1. Commuting Means More Than Take the Drive-Thru: A study of First-Year Commuter Engagement and Satisfaction By James Donnelly

2. Background Today, 85% of college students are commuters. Today, 85% of college students are commuters. Majority of research regards residential students Majority of research regards residential students Commuter programs are adopted without much evidence to support those decisions Commuter programs are adopted without much evidence to support those decisions Assumptions that programs for residential students will work for commuters Assumptions that programs for residential students will work for commuters

3. Key Theories Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Mattering Theory Schlossberg’s Mattering Theory Transition Theory Schlossberg’s Transition Theory

4. Population 1,022 total First-Year Students 1,022 total First-Year Students 104 Commuter & 1,018 Residential 104 Commuter & 1,018 ResidentialSurvey 104 Commuters & 300 Residential students surveyed 104 Commuters & 300 Residential students surveyed

5. Findings Commuters much less socially engaged compared to Residential Students Commuters much less socially engaged compared to Residential Students Commuters are significantly less satisfied with their experience and their engagement level. Commuters are significantly less satisfied with their experience and their engagement level.

6. Findings Commuters spend less time on campus & are generally on campus in the mornings Commuters spend less time on campus & are generally on campus in the mornings Commuters are mainly focused on academic engagement and development Commuters are mainly focused on academic engagement and development

10. Recommendations Increase staffing for commuter services & support Increase staffing for commuter services & support Mentoring & events to help commuters engage Mentoring & events to help commuters engage Consideration of commuters in campus programming Consideration of commuters in campus programming Location on campus for commuters to spend time and develop community Location on campus for commuters to spend time and develop community