1. The Commuter Experience
Andrew Perrone
Office of Volunteerism, Community Engagement & Commuter Services
Intro self
Orientation is an opportunity to set you up for success at Rowan
Explain creation of new office. Dual responsibilities
Difference between off-campus students and commuters
Ask: How many parents have students residing “off-campus”, or “commuting”?

2. FAQ: Commuters Want to Know
Are there places for commuters to park?
Do offices have evening hours?
Can commuters access the Library database and other resources from off-campus locations?
How do commuters know if classes are cancelled due to inclement weather or otherwise?
How can commuters get involved in campus activities?
Are there programs and events for commuters?
FAQ: Things commuters want to know about
*If commuters are having trouble navigating the university our office can refer them to resources and services that may help them.

3. Getting to Campus...By Car
Apply for permit online at:
search ‘parking’ in the Rowan search bar
Permits available first week of August
Year Pass: $ Semester Pass: $80.00
411 Ellis Street Lot (with Shuttle Service):
Year Pass: $80.00 Semester Pass: $40.00
No Parking from 2am-6am
Parking on Campus
Apply for a Permit
No Parking from 2 to 6am
Leave time to find a space
Carry an emergency car kit

4. Important Parking Info
Shuttle Service operates on the Glassboro campus from 7am to 1am when classes are in session.
Glassboro neighborhood streets are restricted to PERMIT PARKING ONLY.
For Updates/Changes, visit: or

5. Getting to Campus...Public Transportation
Using Public Transportation (Bus/Train/Camden Shuttle)
Schedules available in Student Center and online
Can sometimes be unreliable
Have an alternative method of transportation
Leave early to get to campus on time

6. Commuting to Campus Keep emergency numbers programmed into phone
Rowan Public Safety- Emergency (856)
Local police
Sign up for Rowan Emergency Alert System
Exchange contact info with someone in each class.

7. Making Campus Your Home
Set expectations
Seek out resources
Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Get a mentor
Get involved
Get Involved
Finding a club or organization you're passionate about is one of the quickest ways to meet like-minded peers and feel connected to your school. Whether you live on campus or 30 miles away, it's imperative to find your niche within the community.
Set Expectations
Continuing to live at home with your parents may seem reminiscent of high school, but the household dynamic won't be the same once you're a commuter student.
Not only will you be more worn out after two trips and a day of classes, but you'll likely also have more studying to do in college than you did as a high school student.
Have a family meeting to clarify expectations about chore loads and study habits, as well as curfews and rules that students living on campus might not have.
Seek Out Resources
Get a mentor
Push yourself our of your comfort zone
Though striking up conversations in class or the student union may feel a little uncomfortable, it's important to force yourself, if necessary, to make connec-tions around campus. Otherwise, you'll be trekking to school solely to take courses and may miss out on a large part of your collegiate experience.

8. More than Just Classes Don’t just stay for classes
Attend campus events
Eat in the dining hall
Study with friends in the library
Visit with friends who live on campus
Students who feel more connected

9. Resources Available to Commuters
Academic Advising & Support
Academic Success Center
Academic Transition Programs
Career Advancement
Counseling & Psychological Services
Greek Life
Leadership Rowan
Multicultural Affairs
Recreation Center
Social Justice, Inclusion & Conflict Resolution
Student Activities
Student Health Center
Volunteerism
EVERYTHING.
Campus resources and services available to commuters
*Many offices have late night hours for commuter convenience. Check with the office to find out what day it is.

10. Parents: Another Resource to Support Your Commuter
Encourage involvement
Provide a quiet study environment
Give them space
Encourage involvement
Provide a quiet study environment
College is a lot a work; not just academically but mentally. It's important for students to have a comfortable, quiet place to get their work done or to just relax.
Give them space
Understand your student will have a full load. With classes, work, and activities their life can get pretty full quickly. Their busy schedules may mean that you will see less of them at home while they spend time in study groups at the library, or attending social events on campus. Be sure to check in with them periodically, but also be sure to give them their space to explore and get involved.

11. Getting Involved: Campus Events
Rowan has...
Survey Question: How many times a semester do you attend programs sponsored by Student Activities?, Rowan After Hours?
Response: 43% Never, 69% Never
Rowan Has...
Profstock
Off-campus trips
Spring fest???
Back to the Boro
RAH-Thurs, Fri, Sat 9pm-1am
Fitness classes at Rec center

12. Getting Involved: Clubs and Organizations
Rowan has...
Over 150 clubs and organizations on campus
Career/academic
Social
Service
Cultural
Encourage your student to attend meetings between classes or during free time
Survey Question: What factors prevent you from being more involved at Rowan?
Response: 74% Commute, 57% work, 52% busy studying or homework, 24% family commitments
Rowan Has...
Over 75 clubs and organizations on campus
Career/academic
Social
Service
Cultural
Encourage your student to attend meetings in between classes or during free time

13. Commuter Rowan
Past off-campus/commuter events

14. Commuters at Rowan (CAR) is a student run organization that acts as a voice for commuters by addressing student concerns, planning programs and activities to help integrate commuter students into the Rowan community, and supporting commuter interests and needs.

15. WHAT DO WE DO? Meetings every other week Rowan After Hours Events
SUP Movie Nights
MUNCH BUNCH
Speakers
Community Service

16. Stay Informed Office of Commuter Services @RUCommuters
C.A.R. (Commuters at
Office of Commuter Services facebook.com/RUCommuterServices C.A.R. (Commuters at Rowan) facebook.com/CommutersAtRowan
Join the Commuter Facebook group
Find out about commuter events
Meet other commuters/off-campus students
Commuter issues discussions
rowan.collegiatelink.net/organization/commutersatrowan
rowan.collegiatelink.net/organization/volunteer

17. Questions?