What is the NTSA?
The Non-Traditional Student Association (NTSA) is Berea College’s only student organization geared specifically toward non-trads! The NTSA gives students a chance to be involved on campus, provide support to fellow students, and form a lasting community.
What Does the NTSA Do?
The NTSA does a bit of everything! Supporting students’ material needs, providing fun programs for social interaction, and taking part in student government on campus is only some of what you might do as an NTSA officer.
Please see below for pictures of recent NTSA activities and also to read a history of what the NTSA has done in years past.
The “restart” of the Non-Traditional Student Association was initiated in spring of 2010 by Florence Anyabuonwu and Elizabeth Vega. In May of 2010 elections were held: Anaybunonwu was elected President; Vega, vice-president; Melissa Benson, secretary; Sarah Firebaugh, treasurer; and Catherine Beechie, SGA student representative. Over the course of the summer, the officers laid the groundwork for the organization including writing the constitution.
By fall of 2010 the organization sent out a survey to identify the needs of non-traditional students at Berea College. It became clear very quickly that these students needed a central location to congregate, study, cook, do laundry and even nap between classes since many of them resided off campus. With the help of their adviser Virgil Burnside, the officers worked to carve out such a space. Mr. Burnside secured Frost Cottage for the association and the new Non-Traditional Student Center was a reality.
Between 2011 and 2012, the NTSA had an active presence on campus through potlucks, fundraisers and family events. The association has continued to build the foundations of community through advocacy for students at the administrative level, as well as, gathering and providing informational resources to support non-traditional student both on and off campus.
To provide support for non-traditional students from their transition into academia through their graduation by providing information before and during their time at Berea College.
To create a community for non-traditional students to socialize and network with and to foster an atmosphere of encouragement and assistance for one another during their time at Berea College.
To have a voice to advocate non-traditional students’ concerns to the administration, faculty, and other staff of Berea College.
To provide a comfortable place on campus with resources that will meet the daily needs of non-traditional students.
To engage non-traditional students with their peers through relevant social activities designed for this unique part of the student body.
What are the NTSA Officer roles?
President (Matthew Woodward, 2021): One of the most active non-traditional faces on the campus. Presides over all NTSA meetings, listens to and accepts requests from students, faculty, and administrators encourages a wide variety of students to participate, speaks with Non Traditional students on a regular basis.
Vice President (Elizabeth Harris, 2021): Works hand in hand with the president, encourages student participation and assures NTSA compliance with college policies and procedures.
Secretary (Fig Vance, 2021): Keeps minutes at NTSA meetings, conducts correspondences (flyers/emails/polls/Facebook) as may be needed.
Treasurer (Ilona Perler-Tomboly, 2021): Organizes and maintains financial transactions and ledger entries, executes and directs all financial policies, programs, and reimbursements for the NTSA.
Community Organizer (Vacant): Represents the initiatives and events to the Non Traditional students on behalf of the NTSA. Helps with advertising and recruitment for participation, as well as polling for student interests and needs.
SGA Representative/Senator-at-Large (Vacant): Represents the majority opinion of the NTSA and serve as a liaison between SGA and NTSA, keeps student government informed of the actions and policies of the NTSA.