Faculty Resources

Welcome to our faculty and staff webpage! We recognize that faculty and staff have a significant impact on the life of every student on campus because they tend to have the most direct contact with students on a day to day basis. At Colorado State, non-traditional aged students (NTS) constitute approximately 17% of the undergraduate student body and they have characteristics that are different from the typical 18-22 year old student. Adult Learners, Adult Students, Students over Traditional Age and Non-Traditional Aged Students are terms that are used interchangeably in reference to adult students who are:

Many of them return to school to improve their job skills or are changing careers. Some are here because they experienced a life transition such as a death or divorce and are embarking on a new direction in their lives. For whatever reason they come, we’re glad they’re here! NTS bring a wealth of experience and some unique qualities to the student body. Adult students tend to be:

In an effort to support and acknowledge the vital role faculty and staff play in the lives of our students, here are some tips and suggestions to help manage your classes and to raise the awareness of the needs and concerns of non-traditional aged students.

Needs NTS may have:

They often feel overwhelmed and anxious at the start of the semester. They wonder if they can do it all.

They struggle financially to make ends meet.

They struggle to find the time to study and complete homework and projects.

They often have high expectations about their grades.

They are focused and self-directed when it comes to assignments, tests, projects and grades.

They usually find it challenging to return to campus after their regular class schedule is over.

They may not feel connected to campus, and may find it difficult to stay abreast of campus-wide events and deadlines.

They prefer programs to be held in places that are already familiar to them.

They prefer programs, services and class assignments to be advertised at least one week in advance to allow them time to adjust their schedules.

They prefer night classes to accommodate their work schedule.

Ways faculty and staff can help:

Familiarize yourself with the services and programs RAL offers. Refer NTS to our office (LSC, main level, 491- 0415; jan.rastall@colostate.edu) if they are having a hard time transitioning to student life, if they are feeling isolated and lonely and if they need help with test taking, time management or study skills. We can meet with them one on one to discuss their issues and concerns.

Managing your classroom:

Consider taking an informal poll on the first day of class to find out how many NTS are in your class and to find out if anyone has a special need.

Acknowledge their past and present work/professional experience and utilize it in class when appropriate.

Take into consideration the needs of NTS when scheduling assignment and office hours.

Provide NTS with opportunities to work in groups with traditional students in class. Encourage them to share their experience and get to know other students with diverse backgrounds.

Refer them to RAL (LSC, main level, 491- 0415; jan.rastall@colostate.edu) for assistance in networking with other NTS and for help with issues concerning note taking, time management, stress management, test anxiety.

Advising NTS:

Be direct and clear about time commitments.

Be an active listener. NTS come from diverse backgrounds and they seek to integrate their past experience with their present situation as a student.

Be sensitive to their desire to get their degree as quickly as possible. They often can’t afford to stay an extra semester to earn their degree.

Supporting and facilitating the success of NTS:

Encourage NTS to get involved with a club or organization or seek work in an office at CSU. Outside involvement will enrich their experience. Most events are free or low-cost for students and oftentimes families are welcome as well. We have a calendar on our website at http://ocssral.colostate.edu/calendar.asp which lists activities and events that are hosted by our office and focused specifically on NTS.

Encourage NTS to subscribe to our weekly email news to stay abreast of events and programs through our office and the university community. They can do so by sending an email to jan.rastall@colostate.edu or calling 491-0415.

Encourage them to rent a commuter locker in the LSC to store their books, etc. during the day. Have them go to Off-Campus Student Services/Resources for Adult Learners, Room 195, LSC, to register.

Encourage NTS to drop by the RAL student lounge located in LSC, main level to check their email, eat lunch, or study between classes. The lounge is open M - F from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.

We hold a coffee social every Monday morning throughout fall and spring semesters. It’s called Java Jumpstart and it’s a good way to introduce our office and services to students, faculty and staff. Everyone is welcome and we invite you to drop in anytime.

Source: http://www.uncw.edu/stuaff/doso/commuternontrad-facstaff.htm