Two University College students appeared on Channel 9’s Bridge Street program on Oct. 18 to promote National Nontraditional Student Recognition Week (Nov. 4-10). Students Timothy Bryant and Lucia Bush joined Rosemary Kelly, assistant dean of student administrative services, to share the challenges and rewards of being a part-time student.
Nontraditional Student Recognition Week, sponsored by the Association for Nontraditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE), is celebrated the first week of November each year. It is an opportunity for member schools to recognize the support many campus departments provide and to celebrate nontraditional student success on campuses across the United States and Canada.
Bryant, a sophomore majoring in public health at the David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, talked about his own misconception of college life and about his ability to learn after being out of school so long. He said that being in class with younger students could be intimidating, “But I learned I have something of value to offer. I learn from them and they learn from me. And, as the semester goes on, it becomes easier,” he said.
Bush, a senior majoring in social work at the Falk College, says that she worried that she was too old to begin a college career. Her challenges included financial worries. “I have children that are also in college, and I wondered if my going back to college was going to squash their dreams,” she said. “UC has an awesome support system to help you access financial need through scholarships, loans and grants. They are always there to remind you it’s possible. It’s never too late.”
Kelly says UC is uniquely positioned to serve a diverse population of students because it is one-stop shop that offers expertise and personalized service to part-time students. “Our mission is to provide support and services for a diverse population to gain access to Syracuse,” she says. “We provide a wide range of student assistance—academic and financial advising as well as bursar registrar services—all located on the first floor.”