Tour, and wide open to all suggestions. They already know the biggest problem is how to deal with varying schedules. Several different meeting times have been suggested so as to accommodate the largest number possible. This is one of the puzzles that is being worked on.

The group currently has 50 to 75 interested persons, and expects this number to mushroom once word gets out, because more and more non-traditional students are joining the Tech campus each year. The project is sponsored by Luke Heffley whose office is in Doc Bryan 222. He can be reached by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 479-964-3281.

Campus tips offered by the non-traditional student organization are:

• Save money by using your Tech ID in the community. A surprising number of local businesses support the Tech discount. Make your dollars stretch.

• There are several free lunch sites for Tech students at various church groups closely located around Tech. Don’t be shy, step up to the plate.

• Tech offers free movie events for the entire family. Schedule some recreation time. To find out about upcoming movies and times, visit the Students Activities Board Web site: www.atustudentactivitiesboard.com

• Free freshman level tutoring in many subjects is available Monday through Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Doc Bryan Tutoring Center. Contact Mike Bogue at 479-968-0334 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you need help, don’t suffer in silence. Reach out.

Right now several kick-off events are currently scheduled. The next event will be “Family Day” on Saturday at 3 p.m. There will be four large inflatables, food, face painting, snow cones, cotton candy and more.

An award winning Beatles tribute band, British Export ,will be playing live. This would be a wholesome outing for both parents and children.

The next meeting of the organization is scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Young Ballroom. On the agenda is a request to pick a family game night.