Commuter Culture
If you've been to a CAB or Provoc meeting down in the basement of the Hagan Campus Center lately, you might have noticed something rather unusual. More than ever before, it seems, the commuter lounge between the Student Activities Room and the Student Publications Office is constantly filled with students playing pool or ping-pong, watching television, or just hanging out. While this activity could mean that some students simply find the library too quiet or Charlie's too loud, it is also an indication of how commuter life at Assumption has become more evident in recent years.
Because Assumption is known primarily as a residential college, with the unmistakable appeal of the Living/Learning Center and the North/South/West halls in particular, commuter comprise only about 10 percent of Assumption's entire student population. While the reasons for commuting may vary among each student-whether it be the financial aspect, a dislike of rooming with strangers, or simple proximity to the college-the administration is working diligently to make an otherwise minority group feel like a regular part of the Assumption community. And it seems to be working.
"It's such a great thing [to see so many more students in the lounge]," said Assistant Director of Student Activities and Commuter Life Advisor Karen Manson. "The most important thing [the administration can do] is to get every commuter to really feel like they're a part of the Assumption community."
Manson already provides several ways for commuters to feel involved.
"We send out a commuter newsletter every month with all of the events that are coming up, and we purposely send it to each of their P.O. boxes here at school so they'll have a reason to come into the campus center, which is the hub of the community," Manson said. "We also post information about upcoming events everywhere on campus, including the classrooms, not just in the dorms. There's also the commuter website [www.assumption.edu/commuterlife] that students can use for reference [to events on campus]. "
2008 Woodie Awards