Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 1/31/00
      Contact:                           Carol Dotson 132
TWO NEW PROGRAMS OFFERED FOR NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
     HAMMOND -- Whether it's juggling schedules to pick up the kids, get to class, or work
an off campus job, non-traditional students' responsibilities and concerns are different from the
average college student.  
     With that in mind the office for Adult, Commuter and Veterans Services (ACVS) has
created two new programs for non-traditional students, an Adult Mentoring program and Adult
Discussion Group. 
     "Adult students differ from other students in that they have more outside
responsibilities," said Milas Love, ACVS director. "Many of them have jobs outside of school,
spouses, they support themselves and sometimes have children of their own."   
     ACVS's  mentoring program will give non-traditional students the opportunity to serve as
role models for other non-traditional students. "The mentoring program was created to help them
not feel so isolated and to know that there is someone else who has gone through the same things
they're going through," said Love. Students may be referred by faculty or visit ACVS to sign up. 
     ACVS will have a training session for mentors before they are assigned a student and will
offer monthly follow-up sessions for both mentors and the students that are assigned to them.
Mentors must be a sophomore or higher and in good academic standing. 
     The Adult Discussion Group will give non-traditional students a support system on
campus. "It's not a gripe session," coordinator and graduate assistant Bridget Bailey said.  "The
sessions will help students come up with solutions to dilemmas and problems they face as adult
students. We think having an opportunity to discuss those problems will help keep them on track
and aid in retention." Counseling Center staff and counseling interns will assist with the support
group. 
     To participate in either program contact the Adult, Commuter and Veterans Services
office at 549-2213.
                                                                                               -SLU-
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