By Alexandria Goodwin-Salas

Nov. 4, 2105

Cassandra Gotz, a nontraditional student, came to University of Wisconsin-Whitewater because of the location, size and the opportunities the college offers to its students.

National Nontraditional Student Week is a way to celebrate those students who have taken the nontraditional route to college.

It is an annual celebration during the first week of November, celebrated by colleges and universities across the U.S. UW-W has participated in the week since 2011.

The kickoff to Nontraditional Student Week was Nov. 2 from 8 to 9 a.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in order to fit the schedules of all the students. Coffee and treats are provided in the Non Trad Pad.

“It is an opportunity for our university to recognize and celebrate the life experiences and responsibilities for the 875-plus nontraditional undergraduate students who are pursuing their degree at UW-W,” Lynn Smith, student services coordinator, said via email.

UW-W has 1,038 nontraditional students currently enrolled, according to David Hahn, admissions representative. A nontraditional student will have one or more of these characteristics:

• 25 years or older

• Attends school part-time

• Working full-time while enrolled

• Has dependents other than a spouse or partner

• A veteran

• Financially independent

There are many activities for nontraditional students to participate in throughout the week.

Almost all events are in the Non Trad Pad, a nontraditional student lounge, located in University Center room 133.

Nontraditional students will receive free lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 2 through Nov. 5 in the Non Trad Pad as part of the Lunchbox Series.During the series, guest speakers will discuss topics to help students succeed throughout their time on campus.

Nontraditional Student Recognition Reception is an award ceremony for nontraditional students and faculty members. Faculty was asked to nominate outstanding students, while students were asked to nominate faculty members that were particularly sympathetic to the students’ unique needs. Five nontraditional students and a professor will be recognized at the reception. The reception starts at 5:15 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the Fern Terrace at the Irving Young Auditorium.

A socializing hour will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 5 at. Second Salem, located at 111 W. Whitewater St., in Whitewater.

There are free fitness classes in the Williams Center for the students and free bowling and billiards for students and their families in Warhawk Alley, in the UC. Students must have tickets for these events; tickets can be picked up in the Non Trad Pad.

“They bring a unique perspective to the classroom and make valuable contributions to life on campus,” Smith said. “We highlight and congratulate our students on their hard work, commitment to their education and dedication to lifelong learning.”

Gotz’s first experience with nontraditional students was during Non Trad Week two years ago, her first semester at UW-W.  Since then, she has become president of the organization for nontraditional students called Adult Student Connections. She is most excited for the socializing hour at Second Salem during the week.

“Non Trad Week gives adult students an opportunity to connect and meet other nontraditional students,” Gotz said via email.

For more information students can contact Lynn Smith, [email protected].