Non-Traditional Student Organization Formed

When a non-traditional student senator position was advertised by SGA in Spring 2019, Candice Yenchenko thought to herself, “Why not?”

For Yenchenko, being elected was just the beginning. Through her new role, she realized the ways in which non-traditional students (NTS) were under-represented on campus. These students, which include those over age 25, students with children, military veterans, and the like, often face unique barriers to earning their degree. Yenchenko, who raises a teenage son and a step-daughter, doesn’t just parent and study; she also balances a full-time job at IBM. Lacking a quiet place to study or a student group to share her experiences, Yenchenko decided to act.

The solution, the Non-Traditional Student organization seeks to “create an inclusive space on campus,” Yenchenko says and to “build a program at FSU where NTS can feel comfortable and relate with other students.”

To achieve these goals, Yenchenko has already taken concrete steps. The first, to form an official organization, was completed on Dec. 4, 2019 with the help of Robert Cooper, Director of Student Activities, and Dr. Jeff Graham, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. Her spring semester plans include recruiting new members and identifying spaces on campus which could one day hold a childcare center in partnership with the College of Education.

“I’m thrilled with the organic interest in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for non-traditionally aged students at FSU,” said Dr. Graham. “This population of students adds significant value to our campus in many ways, and as we think about the unique needs of this population, it’s important that the University of cognizant of how we create inclusive spaces.”

Indeed, Graham has been involved since the early stages of the organization’s formation and has offered the assistance of the Office of Student Affairs. “As a Division that is committed to making all students welcome at our institution, we are dedicated to assisting Candi see her vision to fruition, and believe our initial focus will be on advising the group, assisting with initial funding, considering a potential space for connecting, and building a peer-to-peer support network for childcare concerns. We also look forward to garnering institutional support for being a child-friendly campus to serve the unique needs of this important student population,” he said.

In addition to institutional support, the organization has already identified an executive board. The treasurer, Abdulkarim Alanazi, feels that the organization has an important role to play in non-traditional student life. “This team organization will work to enhance and enrich the experience of all NTS on campus. The primary goal that I see, and the outcome that I do expect, from this organization is to foster, cultivate, and develop a friendly environment for NTS to help them to engage more as FSU Bobcats and enjoy their time here on campus.”

As for Yenchenko, the concept of building school spirit among non-traditional students is a passion for her, “Our vision for FSU is to not only create a place where NTS feel welcome in a physical space, but also helping them feel connected as a Bobcat.”

As for what the short-term, Yenchenko encourages new members to join the organization in the spring and says, “This is an opportunity to get involved and make memories because this is YOUR college experience. No matter the circumstance… no matter your age… Frostburg is here for ALL students.”