Taken from TTU eLearning Website. Texas Tech University encourages students to come back to school in non-traditional ways such as online and distance courses.
By Christina Rankin
The changing world is compelling different demographics of people to consider going back to school as non-traditional students. Jenna Watson, student adviser of transient students, said school is an option all the time.
“We are in a different generation now where I think people are realizing college is always there,” said Watson, “you can always go back.”
Students are considered non-traditional for many reasons. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, students are non-traditional when they are above the age of 24.
NCES also defines non-traditional as having additional responsibilities such as families and work responsibilities, all of which can interfere with the successful completion of their education.
Transient students are an example of a non-traditional student and Texas Tech University. Transient is when students are taking courses completely online; some of those courses may apply to a degree with other universities, but it can also pertain to professionals needing to build their skills.
Taken from The National Center of Education Statics website. Statistics table showing the increasing number of students by age from the years 2015 to 2018.
Watson is responsible for making sure the students are supported and heard through their time at Texas Tech.
“What I’ve noticed is that most of them when they feel that they’ve been heard and their problem or issue that they have, or issue that they have whatever it might be, has been solved, or a question has been answered there very, very appreciative,” said Watson.
NCES estimated the number of students 25 and older has increased by 11 percent from 2006-2016. Marie Jones, a senior creative media industry major, described her experiences as a non-traditional student.
Jones decided to come back to school when she was 52 years old and to her degree.
Marie Jones at Big 12 media day, where she heard about the upcoming season and learn to coordinate Big 12 teams through the media process. Photo provided by Marie Jones.
“At first, I (felt) distant,” said Jones. “You know I’ve had a couple of classes where I’m like okay this is awkward, and I get some looks, and I think sometimes there not sure if I’m the teacher or the student.”
Students with families and additional responsibilities are also considered non-traditional.
Alma Bustamante, a Texas Tech alumna with a degree in journalism, discussed her experience as a student and a mom who needed to work to support her family.
“Of course, I felt different going into a classroom,” said Bustamante. “I don’t think that stopped me from learning and reaching my goals, but that was definitely seen and something that I felt.”
As non-traditional student, Bustamante said her priorities were always different, taking care of her daughter while getting her degree; however, she still wanted to be held to the same standard as her classmates.
“If a quiz or test was due at midnight, an assignment was due at midnight I still wanted to do it regardless of all my other stuff because it was my responsibility to do that,” said Bustamante.
Alma Bustamante after recording broadcast for MCTV newscast at Texas Tech University. Photo provided by Alma Bustamante.
Although there are not any specific clubs or organizations for non-traditional students, Bustamante explains her difficulties with connecting with peers on campus.
“I do believe Texas tech has resources and help for non-traditional students,” Bustamante explained. “I also believe that I know that I did not take full advantage of it, but the reason being, and I don’t know whose fault it is in a way, but for example, I was working full time and going to school full time the whole five semesters I was here.”
Jones described the mindset when opportunities arise to connect with peers on campus. This includes instances that occur in the most traditional way: going to class and speaking with other students.
“I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve tried to act like a non-traditional student,” said Jones. “I talked to all of my peers — I call them my peers — my classmates the same way I talk to anybody.”
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