community for commuters 2016
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COMMUNITY FOR
COMMUTERSMaking connections at UMW
Orientation Summer 2016
WHAT IS A COMMUTER? Commuter = Off Campus
Student Any student who does not
live in the residence hall at UMW.
Diverse! Who they live with, how they commute, and how far.
47% of student body
Advantages of being a commuter student
Cost Free laundry, home cooked meals Fewer rules and less structure Pets Quieter environment to study and
work, ability to “get away from it all” Best of both worlds – part of the
University community while living at home/your own place
What challenges do commuters normally face? Balancing classwork, travel, jobs,
outside responsibilities, social life Getting connected to faculty –
dedicating time to see faculty outside of the classroom or seeking academic assistance
Getting connected to campus – feeling like they are a part of the greater community
Connections – why are they important?
Students who are connected both socially and academically are more likely to persist and eventually graduate (Tinto, 1987)
Connection and interaction with university peers positively affects critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, leadership development, and academic development. (Astin, 1993)
Getting connected academically
The most challenging part of making academic connections is taking the time to visit professors during office hours.
Utilize academic services early in the semester.
Attend UMW functions where faculty are likely to be present. (Lectures, receptions, etc.)
Getting connected socially
Spend time on campus Commuter Lounge, Link Lounge University Center, HCC, Library,
Athletic Center, Dining Hall, the Nest, the Underground, Blackstone, Academic Buildings, Residence Halls, Outside
Seek ways to interact with people outside of class Attend social events!
Email, EagleVision, MyUMW, Flyers, social media Dining hall and retail dining locations
Consider a meal plan - special commuter meal plan available for purchase; save money while eating on campus!
Study groups You ARE allowed in the Residence Halls
Student organizations Club Carnival during Welcome Week – Wed 8/31, 5-7pm Ball
Circle 150+ Clubs!!! Commuter Student Association (CSA)
Getting connected with the CSA 2016-2017 CSA Leaders
President—Laura Gilchrist, [email protected] Vice President—Natalie Griffitts,
[email protected] CSA Events
Weekly Coffee Hours in the Commuter Lounge Monthly Social Events
Commuter Breakfast/Lunch Pizza and Game Nights Canal Walk & Carl’s Volleyball at the Sand Court
Have an event you’d like to see? Itching to help plan? Let us know!
Getting connected with our Office
Commuter Student Services – an office dedicated to commuter student concerns (Marye House) Chris Porter – Director of Residence Life and Commuter
Student Services Jessica DeMers – Graduate Assistant for Commuter
Student Services Free Commuter Lockers in the Mail Room Monthly Off-Campus Student Newsletter
Feature a Commuter! Join the Facebook Group
UMW Commuter Student Services #MyUMWCommute Photo Contest!
Follow us on Twitter @UMWCommuters
Check out our website students.umw.edu/commuters
Transportation If you are driving a car to campus you must
purchase a parking pass Do not park in the surrounding neighborhoods; you
will likely get ticketed! If you’re relying on your car, make sure not to
skip those oil changes and routine maintenance. Whether walking, biking or driving, commuters
need to factor in travel timeParking can be a challenge. Always try to
budget an extra 15 minutes into your commute in case you have to park in a different lot than normal.
Parking tickets can get expensive – make sure to follow the parking rules!
Inclement Weather Students need to assess road conditions where they
are and err on the side of safety. It is incumbent upon the student to make contact with
the professor to let them know why they missed class. Inclement weather announcements are available
through social media, local media outlets, the UMW webpage, and by calling 540-654-2424.
Commuter students are eligible for on-campus shelter if they do not feel safe driving home from campus in a storm. Contact Residence Life and Commuter Student Services at 540-654-1058 during regular business hours 540-654-1025 or campus police after hours for shelter information. For emergencies always call the campus police hotline at 540-654-4444.
QUESTIONS?Please contact us:
Jessica DeMersGraduate Assistant, Commuter Student Services
Marye House540-654-1916
Chris PorterDirector of Residence Life and Commuter Student Services
Marye House540-654-1058
Thanks for coming to the session!