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STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS: OWLS
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OWLs
is the Organization for Older, Wiser Learners at MTSU providing
support and advocacy for services for all students at MTSU, regardless
of age, who have primary responsibilites outside of the University
-- jobs, families, etc.
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Who Are OWLs?
OWLs are MTSU students who are considered adult learners --
Older, Wiser Learners. This is an organization composed
of students, regardless of age, who have primary life responsibilities
outside their studies at the University.
- We
may hold down a full-time job and take classes during the
evenings towards a degree.
- We
may take a full academic load, but rush home after class to
tend children, spouses, elderly parents, or other dependents.
- We
may be hard working jugglers -- balancing classes, part-time
work, and family responsibilities.
- We
may be working and continuing our studies as graduate students
to obtain a graduate degree to further our careers.
- We
are on campus mainly to meet classes and to do research in
the library, but we spend much more time involved in our lives
outside the University.
What
Holds This Diverse Group of People Together?
We all struggle to fulfill the obligations of our "real lives"
along with our studies. OWLs bands us together, making
us stronger and better able to meet the challenges which we share
with other adult students.
So
Why Should I Join OWLS?
Membership in OWLs is a way to meet other students who
share your concerns and interests as an adult learner at MTSU.
- It
is a support system for students who might
otherwise feel alone on campus. Members genuinely care about
each other--whether it is to share feelings of anxiety regarding
tests, of frustrations regarding child care, or of elation
to celebrate successes.
- It
is an advocacy group that is working to increase
the services provided to the adult learners at MTSU such as
child care, more scholarship funds available to adult students,
evening hours for services and offices, and more classes in
the evening and weekends.
- It
is a social organization, sponsoring activities
such as theatre and movie outings, receptions, and other get
togethers for OWLs members to enhance their campus experience.
- It
is a service organization that has developed
a mentor program to match an adult learner who is new at MTSU
with a fellow student who has been here a year or two. This
mentor helps the new student cope with the first year studies
at MTSU.
- It
is an organization where you can contribute whatever amount
of time and energy you may have to help yourself better enjoy
your experiences at MTSU and to help others too.
- It
is a fun group of people who share your interest in securing
an education to better your life, your career, and your future.
Together, we laugh through the hard times and rejoice with
each other when we have completed our goals to graduation!
You are invited to join us. An online membership
form is available for your convenience.
OWLs
Awards
At the end of each spring semester during our annual picnic, the
OWLs present awards to people who are exemplary in their support
and example for all OWLs members. This year we ask you to submit
nominations for the various categories
to Off-Campus Student Services by April
6, 2009.
The Best OWL Professor Award goes to someone
who has demonstrated interest in and concern for adult learners
that goes beyond the norm. All nominees receive a certificate
of nomination and a letter is sent to their department chairs.
The winner also receives an OWL trophy as a permanent reminder
of the award.
Other awards go to those who are supportive of adult learners
in other ways such as The Best OWL Spouse, The
Best OWL Son or Daughter, The Best OWL Family, and The Best OWL
Friend.
A final group of awards are for adult learners themselves who
demonstrate extraordinary abilities to live their lives while
doing college work.
The
Best Juggling OWL Award goes to the student who is juggling the
most - job, family, school, community activities, etc, - and still
able to keep a minimum 2.7 GPA!
The
Best OWL Volunteer Award goes to the person who serves
others in the community or at MTSU while still maintaining a job,
family, and college presence.
Be sure to submit your nominations for
these awards by the April
6, 2009 deadline! The
nomination form is available online.
Please contact Off-Campus Student Services for details.
Need
More Info About OWLs?
OWLs is an official MTSU student organization, sponsored by Off-Campus Student Services. Membership forms are also available in our office. If you would like more information on OWLs, please call our office at 615-898-5989.
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