The University of Arkansas at Little Rock will again celebrate National Non-Traditional Student Week from Nov. 4 to 8, with fun events scheduled throughout the Donaghey Student Center and other campus locations to highlight the contributions of its non-trad students.

From 9 to 11 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 4 through 5, stop by Room 216 G of DSC to discover more about the Non-Traditional Student Organization and the support services the Office of Campus Life offers. Information on mentoring, tutoring, and scholarships will be available.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, students may pick up a sweet treat for only $1 in the DSC foyer. All proceeds benefit the non-traditional student scholarship fund.

On Thursday, Nov. 7, non-traditional students who show a coupon (available from Cynda Alexander, non-traditional student program coordinator, in Room 216G of DSC) will receive a 10 percent discount on all UALR emblematic items. Another coupon can be used to receive a 25 percent discount on a frappuccino between 2 and 4 p.m. at Starbucks in the food court.

Finally, Friday, Nov. 8, is the deadline for the first UALR Non-Traditional Student Week essay contest. Entrants are encouraged to write about what obtaining an education at UALR means to them.

All essays should be typed in 12-point, Times New Roman font and be between 750 and 1,000 words. Submissions should be emailed as an attachment to ntsp@ualr.edu. The winner receives a $100 book voucher for next semester and will be featured in the next non-traditional student newsletter.

A non-traditional student at UALR typically has one or more of the following characteristics:

• Delayed enrollment after high school
• Attend school part time
• Works full time (25+ hours)
• Are financially independent
• Have dependents other than a spouse
• Are a single parent
• Have or still are serving in the military
• Is a first generation student

UALR acknowledges returning to school as a non-traditional student can be an exciting, yet stressful experience. The Non-Traditional Student Programs (NTSP) staff has “been there, done that” and is available to assist from registration through graduation.

Campuses across the country show their dedication to non-traditional students by celebrating them during the annual nationwide week of appreciation each November.