Who are commuter students? Commuters make up over 80% of most post-secondary institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia Hard to define any similarities in this enormous, complex, diverse group So hard to define…

Who are commuter students on our campus? Over 75% of our students are commuters This includes Undergraduate and graduate students Young students, returning students, mature students, students who are parents, transfer students People who drive, carpool, take the bus, walk, or cycle

The Commuter Student They are more likely to work than students who live on residence They may experience more challenges related to balancing work, family, and education Their time on campus is limited, and they may experience problems in building relationships with professors and academic advisors and taking advantage of learning support programs Some similar characteristics

The Commuter Student Learning about important campus resources so that you can provide guidance when your student experiences challenges Inviting your student’s new university friends to you home Arranging for a quiet study environment within the home Understanding that commuter students divide study time between both home and campus and that your students must find the balance that is best for them Relaxing family expectations (i.e. daily family dinners) Supporting your student

The Commuter Student Revisiting and renegotiating curfews to accommodate academic and social obligations Students will change over their years at university from hair colour to majors Expecting and accepting that family dynamics may change Applauding their success and understanding their ‘slip- ups’ Supporting your student

Differences Between High School and University Strategies for Success College schedules will be less structured than in high school. Some classes meet every day. Others one, two, or three times a week. Students must learn to establish their own priorities and manage their time to meet the demands of school, work, and personal life.

The volume of work required in university is significantly greater than in high school. Studying 1-2 hours for each hour spent in class and more independent learning are expected. Academic advisors, professors, and student services professionals can help students identify academic support resources on campus to improve study skill or develop better time management or organizational skills Differences Between High School and University Strategies for Success

Classes are often longer and more intense. The minute classes extend to 1-2 hours. While individual class session may be longer, students spend less time in class than they did in high school. Much more student work and learning happens outside the classroom. Students can make use of breaks in their schedules to study, work on assignments, or prepare for the next class meeting. Students should take advantage of the campus library, which offers access to great learning resources. Differences Between High School and University Strategies for Success

Differences Between High School and University Strategies for Success Classes will be larger. Many courses contain more than 100 or more students in a section, especially introductory courses. Attendance may not be taken. Students are expected to learn course material, but they may have limited individual interaction with the professor Forming study groups with students in large course can make the environment feel less intimidating and enhance student learning. Student should schedule appointments to meet faculty or make use of scheduled office hours to ask questions about concepts that are unclear or address other concerns they have about the course

Course expectations are identified in a syllabus. Student are expected to meet all deadlines. Professor may not remind students of deadlines and expect work to be done on time – few expectations are allowed. Students should talk with professors about their responsibilities and ask for suggestions on how to balance them successfully. Seeking out the professor’s advice will suggest that the student wants to succeed. Differences Between High School and University Strategies for Success

So what do we do for commuters? Don’t ask what your commuters will do to fit into the University, ask the University how they’ll change for the commuter!

What do we know about commuters? -Mobility/transportation issues -Multiple life roles -Creating and integrating support systems -Developing a sense of belonging Wilmes and Quade’s Common needs and concerns of commuter students (1986)

Addressing mobility and transportation issues -The U-Pass program -Parking parking spots on campus -About $180 to $325/8 month pass -Car-pooling -50 spots just for car- poolers By vehicle

-Ride up to campus! -Bike and ride -UBCycles program By bicycle – all free options! Addressing mobility and transportation issues

Addressing multiple life roles issues -Day care on campus -Health and Wellness’ counselling services -On-campus employment -Exercise

Addressing support systems issues -Food services -Campus Recreation -Safewalk -Lockers Services after hours, too!

Addressing belonging issues The possibilities are endless!

Create New Student Orientation -The official welcome to UBCO! -Helps your student get to know other new students -Helps build a sense of the campus -Free food and free stuff Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Create New Student Orientation Spark: Extended Orientation Spark discovery Spark connections Spark success Spark is UBC's Okanagan campus' extended orientation week, designed to support students as they transition into our campus community and to welcome back returning students. Spark's five-week program includes events and activities curated into five key themes Wellness Week (Sep 8 – 14) Involvement Week (Sep 15 – 21) Academics Week (Sep ) Diversity & Equity Week (Sep 29- Oct 5)

What is a collegium? -4 spaces on campus in 3 different buildings -Different themes for each -Graduate and Non Traditional Students -Upper Year Students (aka Senior) -First and Second Year Students (aka Junior) -Global (aka a space for all students) Collegia (latin) colligo : to collect, gather together, assemble

The Collegia -Open 7:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday -Events and activities in the space help students break the ice with one another -A great place to hang out after a class to get to know someone better

Questions - Comments - Concerns Contact Information Greg Mather Commuter Student Information: Guidebook (Create & Spark) App: Spark Extended Orientation: students.ok.ubc.ca/spark