Woman studying at table | non traditional student
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—Belinda J., first-year student, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

I am sorry that you feel overlooked as a first-year student who is, most likely, older than other first-year students at your institution. I can see how that can happen. Older students often seem to be good advocates for themselves because they’ve had more practice, so to speak. We often assume that if an adult student needs something, they will ask. We faculty and staff really should know better.

As I tell all my first-year students, speak to faculty, advisors, and staff about your needs. When they know what you need, they can help you get what you need. Here are some other tips for additional support:

Be specific about the support you need and how you need it.

Too often we assume our students need certain types of support (e.g., tutoring) and need it in conventional ways (face-to-face). A kind nudge that you actually need effective study strategies (rather than help on homework) and that you prefer those to be delivered online, for example, can help your professor understand what it is you’re after.

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Consider reaching out to other nontraditional students for peer support.

Sometimes there is nothing better than hanging out with people who have similar needs. You feel supported, heard, and valued for your experiences. Your institution may have an office, student group, or campus space that provides support for nontraditional students. If they don’t, ask for them to provide a room that you can use.

Share your concerns with people who can make changes.

Directors and department chairs are often very receptive to students’ wishes. If you see a larger need for support for nontraditional students, consider sharing your issues and possible solutions with people on campus who can make changes. At the very least, you are bringing awareness to staff who may be able to pass your ideas along to others who have more resources to make the changes happen.

Be prepared to be a spokesperson for others.megaphone icon | non traditional student

Your self-advocacy may result in being a spokesperson for others who feel invisible on campus. This is a good thing! When you speak up—and ask for more support—your institution may want to hear more ideas from you.

I hope you see this experience as an opportunity to demonstrate your communication and advocacy skills rather than be disappointed that your needs have not been met yet. I know your institution doesn’t want any of its students to feel overlooked or invisible.