The above NoTSO emblem symbolizes graphically what the Non-Traditional Student Organization is all about.

The arrangement is circular, yet all of the scenes blend together in the middle. The idea of graduation is the starting place when a non-traditional student decides to attend college, and so our graduate is at the top of the emblem.

As we work towards our goal of graduation, we must keep in mind that our families are as important as getting a degree. But, we must also keep in mind that it is our job to find a way to make them fit together!

The figure at the bottom represents each non-traditional student--those with children, those without, those in their teens or 20's, those in their 70's and everyone in between. The figure is wearing a T-shirt that says "LIFE", and the figure is juggling work, sports/entertainment and class work. As with the family scene at right, this scene tells us that non-traditional students must learn how to give each aspect of life the focus it deserves while still moving onward towards graduation.

Note that the textbook--representing our class work--is in the center of everything. If we don't schedule study time in our busy schedules, we won't make it to graduation. The left figure represents all those hours spent studying late into the night because other responsibilities kept us from studying during 'regular' hours. Because we realize that a degree is our number one priority during our college years, we sacrifice where we must.

In the end, we return to the graduate holding the diploma. Only now, it's no longer just an idea. It's a reality!

NoTSO exists for you! You decided to come to NSU for one reason. To get your diploma. Yes, what you learn on the journey is important, but let's be realistic. Would you want to spend four years learning everything in classrooms, then turn down your diploma because "education is it's own reward"? Knowledge and learning is a must, but your primary goal is to earn your diploma.

NoTSO exists to help you realize that goal. Non-traditional students have needs that differ from traditional students. some of us have children. Some of us have full-time or part-time jobs. Some of us have house payments or high car payments with high car insurance. Some of us have dependent parents or relatives living with us. Each person's situation is unique, yet all of us have responsibilities that sometimes seem to conflict with our highest priority: graduation.

It is sometimes hard to prioritize our many responsibilities in relation to our class work. NoTSO is here to help you maintain a quality family life through NoTSO sponsored family social events. NoTSO is here to help you build a network of college friends who can give you advice about enrollment, which classes are truly edcuational and which classes are difficult to sit through, or where to socialize with other people who share your interests. NoTSO is here to represent your needs in the Student Senate and in general. NoTSO is here to help you enjoy your college years as you work towards earning your diploma.

So what are you waiting for? Join NoTSO today and join a group of people who understand the challenges you face as you work towards your degree. You can join online by selecting the Join NoTSO link at left, you can e-mail us at nsu_notso@yahoo.com, or you can stop by our next meeting. We meet every Thursday at 4:00 PM in room 223 of the University Center, above the Bookstore. We're waiting to hear from you!

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