10/23/2018
In the decade since she graduated from Cortland High School, SUNY Cortland senior Liz Foster has been more than a college student. She’s also been a restaurant worker, a nanny, a child care staffer and, most recently, an administrative assistant.
Hard work is just normal for this non-traditional student, a human services major and future professional who spent her childhood on a farm and later in a home in Cortland with her mother and three younger brothers.
The College defines its non-traditional undergraduate students as those who are at least 24 years old or have had an interruption or delay in their education since high school. They also might have dependent children, regardless of their ages.
Foster’s life as a first-generation college degree earner is a little bit different from that of some 300 other non-traditional students at SUNY Cortland, but in many ways the same.
The College celebrates them all Nov. 5 to 9 with Non-Traditional Students Week. In addition to an array of activities offered through Advisement and Transition, we will profile one of SUNY Cortland’s inspiring non-traditional student each day that week, starting with Foster.
Related activities and events will be held throughout the week in the Non-Traditional Student Lounge, Cornish Hall, Room 1221. They are free to non-traditional students and include:
Monday, Nov. 5: Coffee Break, 9 to 11 a.m. plus “Non-Trads Rock!” t-shirt Day
Tuesday, Nov. 6: Taco Tuesday Lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 7: Wednesday Wrap Lunch, 12 to 2 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 8: Dessert Reception, “STRESSED spelled backwards = DESSERTS,” 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 9: Weekend Warm-Up w/hot chocolate, 9 to 11 a.m.
In celebration of SUNY Cortland’s non-traditional students, nominations are being accepted through Friday, Nov. 12, for the “Celebrate-a-Non-Trad” campaign. Nomination forms will be e-mailed to the campus community and are available electronically.
The campaign aims to recognize non-traditional students who often balance college with other commitments such as family, jobs and long commutes. SUNY Cortland will present nominated non-traditional students with a certificate and campus recognition.
Nominations should include the student’s name, contact information, relationship to the student and comments about the non-traditional student. Comments will be listed on the certificate, unless otherwise noted.
For more information about Non-Traditional Students Week events or to recognize an outstanding non-traditional student, contact Non-Traditional Student Support Coordinator Cheryl Hines at 607-753-4726.