Commuter + Adult Student Services

    At Ohio University, approximately 125-150 freshmen students each year commute to the Athens campus. A commuter student’s permanent residence is in Athens or one of the other surrounding counties. When a student chooses to commute, the issues he/she is faced with are not always the same as a "traditional" student. For this reason, Ohio University and University College created Commuter and Adult Student Services (CASS) as a way to recognize commuter student’s needs, serve as a resource for commuter students, and enhance the quality of education for commuter students at Ohio University.
    Many students who live at home often have more responsibilities than traditional residential students, which often makes the transition to college more difficult. Recognizing these challenges, CASS offers a wide range of programs tailored to meet the specific needs of commuter students. First, every student is provided the opportunity to request a peer mentor. The commuter mentors are similar to a Resident Assistant and are available to answer the commuter’s questions, offer study tips, or recommend any additional resources on campus that may also be helpful to the student. "We strive to do all we can so that students can overcome the commuter gap," said Martha Broom-Barxias, a senior "non-traditional student" and CASS mentor. "We provide them with the information and support that they need in order to feel on top of things here so that their experience at OU is a positive one."
    Another program offered by CASS is free tutoring. Students registered with CASS are eligible for four hours of tutoring per week, which is available through the Academic Advancement Center. Also, every spring quarter CASS hosts a commuter appreciation week; and each quarter, CASS also sponsors a free lunch in the Baker Center Corner Room for all commuter and adult students.
    The Commuter newsletter CAT-Chat is sent to commuter students twice a quarter. The newsletter features articles on campus activities, student organizations, study tips, as well as other issues important to commuters, such as what to do if their car breaks down.
    "This is a great way to be a resource for freshmen commuters who have any problems or questions when they really don’t have anyone else to ask," said Krystal Tullius, a sophomore commuter student and current CASS mentor. Tullius took advantage of CASS her freshmen year. "They gave me many opportunities that helped me to have a better chance of succeeding. It also gave me a chance to get to know other people on campus."
    For a copy of the Commuter & Adult Student Services brochure for faculty, or to receive copies of CAT-Chat, contact University College at 593-1935, or for more information visit www.ohio.edu/univcollege/support/cass.cfm.

- Natalie Smith