Creating a community for commuter students can be challenging but is essential for their academic success and personal growth.
Creating a community for commuter students can be challenging but is essential for their academic success and personal growth.
Commuter students often miss out on the traditional campus experience, but fostering a sense of belonging is still possible. To bridge the gap:
- Organize events at various times, including mornings and evenings, to accommodate different schedules.
- Create online groups or forums where students can connect and share information asynchronously.
- Encourage participation in local volunteer opportunities to build connections off-campus.
What strategies have you found effective in engaging commuter students?
In my personal situation, we exist in a military environment. We developed a center on campus that is dedicated to military students with specific technology and advisers to help them navigate the university environment. We hold events on campus specifically for them and invite them to other events. One thing important mention, is our specific day for these students. We invite families, and their friends at work, and celebrate their accomplishments. We have a strong online portfolio and have developed online sites where these students have specific resources dedicated to them. We make them feel at home!
In my experience connecting with off-campus students can be challenging but it is possible to create a sense of community and belonging. The key to building a sense of community is to make commuters feel welcome, valued and connected to the campus. This can be done by creating support network where they can carry out study sessions, social events, share tips, advice and experiences with each other.
To foster a sense of community for commuter students, use these strategies to ensure they feel included and engaged. Organize flexible, inclusive events Host activities at different times, such as mornings and evenings, to accommodate various commuting schedules and increase participation. Create online spaces for connection Set up digital platforms like forums or chat groups where commuter students can connect, share resources, and engage outside of traditional class hours. Promote local volunteer opportunities Encourage students to participate in nearby community service projects, helping them build connections both on and off campus.
As a lecturer, I've seen commuter students miss out on the full campus experience, but fostering connection is still possible. To bridge the gap: ?Organize events at flexible times to fit different schedules. ?Create online groups for asynchronous communication. ?Encourage local study groups for students to connect closer to home. ?Offer hybrid learning with recorded lectures and virtual office hours. ?Provide on-campus spaces for study or relaxation when they are on site.
To create a sense of community and belonging for commuter students, offer flexible, on-campus engagement opportunities like evening events, virtual meetups, and commuter lounges. Create commuter-specific clubs or mentorship programs, and ensure they feel represented in student life. Provide resources such as parking or transit discounts, and actively seek their feedback. Building connections through tailored support helps foster their integration into campus life, even with limited time on campus.