Each day thousands of students fill the classrooms at The University of Memphis.
College life for the majority of traditional students is a fun and exciting time. For non-traditional students, however, college life can be frustrating and hard.
Although the numbers aren't available yet for this semester, The U of M hosts approximately 8,687 non-traditional students. These students are often returning to post-secondary education, have families and come from America's workforce.
Adjusting to this lifestyle change can be difficult and many non-traditional students end their college careers without finishing. Fortunately, the U of M has a secret weapon that can help, which is really no secret at all.
Tucked away on the fourth floor of The University Center is a bridge to success for non-traditional students called Adult and Commuter Student Services (ACSS).
ACSS is a liaison between the University and non-traditional students. Its mission is "to serve the learning needs of adult and commuter students and provide leadership in advancing the practice of lifelong learning."
Joy Stout, Memphis State University class of 1979, is the director of ACSS. She defined the non-traditional student as 25 and older, independent, working or has worked in a career, may have a family, and does not live on campus. These students, Stout said, are usually returning to school after a long absence and have a hard time feeling a part of campus life.
"We try to facilitate a smooth transition and offer support and act as an advocate for these students," Stout said.
Some of the offerings of ACSS are childcare referrals, off-campus housing information, educational seminars, and the Adult Student Association (ASA).
The ASA is an adult student help organization run by adult student volunteers. ASA provides a voice for adult students on campus as well as workshops, peer tutoring and support and social activities.
The best aspect of the ASA and ACSS is that they bring adult students together, said Lou Paris, a 58-year-old full-time senior journalism student and president of the ASA.
"It's good to be around other mature students because we have a different set of experiences and different lifestyles (from the traditional students)," he said.
Forty-six-year-old Camille Bradley, a full-time senior philosophy major, said that the camaraderie between students that come to ACSS is what keeps her going.
"When I get really low or stressed I can go there and vent and get support," Bradley said. "The atmosphere is comforting and helpful."The offices of ACSS have a soundproof study area with access to Tiger-LAN computers and a communal area that includes a TV, refrigerator, microwave, eating area, and couches.
It's a great spot, said Paris, for relaxing or "just goofing off." Bradley, who is a wife and mother, serves as vice-president of ASA and president of The U of M Philosophy Circle. She spends the majority of her day on campus. Being on a tight budget, she said that it helps to have a place she can bring food to eat instead of having to spend money on campus. She also has high praise for the ACSS staff.
"The work that the staff does [is great]. They act as advocates and you feel like you have an ally," she said.
Advocacy of the adult students is one objective of ACSS that Stout stresses. The organization helps connect students with campus resources that assist them with college life and make it easier for them to finish their degree.
She recalled a student who faced dropping out mid-semester when her car was stolen from campus. Stout went all the way to University president Shirley Raines in an effort to obtain an emergency loan for the student to allow her to stay in school.
ACSS also provides an adult student scholarship that offers full-tuition in exchange for service hours with ACSS. Currently, 12 students benefit from the scholarship. The organization also helps students obtain other funding sources available from the University."The staff is very instrumental and enthusiastic about making students aware of scholarships," Bradley said.
However, Bradley also said she thinks the University should offer more funding for financial aid specifically geared toward non-traditional students. She also said ACSS is underutilized.
Paris said his goal as newly appointed president of the ASA is to effect changes to these problems as well as any others students may have. He would also like to see a more effective system of adult peer support and tutoring in specialized areas.
"I am working on building a database to pair students who have already gone through a course with those just starting out," he said.He added that The U of M does fair well in understanding that people who have been away from school for long periods of time need assistance such as what ACSS offers.
That assistance offers staying power to many students who have had problems completing their education in the past. Royce Woods said that 15 years ago she had a baby, physical challenges and no support from school so she dropped out. When she decided to return to school, one of the ACSS staff members was instrumental in getting her back into college life.
"[ACSS] will be the difference in me staying this time and finishing," said Royce, a 54-year-old psychology major.
The benefits of ACSS also trickle down to the traditional students. Adult students make better students, Paris said, because they understand better the importance of a college education and are less distracted by campus life.
"Adult students benefit younger students with guidance," he said. "They respect older students and some even come to me for advice."Stout agrees. She teaches the orientation class ACAD 1100, Introduction to the University, and sees first hand how bringing younger and older students together benefits everyone.
"Having an adult as an example makes traditional students better [students]," she said. "It's a wonderful marriage."
On Tuesday, ACSS will hold the first seminar of its spring 2005 series "Terrific Tuesdays" at 1:00 p.m. in UC Room 424. The workshop will cover writing research papers. For more information contact Karen Green at 678-2644.
