NTSO Celebrates 20 Years at Texas State

September 25,2007 - NTSO celebrates 20 years as a Texas State Organization

the Non-Traditional Students Organization (NTSO) kicks off its Fall 2007 membership drive, and celebrates 20 years as a Texas State organization with a birthday party at the LBJ Student Center ballroom on Monday October 8, for 10am until 2pm.

NTSO grew out of the former campus group "Students Older Than Average" (SOTA), which was founded in November of 1978. The name of the group was changed to the "Non-Traditional Students Organization" in October of 1987.

According to NTSO president Joe Porter, "It's with good reason we've been around for so long. The challenges that older students and commuters face on campus are different from the ones that traditional 18 to 22 year-old students have. It's key to let new arrivals at Texas State know that we're here to help them feel welcome and connect them to camus resources and services."

Non-tradidional students include those who have been out of school for a period of time, students who are 23 years of age or older, married/divorced students, and students with children, as well as those with life experiences who consider themselves non-traditional.

Located in Suite 4-3.1 of the LBJ Student Center, NTSO's mission is to help its members assimilate and succeed in college by providing a learning atmosphere, networking opportunities, social activities, and community involvement. NTSO sponsors year-round events such as tailgating and commuter breakfasts, and also does community service projects and fundraising. The group gives out a $500 scholarship each semester.

NTSO Financial Officer Julie Rodriguez sees it this way. "Many students don't have much time to get involved and be connected; they have kids, go to school and have to get to work. However, that does not mean they don't want to feel like they are a part of Texas State life. They just need to find the best fit for them to get involved... NTSO was founded for those students."