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.