OWLs is the student organization for Older, Wiser Learners at MTSU providing support and advocacy for services for all students at MTSU, regardless of age, who have primary responsibilities outside of the University -- jobs, families, etc.
Who Are OWLs?
OWLs are MTSU students who are adult learners or nontraditional students -- Older, Wiser Learners. Our organization is composed of over 200 students who, regardless of age, have primary life responsibilities outside their studies at the University.
Some of us hold down a full-time job and take classes during the evenings towards a degree.
Others take a full academic load, but rush home after class to tend children, spouses, elderly parents, or other dependents.
We work hard to juggle our classes, part-time work, and family responsibilities.
Some members work while continuing their studies as graduate students to obtain an advanced degree to further their 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. We communicate via email and Facebook and we encourage members to get together for certain big events each year.
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.
Need More Info About OWLs?
OWLs is the official MTSU student organization for nontraditional students. If you would like more information about OWLs, please email owls@mtsu.edu. Membership forms are available online at this link.