Programs & Services
We offer an array of programs and services to assist non-traditional students with their transition to university life and through-out their academic journey.
Please stop by our office and RAL lounge in the Lory Student Center, Room 195, on the north end, plaza level and fill out a "We Want to Know You" form or click here. Drop it by our office and get signed up for our Weekly RAL News sent by email.
Textbook Awards
Resources for Adult Learners has partnered with the CSU Bookstore to offer non-traditional, undergraduate textbook awards. There are four awards, each valued UP TO $400 in required text books, that will be distributed at the start of fall or spring semester. Applicants must be undergraduate, full-time, adult learners at Colorado State who demonstrate high financial need and academic potential. Past recipients are not eligible to apply. Winners will receive a credit of up to $400 in their student account.To apply, please complete the application form and submit it electronically along with a written essay (not longer than 500 words) explaining why you identify as an adult learner and your academic/career goals, a one page resume, and a copy of the award letter you received from student financial services (available on RamWeb).
The deadline to apply for 2008 Spring Semester is Friday, November 16, 2007, 5:00 pm. All material must be submitted electronically by the deadline for full consideration. Late submissions will not be accepted. The complete application packet should be submitted to jan.rastall@colostate.edu.
Incoming Adult Student Newsletter
Welcome to Colorado State University! We’re glad you’re here! Please click here for our Welcome to Colorado State Newsletter. It contains information about our office and services. Please click here to contact us if you have any questions.
National Non-Traditional Student Week
The theme for this year's National Non-Traditional Student Week (November 3 – 10, 2007) is Transformative Learning: Who are you? What calms you, fills you, moves you? Through experiential activities and presentations, learn how to strengthen internal resources to manage the busyness of your life. Sessions are open to everyone. Sessions are free and will be held in Room 230 LSC unless otherwise noted. Room 230 will be available all week between sessions for quiet reflection. Bring your lunch to the noon hour presentations. For questions or more information, please contact ocss@lamar.colostate.edu or visit http://www.ocssral.colostate.edu/calendar.asp.
The goals of the program are:
- To create an awareness of the importance of self-reflection in the learning process
- To provide guidance in self-reflection techniques
- To create a space on campus for daily self-reflection
- To encourage critical thinking regarding transformative learning
Click here for a complete schedule.
Family Support Program
The Family Support Program links you to programs and resources on and off campus that understand the challenges of attending school and being a student. Click here for our event calendar and upcoming programs.
No Limits to Learning Programs are exemplified at CSU by its non-traditional students. Our program series explores the richness and complexity of experiences of non-traditional students while celebrating the extraordinary efforts in their daily lives as they pursuer lifelong learning. NLTL programs are a cooperative effort of Resources for Adult Learners, Apartment Life and the Non-Traditional Student (NTS) Club. Click here for our event calendar.
Non-Traditional Student Club Sponsor
The NTS Club is a student organization. The club is composed of four officers: President, Vice-president, secretary and treasurer and student members. Club functions include every other Friday gatherings at a local restaurant in town. Click here for more about the club. Click here for our calendar and to find the next scheduled Friday gathering.
One-on-One Meetings with Our Adult Learner Coordinator
Our Adult Learner Coordinator is available to meet one on one to discuss any issues or concerns you may have about your experience at CSU. If you are a prospective student, she’s happy to meet with you to answer any questions you may have. Click here to schedule a meeting.
Orientations
Resources for Adult Learners provides orientations for incoming adult students who are entering as undergraduate freshman, transfer, returning and second bachelors. Orientations occur at the start of fall and spring semesters. Click here for our event calendar and to find out when the next incoming student orientation is scheduled.
Peer Mentor program
We understand that transitions can often times be stressful and the campus environment can often times be intimidating and challenging. Our peer mentor program begins with non-traditional students who are trained to work with fellow non-traditional students in a group setting. Groups will meet once a week for the first four weeks of the new semester. We’ll discuss such things as academic skills, transitioning to college life, career planning, and many other important issues facing first year NTS. This allows new students to address questions and concerns about student life. Click here for more information about this program.
Pinnacle Honor Society
PINNACLE is a national honor society that recognizes the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of non-traditional aged students who have maintained at least a 3.0 grade point average.
Pinnacle was established in 1989 at Murray State University in Kentucky, and over 145 institutions across the country currently hold membership - from large public universities, including Colorado State University, to small private colleges across the country.
PINNACLE is a recognition honor society that does not require ANY additional involvement in the organization once accepted. However, you have the option of being more involved at CSU.
The CSU chapter focuses on providing opportunities for its members to receive recognition for leadership, scholarship and service, as well as to make contributions to the University and Fort Collins community.
All students selected for induction in PINNACLE must meet the following criteria:
- Qualify as a non-traditional student, age 25 or older and/or non-traditional life circumstances (i.e. single parent, etc.),
- Have junior or senior status,
- Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (only GPA obtained at Colorado State University will be considered),
- Have been involved in at least three (3) campus and/or community activities,
- Demonstrate leadership, persistence and future promise,
- Maintain the highest ethical standards.
A selection committee consisting of CSU faculty, staff and a Pinnacle Honor Society member reviews the applications and makes recommendations for membership. Notification letters are sent immediately following decisions. A reception for new inductees is held during spring semester.
Applications for membership are available at Off-Campus Student Service/Resources for Adult Learners (OCSS/RAL), Room 195, Lory Student Center, north end, plaza level and by clicking here. For more information about Pinnacle, click here.
Pinnacle Honor Society has been active at CSU since 1994. Click here for a list of past recipients.
Java Jumpstart
This is an on-going weekly event that takes place Mondays from 8:30-10:30 am. Java Jumpstart is held in the RAL student lounge in the main level of Lory Student Center across from the Sunken Lounge. The purpose of this program is to provide a casual atmosphere for non-traditional students to meet, share their experiences, and start the week off with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and good conversation. Students, family and friends may come anytime between those hours. RSVP is not required. Click here for our event calendar.
Wednesday Pizza Gathering
We gather in the RAL student lounge the last Wednesday of each month during Fall and Spring semesters from 5:15 – 6:30 pm for pizza and beverages. The purpose of this program is to provide a casual atmosphere for non-traditional students to meet other students and to enjoy good conversation. RSVP is required by the Monday previous. Click here for our event calendar.
Resources for Adult Learners Outings
We meet once a month on a Saturday, usually at a city owned natural area, to walk and talk from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. All students and their family and friends are welcome, including dogs on leash. Come prepared for inclement weather in all seasons. Click here for our event calendar and to find out when the next student outing is scheduled.
RAL Student Teams
We have several teams that work on improving our services for NTS. They are: Orientation, No Limits to Learning Programming, Focus Group, Family Support, and Peer Mentor. They usually meet once a month in the RAL office. Click here for more information about joining a team.
Free Athletic Tickets for Dependent Children of CSU Students
Enjoy a day of Ram Football, family-style, at Hughes Stadium! We’re pleased to announce that the Colorado State University Athletic Department will be providing Family Admission and Seating for the 2007 Football and Volleyball Seasons. A limited number of tickets to each game will be provided, at no cost, to full-time, fee-paying students and their dependant children.
Football Tickets:
Non-student spouses/partners will be required to purchase a ticket for $25 at the ticket office or stadium. Seating will be in the north end zone section, a family-friendly area of the stadium. Additionally, the athletic department is pleased to present Ram Town beginning three hours prior to each home game southeast of the team tunnel entrance. Ram Town is free and features inflatable’s and games for kids and plenty of other activities! Food and beverages will also be for sale in Ram Town! Sorry, the CU/CSU game is excluded from this program.
Tickets must be picked up in the OCSS/RAL office by the Wednesday before the game, and can only be received with a valid student ID. In order to ensure that we have the correct amount of tickets to meet demand, we would like for you to reserve your tickets in advance. To reserve your tickets, send an email to Jan Rastall with the date of the home game(s) and the names of individuals who need tickets (please include yourself and provide ages of children), by July 30, 2007. If you have any questions, call 491-0415 or send an email to Jan Rastall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
Volleyball Tickets
More information to follow.