Who is a Nontraditional Student?
You may identify as an nontraditional student if you:
- Are over the age of 24
- Are married, divorced, or partnered
- Work full time
- Are a parent or caregiver of a family member
- Are returning to or starting college after a break
- Are changing careers
- Are a military veteran or active duty
- Have a low income or independent financial status
- Are a transfer student
- Have a disability
- Are a first-generation college student
- Self-identify as nontraditional
Find Your Community
As a nontraditional student, you have a unique set of needs. There are a variety of resources and services available to help you balance school and life. The Nontraditional Student Union is dedicated to representing the nontraditional student voice on campus and providing a place for you to feel at home. If you are looking for a place to connect with other nontraditional students, a place to get involved and advocate for change, or if you just want a place to study and get a snack in the heart of campus, the Nontraditional Student Union is a great place to explore. We provide several outlets for exploring more about our community through Engage and on Facebook.
How to Join the Nontraditional Student Union
To become a member of the Nontraditional Student Union, a student run organization, look for us and join us on Engage, or contact us to subscribe to our email list. A great way to get involved and meet other nontraditional students is to attend our meetings and events held throughout the year, or stop by the office in EMU 212 (office hours listed on Engage).
Academic Support
The University of Oregon offers numerous academic resources to ensure the academic success of all students. More resources are available beyond the ones mentioned here, so please reach out to the Nontraditional Student Union for any specific needs you might have.
Financial Support
The university offers a variety of scholarships for students. If you identify as a nontraditional student, you may be eligible to apply for the Osher and Crankstart Re-Entry Scholarships. There are also other financial resources available to help you through your time at the UO.
Family Support
We want to make sure that you are successful outside of the classroom and maintain a balance between your homelife and your education. There are resources available to you including affordable housing for families, child care subsidies, and family mediation.
Well-Being Support
At the UO we value self-care and life balance. There are numerous resources to promote mental and physical health, from individual and group counseling sessions, to meditation, nutrition, and exercise classes.
❄️ ❄️ Welcome queer and trans parents! ❄️ ❄️
LGBTESS & the Nontraditional Students Program invite queer and trans students who are parents to participate in our 2025 January Queer and Trans Parents Cafe.
On Tuesday, January 21, from 12-1:30, we welcome you to the EMU’s Cedar Room (EMU 231). Come for the opportunity to chat, swap stories, and build friendships with other queer and trans parents on campus!
2:00–3:00 p.m.
Are you looking for ways to really stand out as a candidate? Come learn about the basics of interviewing and have the opportunity to ask questions on: question and answer structures, strategies, and how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews. Questions welcomed and encouraged! Please RSVP!
This workshop is hosted by the University Career Center's Career Readiness Coaching team! To learn more about career coaching, drop-in peer advising, and other career readiness workshops and events visit career.uoregon.edu/coaching or stop by the UCC in Tykeson Hall-Garden Level
This event is part of the 2025 Winter Career Readiness Week sponsored by the University Career Center, Enterprise Mobility, and Sherwin Williams. To learn more about all of the week's events visit http://career.uoregon.edu/events
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Join representatives from the Ford Family Foundation to learn about the various Ford scholarships available along with tips on how to be a strong candidate. Join in-person or remotely on Zoom.
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Learn about imposter feelings, how they can affect you, and how to help yourself (and others!) overcome them. This workshop is especially tailored toward nontraditional and military-connected students. Attend in-person or remotely!
1:00–2:00 p.m.
Are you looking for ways to really stand out as a candidate?
Come learn about the basics of resume and cover letter writing and have the opportunity to ask questions on formatting, structure, your own resume tailoring, and much more! Questions welcomed and encouraged!
This workshop is hosted by the University Career Center's Career Readiness Coaching team! To learn more about career coaching, drop-in peer advising, and other career readiness workshops and events visit career.uoregon.edu/coaching or stop by the UCC in Tykeson Hall-Garden Level
This event is part of the 2025 Winter Career Readiness Week sponsored by the University Career Center, Enterprise Mobility, and Sherwin Williams. To learn more about all of the week's events visit http://career.uoregon.edu/events
Nontraditional Student Programs
Office Hours
Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Office of the Dean of Students
Oregon Hall, Suite 380
*Hours are subject to change.
Get Connected
Sign up for our email list. We'll keep you informed about programs and opportunities provided through our office, plus other related nontraditional student events on campus and in the community.
