expanding the bubble

By Molly Leaverton

After complaints that outreach programs for commuter students were ineffective, the Office of Student Life has increased its efforts to accommodate non-residential students into the larger Santa Clara community through special events and increased services.

With over 53 percent of the undergraduate student body living off campus, the university hopes to play a larger role in the integration of commuter students with the rest of the residential student body.

While there is no official definition of what a commuter student is, and no way to differentiate them from students who simply move off campus, generally they live at home and have to drive or take the bus to get to campus, according to Presidential Fellow Mike Harvey.

"There has always been recognition of the fact that there are commuter students on the Santa Clara University campus. The office of student life decided that it would like to make more of a direct outreach to them," said Harvey.

Still, some commuters feel disconnected from life on campus.

Sophomore Nicole Gambino moved into Dunne Residence Hall this fall after commuting to classes her freshman year. As a commuter student, Gambino found it hard to get involved on campus.

"Last year when I commuted I felt that I was given little encouragement to be apart of student life outside of class," she said.

This year, The Office of Student Life organized two early morning meetings that included free coffee and biscotti and served as an opportunity for commuter students to come together. About twenty students took advantage of this opportunity.

Other events that have been held for commuter students include speed dating and a scavenger hunt that aimed to orient them to commuter "hot spots" on campus.

"We wanted to bring them together and allow them to meet each other," said Harvey.

There is also a special event catered to commuter students during welcome weekend where they are formally welcomed to the school and advised on ways to stay active on campus.

Welcome weekend staff members recognize the importance of encouraging commuter students to get involved on campus right away, said Harvey.

"For incoming commuter students, I would advise them to definitely get your self involved right away. Drag yourself here. Don't be a stranger," said sophomore commuter Emanuele Maccalli.

There are facilities on campus available for commuter students that are often not utilized simply because commuter students are not aware of them. In an effort to make these services more widely known the "good morning commuters club" was formed.

"We want to let commuters know that we are here for them, that we have services for them and that we have events for them," said Harvey.

Locker services and study spaces for commuter students are available in both Shapell lounge and Casa Italiana Residence Hall.

"The school should continue to encourage more participation from commuter students other than just going to school and going back home. As a commuter student it is easy to never get involved," said Gambino.

A Web site was also created by the Office of Student Life that includes information about parking, alternative transportation, the mailing list for commuter student updates and upcoming events.

Recently, Associated Students also created a "chatboard" on scu.dogears.net designed for commuter students to talk with one another about carpools and "staying connected."

Freshman commuter Jai Master found that the small class structure and opportunities to interact with other students also help commuter students meet residential students.

According to Maccalli, it is also important for residential students to help "force commuter students to hang around by inviting them to parties or just to hang out."

Contact Molly Leaverton at (408) 554-4546 or mleaverton@scu.edu.