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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (Oct. 16, 1978)
Photo by Doug Williams Peer counselor Barbara Tooley Peer counseling program helps over-thirty students By SALLY HODGKIN SON For the Emerald The fastest growing segment of the college population is students over thirty years old, according to Joanne Ferraro Lawson, coor dinator for a University peer coun seling program designated to help such “non-traditional” students. Fifteen percent of University students were over 25 years of age at the end of fall term 1977, according to Lawson. Lawson’s concern for non traditional students is not un founded. A “lifelong learner,” she graduated summer term 1978 with one of her five children. There are more women over 30 enrolling in the University than men of that age, says Lawson. “I think in the last few years the number of women has increased because women have been set ‘Non-traditionals’ don’t encounter same problems ting their sights higher, jobs are harder to get without an educa tion, and there are a lot of divor cees having to get educated so they can get a job,” Lawson says. Non-traditional students have problems that average students rareiy have, Lawson says. “They have to keep two or pos sibly three lives going at the same time — worker, parent, and stu dent,” Lawson says. ‘‘They spread themselves pretty thin.” “They don’t need the same ad vice that you give to students just out of high school,” she says. “They have different problems and different needs.” “Another problem is you feel that you do not fit,” Lawson con tinues. “Everyone looks like your children, you may be older than your professor, and you just feel like you’re in a place where you don’t belong.” “They need a place to come where someone can address their problems and make them feel a part of the University,” she says. Lawson says she sees a lot of students who are considering en rollment in the University but have not yet made the transition. “The program is new here, but we’re thinking of doing some out reach at a later date after we re more comfortable with what is going on here now,” she says. Counseling for lifelong learners is available by appointment or by dropping in at the Student Ser vices office in Oregon Hall, Room 164. Hegistration drive starts on campus The ASUO, which has worked all year to register voters for the November election, has planned a large drive this week on campus. Jeff Warren, ASUO vice presi dent for state and federal affairs, hopes to add significantly to the over 2,500 voters registered by the ASUO so far this year with an all out effort today and Tuesday. “So far, our effort has consisted of tables in the dormitories and in front of the bookstore, which we’ve done three or four times a week,” says Warren. These tables have been staffed by paid workers, according to Warren, but this week’s drive will be made up strictly of volunteers. “Anyone interested in working on the drive should come into the ASUO office, Suite 4, and sign up,” says Warren. “Right now we only have about eight people signed up, but ilt would be nice to have about 20.” Warren plans to concentrate his efforts in the west campus area between Mill and Kincaid Streets, with volunteers working primarily between 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. both nights. Warren has been pleased with the response to the drive from fraternities and sororities, and plans to supply every Greek house with registration forms. An award will be given to the house with the most voters registered by Election Day. GRADUATING COLLEGE STUDENTS ... WHAT'S AN NSACAREER? Take the PQTand find out. Graduates from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines may now enter challenging career training programs with the National Security Agency. If you are receiving a liberal arts, business, or mathematics degree before September 1979, the Professional Qualification Test (PQT) could be your first step toward employment in one of these programs. You must register by November 4. 1978 in order to take the PQT on campus. It will not be given again during this school year. By scoring well on this test, you will qualify for an employment interview. During the interview, an NSA representative will discuss the specific role you might play in furthering this country's communications security or in producing vital foreign intelligence information. The PQT helps to measure your potential for career areas such as: PROGRAMMING — Our vast communications analysis projects could not be effectively managed without the latest computer hardware/software and people who know how to use them. LANGUAGES — Foreign languages are valuable tools for research, analysis, and documentation projects. Advanced training in language (perhaps a new language) can be expected. COMMUNICATIONS — Scientifically devised, tested, and managed cryptographic systems insure the maximum degree of security in transmitting sensitive information around the globe. Since cryptography is a unique pursuit, the training of new employees here is extensive and esoteric. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES — A limited number of applicants will also be selected from the PQT to enter our Information Science, Logistics, Resource Management, Security, and Personnel fields. PICK UP A PQT BULLETIN at your college placement office. It contains a registration form which you must mail prior to November 4 in order to take the test on November 18. There is no registration fee. Electronic Engineering, Computer Science. Slavic. Mid-Eastern and Asian language majors and Mathematics majors at the Masters level may interview without taking the PQT. U.S. Citizenship is mandatory. A thorough background investigation and medical examination are also required. NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY Attn: M321 Fort George G. Meade. Maryland 207 >5 An Equal Opportunity Employer in f.
