Not a typical student interested in the ‘norm’? Here are some clubs and organizations on campus that offer a variety of services and opportunities for students of all ages and interests to get involved. Non-Traditional Students Organization is a way for non-traditional students to get information about campus events, become more involved in the Nicholls community and help assess problems that non-traditional students may encounter.
Once known as the Non-Traditional Women’s Students Organization, NTSO is no longer just for women.
“What students in this age group cared about most wasn’t gender; Classes, advising, health information and getting information out about Nicholls happenings was what mattered,” Cynthia Dubois, assistant librarian, said.
At the beginning of the school year, all students over the age of 25 are sent an e-mail asking if they would like to join the NTSO blackboard group. However, the group is not limited to only non-traditional students; any student can join the Blackboard group if they still wish to receive information.
Through the Blackboard account, students can access information about events on campus, scheduling classes, how to find an advisor, local childcare, laundromat services and even a classified section.
“The Blackboard account is a great vehicle for non-traditional students to become more involved. Most non-traditional students are coming to school in the evenings, they have established lives, jobs, families and other responsibilities that take precedence in their lives,” Dubois said.
Meetings are open to all students and focus on topics that are of concern to most, if not all students.
The GREEN club is an environmental conscientious group that focuses on the awareness of environmental issues on campus.
Members of the club have set up several green recycle bins throughout campus for the disposal of paper products. The bins are emptied by group members and taken to Lafourche Parish Wal-Mart recycle dumpsters.
“Everybody should do their part to improve awareness of the environment, try to recycle and make less waste,” GREEN adviser Andrew Simoncelli, assistant professor of mass communication, said.
Between one and two tons of paper was recycled in the past year from campus, Simoncelli said.
GREEN is also working to set up cell phone, ink cartridge and computer recycling opportunities.
“Any student interested in the group is encouraged to join,” Simoncelli said.
The Karate Club gives students an opportunity to be involved in the Nicholls community while staying physically fit, Randy Nyker, faculty advisor for the club, said.
“The purpose of the club is to learn and train in martial arts, particularly, Shotokan Karate, a traditional Japanese style,” Nyker said. “Karate training offers the physical benefits of cardiovascular fitness, improved muscle tone, weight control and improved flexibility. In addition, it offers the opportunity to develop self-defense skills and physical and mental discipline.”
Potential Karate Club members can try training sessions for free before joining. Training is on Tuesday and Thursday at 5p.m. in the dance studio – upstairs in Shaver Gym.
Women Involved in Self-Empowerment is an up and coming organization open to all women interested in focusing on education, leadership and social activism, Sabrina Laurent, coordinator for the Women’s Resources & Services Office, said.
Still in the development phase, WISE should be an official Nicholls organization by early October. WISE is an organization that will promote women empowerment, self-esteem and encouraging women to have a voice.
WISE members hope to be involved in Race for the Cure, Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Women’s History month. WISE hopes to promote safety awareness and will provide a 12-hour self-defense class that will be open to all members.
“If you are interested in a student organization that supports women in fully developing their voice and abilities than this group is for you,” Laurent said.
