What exactly makes a student a commuter?

Drury University’s Commuter Student Association (CSA) defines commuters as “students that live off-campus which use various types of transportation to and from the university.” There is a plethora of reasons a student might wish to commute. Some have families, others may have work responsibilities elsewhere, but perhaps the most popular reason students commute is to save money.

According to Chip Parker, Assistant Dean of Students, around 40 percent of Drury’s student population are likely commuters. Though this number fluctuates, he concedes that these students “make up a large portion of the university.” And while this community remains such a large part of the student population, Drury is naturally concerned with student retention. When asked if he sees much student turnout at CSA events, he responded with a candid and emphatic “No.”

This underwhelming commuter involvement is worrisome to people like Parker, who have noticed that Drury “tend[s] to retain more residential students than commuters.”

It is a common scenario that is playing out on other university campuses as well. Commuter students are more likely to leave before graduation, be less open to diversity and challenge and be less involved in campus activities according to the Drury University article “Benefits of Living On Campus.”

Keeping students who commute involved and in class

Parker argues that a sense of community is what is missing among commuters. “What is something on campus that could be free that we can draw students to and doing that as a group?” he questions.

(Photo via pixabay.com)

The biggest issue with that question is that most commuters “don’t want to do things by themselves,” and they, of course, commute. This is a large part of why the CSA has opted out of events that take place in the evening and working more within the hours when students are most likely to be on campus already.

Parker says that commuter events take place at least once a month. These events range from ones like Coffee on the Lane, to luncheons, to movie days with snacks, to cookie decorating, to pancake breakfasts. They also try to have a “finals break” for these students (which usually involves food). CSA has also done bowling and Sky Zone events.

Parker also says the group tries to pair incoming commuter students with residential students during orientation, in the hopes that they may connect and “hang out” with each other during class breaks. He worries that the large population of commuters doesn’t feel the sense of community that he wants them to feel.

“Our biggest challenge,” Parker mentions, “is trying to truly figure out what a commuter student wants. What do we do for them? What do they like? How can we make them feel more at home here?” The organization has funds for events specifically for this student population, but it’s difficult to know what this almost silent group of students want to do.

The only way for CSA to cater to these students is to hear from them. There are several events lined up and in the works. On Thursday, Feb. 13, CSA is hosting a Valentine’s Day Party from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. at the FSC Down Under with free coffee and bagels provided. There will also be a St. Patrick’s Day Party on Thursday, March 12 (location TBD), and on Wednesday, April 8 Coffee on the Lane.

These events are for commuter students to gather, reach out, let loose and hang out. And they are great moments to let CSA President Eric McIntyre and Chip Parker know of any ideas you may have for fun future events.

Written by Cheyenne Heavener.