There is a group on campus that has been around for years, it recently got the face-lift it needed. The Non-Traditional Student Organization is a refreshed version of a previously established group, according to Cynthia Dubois, assistant librarian and one of three advisers in charge of the group.

Joining Dubois are Joshua Stockley, assistant professor of history and social sciences, and Sabrina Laurent, coordinator of Women’s Resource and Services.

The group is primarily electronic, which Dubois said she feels has “led to the success of the group.”

“With the main functions being online, members can access what they need on their own time,” Dubois said.

NTSO targets students 25 years and older, the accepted definition of a non-traditional student. The organization has a Blackboard page used for the majority of its functions. There are no dues, and members personally meet every six weeks, according to Dubois.

The discussions focus on a variety of issues including a general need for information, student health insurance, financial aid and study skills.

“We have speakers come in for various issues,” Dubois said. “These meetings are open to all students, not just NTSO members.”

The speakers come in to offer advice and experience through trainings, workshops and career resources, as well as help with other topics.

“This group is not new,” Dubois said. “It has simply evolved from one that has been around for a while.”

NTSO began as the Order of Athena, a sorority for older women, in 1991. According to Dubois, the group was “off and on” with members constantly coming and going.

Dubois revitalized the group in 2007 as the Non-Traditional Women’s Student Organization, with a total of 19 members.

The group surveyed 1,300 students who were 25 years or older in November 2007. Of the 560 responses, Dubois found the issues faced by both men and women concerning schooling were similar.

“When it comes to being a student,” Dubois said, “everyone faces the same problems. There’s no need to have this as a women-only group.”

Dubois polled NTWSO members in February 2008 (then totaling 25), on whether men should be included in the group. Upon receiving the results of the poll, Dubois said “an overwhelming ‘yes'” was given to invite men into the group.

NTSO currently has 93 members since incorporating men into its population.

“The members seem to have responded really well to this online group,” Dubois said.

She said she hopes to keep it a dynamic group, with new members joining as the older ones leave.

NTSO will have elections April 18 and will discuss political events including voter education.