The Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE) with which our Older Wiser Learners (OWLs) at Middle Tennessee State University affiliates, spearheaded a national effort to designate a week to celebrate non-traditional learners on college campuses. Their goal was to make administration and faculty of higher education institutions aware of the numbers and the quality of these students on their campuses.

Gabe DeGabriele, President of ANTSHE, formed a committee with representatives from the American College Personnel Association's Commission XVII, the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL), the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA), the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and LRP Publications who publish the Nontraditional Students Report.

In 2001, Night OWLs Open House will be held from Monday through Thursday, November 5-8 in Adult Services Center from 4:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The Adult Services Center will stay open until 9:30 p.m. this week, beyond our regular closing hour of 7:30 p.m. We invite those enrolled in evening classes to come by KUC 320 before or after class for refreshments and information about our services.

Tuesday, November 6 will be Nontraditional Student Day in KUC, in front of the Bookstore. There will be entertainment and an opportunity for all non-traditional students to join OWLs, to purchase an OWLs t-shirt on MTSU blue, and to learn how to juggle.  Juggling is a skill all adult learners must acquire to keep their many responsibilities in the air at one time. Plan to come by the OWLs table on November 6 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to join in the fun! There will also be cotton candy and popcorn for a festive atmosphere.