Published: Nov. 7, 2016
Student studies under a tree on campus

What does it mean to be a non-traditional student at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder?

Being non-traditional could meanÌýbeing older than one's peers in class.ÌýIt may mean commuting from outside of Boulder.ÌýIt could mean having a spouse and kids at home, or maybe family is a few hundred miles away.ÌýWhatever being a non-traditional student means to you, it certainly means having a different college experience than students coming straight from high school.

The Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) formed last spring as a way to help these students with the transition to ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder.ÌýWhether someone is transferring from a community college or has been out of school for several years, there are special challenges faced when entering a four-year institution, and making that transition might not be easy.

Two of the most common themes to surface since this group began are:

  1. Non-traditional students study and learn a little differently than their more-traditional student counterparts.
  2. It’s difficult to meet others and make friends, which is especially true for commuter students who may not spend as much extracurricular time on campus to meet other studentsÌýor participate in on-campus activities.

Changes are happening.

One of the most important aspects related to student successÌýis having a sense of community, and finding one'sÌýplace early on can help alleviate the stress and anxiety ofÌýtrying toÌýstart over somewhere new or unusual. In order to give transfer students a chance to find their place in this community and others with whomÌýto connect, ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ hasÌýbeen coordinating events specifically with non-traditional students in mind. This yearÌýduring Fall Welcome Week, a breakfast sponsored by the Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations Office was heldÌýfor commuter and transfer students, and some departments are holding meet-and-greetsÌýfor their transfer students.

The Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations Office has also hired new team membersÌýto assist this growing population, the newest of which is the transfer student liaison. In conjunction with the NTSO, the transfer student liaison'sÌýgoal is to make non-traditional and transfer students' transition to academia as seamlessÌý²¹²Ô»å stress-free as possible.

We want to hear your voice.

Every transfer and non-traditional student’s experience is different and important. Below are a number of ways to join in and make sure your voice is heard.

  • In order to help determine the best way to serve this growing community, we have created a survey. This Ìý²¹²Ô»å see what we can do to make ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ a better place for all.ÌýPlease consider submitting your thoughts.
  • Come say hello in the Off-Campus Housing andÌýNeighborhood Relations Office in the UMC.ÌýAsk about getting involved with NTSO and join in monthly meetings, where you will get to meet other non-traditional students, make special connectionsÌý²¹²Ô»å learn how to apply your unique skills to make the most of your time at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ Boulder.
  • You can also contact the new Transfer Student Liaison Kristyn Sample atÌýKristyn.Sample@colorado.edu.
  • Join NTSO at their next meet-up Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 6 p.m.Ìýat Dark Horse in Boulder.ÌýTake a break, meet some new peopleÌý²¹²Ô»å share your experience.
  • Send NTSO an email at NonTradStudents@colorado.eduÌýto join the mailing list and stay updated on current events. OrÌýÌý²¹²Ô»å .