Commuter & Non-Traditional Student Programs

Student Organizations

These student organizations exist to represent commuter and non-traditional students  including veteran students . Officers of these groups work closely with CNTSP to meet the needs of their membership.

 

Commuter and Non Traditional Students (CANS)

CANS  is a Representative Board of Student Government, Inc. This board represents  three groups of students  in policy and government here on campus; commuters, nontraditional students and veterans.

 

CANS board includes a rep from each of the related student  groups; the Nontraditional Students Association,( NSA), The UMaine Veterans Association (UMVA) and  traditional commuter students. CANS supports Commuter Week , provides a free commuter pancake breakfast generally every third week  of the month and helps support First Friday Bagels in the Commuter Lounge.

CANS Executive board 2018-19

President : Chris Toothaker                                       Vice president:  Ian Johnson

Secretary;  Cameron Bowie                                        Treasurer: Ryan Pelletier

Commuter Rep; Drew Thibodeau                              Non traditional Student Rep: Becca Pelletier

Veteran Student Rep:

Please contact Chris Toothhaker at Chris.Toothaker@maine.edu if you are interested in joining CANS

CANS  currently meets in the Commuter Lounge / Wade Center  every  Wednesday  at 3PM
Contact the president at  Chris.toothaker@maine.edu for more information

Nontraditional Students Association (NSA)

Students interested in joining NSA should contact  Barbara Smith at BSmith@maine.edu  who advises NSA

The Non-Traditional Students Association (NSA) was founded in the Fall of 2006  by several UMaine non traditional students to provide services and programs specifically for this population of UMaine students. NSA is a recognized Student Government group. NSA’s mission is:

• To assist non-traditional students in adapting to university life.
• To identify specific issues relating to non-traditional students.
• To act as an advocate for non-traditional students.
• To develop programs, services, and information that improves the university experience for non-traditional students.
• To develop understanding between non-traditional students, university staff and faculty, and traditional students.
• To promote networking, mentoring and friendship among non-traditional students.

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Who are Non-traditional Students?

• Students who are assuming responsibilities in addition to studies, such as parent, spouse or partner, family caretaker, or employee
• Students who are back in school after several years of employment, homemaking, or other activity
• Students who are veterans of the armed services

NSA Programs

Family Movie & Pizza

Since fall 2008,  NSA have been able to provide  at least two Saturday or Sunday  Pizza and Movie events  of  each semester. Te movie are always family friendly and the atmosphere is definitely set for children of all ages

Family Tickets to Athletic Events

Generally during the fall semester , Athletics provided a large amount of free tickets to CNTSP & NSA to distribute to Non traditional Students  and their family members . While students are admitted for free with their Maine Card , this program allows non traditional students  to attend with their partner, and/or children at no cost.  Look for notices in the Commuter Lounge or on our Facebook page.

 Non Traditional Student Graduation Breakfast

In collaboration with CNTSP , NSA co – host this annual graduation breakfast for Nontraditional students . Each student in attendance receive a graduation medallion from the Vice President for Student Life

Non-Traditional Students Week

NSA provides input for planning this week of events for Non traditional Students  and generally funds ( through Student Government )  the lunch for the live ‘n’ learn series of lectures organized during this week. Generally this week occurs the first week of November.

NSA Bake Off

This annual fundraiser for NSA takes place during Non Traditional Student Week .  Faculty , staff and students submit their baked goods for the Bake-Off. For a small charge anyone can taste each submission and vote for the favorite .

NSA sponsored awards and recognition

The Non-Traditional Student Association in collaboration with Commuter and Non traditional Student Programs recognizes several non traditional students  with  the  Graduating Non Traditional Student Achievement Award  and the Linda Bradford Non Traditional Student  Camps/Community Service Award. Students are nominated by friends, faculty, or staff in late spring semester.

NSA also recognized faculty or staff who have been supportive to non traditional students in their  teaching , advising and program planning.

Nominations are accepted in April each year and  winners  are chosen by Student Affairs staff.   Certificate of these awards are given out at the Non Traditional Student Graduation Breakfast . This even is traditionally the last Thursday of Classes in the Spring Semester .

To nominate a non traditional student or faculty /staff

UMaine Veterans Association is a group designed to advocate for student veterans, encourage veteran social activities, and assist fellow veteran students here at UMaine. Contact the VETS office for more information