Community for Commuters 2014

8/12/2019 Community for Commuters 2014

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Making connections at UMW

Orientation 2014


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A student who does not

live in the residence

hall at UMW. A

commuter can live with

family or off-campus,

either alone or with

other students.


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Getting connected to faculty dedicatingtime to seeing faculty outside of theclassroom or seeking academic assistance

Getting connected to campus feelinglike they are a part of the greatercommunity

Balancing classwork, travel, jobs, outside

responsibilities, social lifeTransportation parking, reliable

transport, travel during inclementweather


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Students who are connected both socially

and academically are more likely to persist

and eventually graduate (Tinto, 1987)

Connection and interaction with universitypeers positively affects critical thinking

skills, cultural awareness, leadership

development, and academic development.

(Astin, 1993)


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The most challenging part of makingacademic connections is taking thetimeto visit professors during officehours.

Utilize academic services early in thesemester.

Attend UMW functions where facultyare likely to be present. (Lectures,receptions, etc.)

Take advantage of study groups,sessions or any additional support thatmay be offered.


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Seek ways to interact with people outside of

class

Meal plan

Student organizations

Club Carnival during Welcome Week August 27, 2014

Study groups

Spend time on campus

Its very tempting for commuter students to block

their classes together to minimize time on campus. Tomake connections, they need to spend time here.

LINK lounges, library, Seacobeck dining hall, Eagles Nest

Attend social events


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Office of Residence Life and CommuterStudents Services staff is available to workwith students who are having trouble withthe work/life/school balance. (Marye House)

Counseling and Psychological Services canmeet one-on-one with students who needsupport with time management. (Lee Hall)

Commuter Student Association connecting

with other commuters who are in a similarsituation will also help the student findsolutions through conversation andbrainstorming.


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Whether walking, biking or driving,

commuters need to factor in travel time

Parking can be a challenge. Extra time is

recommended so that students arent late to

class.

Parking tickets can get expensive make sure to

follow the parking rules!

If youre relying on your car, make sure not

to skip those oil changes and routine

maintenance.

Keep your cell phone charged.


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Lockers located in the mailroom at the

Woodard Campus Center.

Special commuter meal plan available

for purchase so that commuters cansave money while eating on campus.

Commuter Student Services an office

dedicated to commuter student issues.

Meg Gruen CSS Graduate Assistant &Chris Porter Director of Residence Life

and Commuter Student Services


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Students need to assess road conditions wherethey are and err on the side of safety.

It is incumbent upon the student to make contactwith the professor to let them know why they missed

class. Inclement weather announcements are available

through 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 homefrom campus in a storm. Contact Residence Lifeand Commuter Student Services at 540-654-1058for shelter information.


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Please contact me:

Chris Porter

Director of Residence Life andCommuter Student Services

Marye House

540-654-1058

[email protected]

Thanks for coming to the session!

Community for Commuters 2014

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