BGSU creates center for nontraditional students

(L-R) Barbara Henry, veteran Robert Cook and his wife, current student Artisha Cook, President Carol Cartwright, 2010 graduate Frank Fischer and his children, and Provost Ken Borland cut the ribbon to open the new home of NTSS.

BOWLING GREEN, O.—The path to college is not always a straight one. Many students at Bowling Green State University are considered “nontraditional”—students who are coming to college after a military career or time spent raising a family, or who are ready to get a college degree years after graduating from high school.

BGSU is dedicated to addressing their unique challenges and helping them succeed. On Wednesday (May 26), the University celebrated the expansion and new home of Nontraditional and Transfer Student Services (NTSS). Attendees had the chance to meet staff, tour the facility and talk with students.

NTSS provides one-on-one assistance through the admissions, registration and planning processes. Staff provide the guidance, support and resources needed to balance a nontraditional student’s personal responsibilities with academic and career goals.

“Expanding our student populations and implementing programs to help students obtain their degrees once they’re here is a key priority in our strategic plan,” said BGSU President Carol Cartwright. “While we will always be a residential university, nontraditional students will become a larger part of our community. Our expanded services in this new, one-stop shop will better enable us to meet their unique needs.”

“We’ve always provided many of these services,” said Barbara Henry, assistant vice president for nontraditional student and transfer services. “But for the first time there is one location where someone can help them coordinate all of the services they need.”

Staff will be able to work with the registration and records offices to document previous coursework, make sure credits transfer from other institutions, or assess whether the student qualifies for course credit based on life experience. They can also clearly define degree requirements so the student can maximize his or her schedule.

“BGSU has a lot to offer these students,” Henry said. “And just as importantly, they have a great deal to offer us and our ‘traditional’ students. Having people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences coming together in the classroom enriches learning for everyone.”


###

(Posted May 26, 2010 )