14,000 non-traditional students at NT

[WIFE2HOT4U]

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Eight daycare representatives and family support agencies participated in the first inaugural Daycare Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday on University Union Courtyard.

The Center for Student Development and Commuter and Off-Campus Student Services sponsored the fair, which was one of the events comprising Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week.

Mary Pastorius, the center's director, said they wanted to add some new activities to this year's Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week.

"One of the things we always get a request for through the Women's Center or through Student Development is daycare," Pastorius said. "We are providing a venue for daycares to promote themselves and to act as a point of contact to the parent or student to see what resources are available in the Denton community."

Charlotte Allen, owner of Wellspring Christian Academy in Denton, said she came to the fair to meet parents and answer questions in person.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to get to interact with students and personally answer questions," Allen said. "We can set up a time for the parent to take a tour and meet any needs."

Sandy Renick, project manager of the Campus Children's Initiative program, attended the fair to provide information about a grant available to NT student parents.

"I'm out here to spread the word about the grant and the initiative to have a childcare center on campus," Renick said. "An on-campus childcare center is a tool to draw faculty and staff."

Other facilities in attendance were the Denton Area Home Child Care Association, Countryside Montessori and the Family Resource Center of North Texas.

NT defines a non-traditional student as a person over the age of 25, Pastorius said. Although this is a broad definition, she said out of the 14,000 non-traditional students at NT, most are returning to school after a long hiatus or are younger students with mature responsibilities.

Other Non-Traditional Student Appreciation Week activities include a forum with the Student Government Association president, an essay contest, school spirit drawings and an information session and social with the non-traditional student organizations.

Pastorius said this year's daycare fair is helping NT maintain a family-friendly image.

"It is giving NT an image of 'Not only do we want you as a student, but we want your family to be involved as well,'" Pastorius said.

Is that correct?

[Cr1028]

I'm a non-traditional student and I know at least 3 others. Some have been in the military first, some have withdrawn and returned with more maturity, different reasons, but there are quite a few students in their mid-20s and over.

[VideoEagle]

Back in the 70s they had an origination call Students Older Than Average. I don’t know if it’s still around. Maybe all the members retired.