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