The non-traditional student include those who are considered to work a fulltime schedule of more than 30 hours a week, are parents, delayed enrollees who did not enter a collegiate setting straight after high school, and members of the “25 and over club.”
As a non-traditional student, it makes it easier to have a group of like peers who “ALSO” share the same experiences. The Adult Learner Student Organization, ALSO, is a free membership organization designed to cater to the needs of all students, staff and alumni.
“ALSO serves as an advocate for the non-traditional student,” said Robert Powell, Assistant Director of Adult Learner Programs, “it gives adult learners an active voice that will be heard in decisions that affect students.”
A part of the Lifelong Learning facility at KSU, ALSO was developed in 1993 after the disbanding of the SOTA, Students Over Traditional Age, as a meeting location for adult learners to exchange similar information, study and network in a relaxed setting.
ALSO is a part of ANTSHE, Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education, which allows students to network with other students who are striving to reach the same positive result of achieving a degree. Members participate in various workshops and scholarship giveaways as an added bonus.
ALSO provides a team of individuals who serve as advocates to help the academic process run smoothly. Veronica Jones, manager of the Lifelong Learning Center, said she believes that “adult learners gain a sense of belonging on campus; [staff ] will assist them in acclimating, and to being a successful, happy student at KSU.”
The voice of adult learners does not go unheard. The ALSO staff is truly dedicated to addressing issues important to students. “ALSO has identified issues to address that effect adult learners,” stated Powell, “including a childcare facility to provide childcare for students attending classes on campus and more evening and weekend classes for the working student.”
Besides a relaxed environment, ALSO provides tutoring services as well as service acts including Project Perfect Prom and Feast of Sharing. Project Perfect Prom is a service that accepts donations of prom attire including gowns, tuxedos, suits, shoes, and accessories for young men and women. Feast of Sharing is an annual charity event dinner during the month of November coordinated by ALSO. Staff members, students, and faculty donate can goods or money that is provided to KSU’s Feed the Future and it brings the KSU community together while enjoying a Thanksgiving style meal with entertainment.
ALSO provides coffee daily, while students have access to computers and printing services along with a plethora of other free services.
More information can be found at http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/alp/also.shtml.
