If you are a commuter, you may be aware of an event that happens periodically throughout

the semester here at The University of Akron called Good morning/afternoon commuters. This

event is catered toward commuter students here at the University and represents its appreciation

towards them. Calling this an event is something of a hyperbole, because this attempt at

If you are a commuter, you may be aware of an event that happens periodically throughout

the semester here at The University of Akron called Good morning/afternoon commuters. This

event is catered toward commuter students here at the University and represents its appreciation

towards them. Calling this an event is something of a hyperbole, because this attempt at

of our students are, in fact, commuters. These good afternoon commuter events feature tables set

up at different places on campus offering cookies and coffee to commuter students. These tables

also offer information to commuter students upon request. The question I’m asking: is this really

I mean, come on, let’s think about this: when I think of appreciation, I think of more than a

cookie and coffee set-up somewhere sporadically on campus. Seriously, saying this pseudo-event

is to show our appreciation for commuter students is pretty pathetic. This whole idea is more of a

constantly moving commuter services help desk that happens to give you a free cookie, rather than

legitimate appreciation. Real commuter appreciation should be a lot more than that.

Since commuters make up the backbone of The University of Akron, there should be at least

one event that is truly an expression of appreciation for these students; an event that mirrors student

appreciation day, but focused on commuter students and services and information offered to them

would be far better. Student Appreciation Day is great and all, but it only gives you information

about on-campus amenities and programs. As a commuter, it is essentially useless. A commuter

appreciation event should be about addressing commuters specifically and directly, not indirectly

From personal experience, I have commuted for the past three years to the University. As a

commuter student, it can sometimes be difficult and downright confusing when it comes to getting

involved on campus. Why? Because there never seems to be any good information specifically

catered to commuter students. We always hear that information is available, but the people rarely

seek out what is not already in front of them. One large event that puts all information into one

collective presentation while also showing appreciation would reach more commuters than a few

education goals, and we must do everything in our power to encourage these individuals to become

more active. What kind of university are we if our backbone does not form the structure of our