With the cold weather approaching, commuters can once again thank the Office of Commuter Student Services for arranging for Stony Brook University closings due to inclement weather’ to be announced at 6:00 a.m., rather than 8:00 a.m.’ This change in SBU’s policy now prevents commuters from making an unnecessary, and sometimes treacherous trip to the university on days that classes have been cancelled.’
“Roughly 50 percent of all undergraduates are commuter students,” said Jim Driscoll, president of the Commuter Student Association.’ “That means about 7,000 students technically belong [to the CSA] and can have a voice on the concerns of commuters regarding issues in the student government.”
The CSA is an organization run by commuters, for commuters.’ It not only carries the responsibility of representing the undergraduate commuter population in Stony Brook’s student government but is also involved in planning and implementing recreational and cultural activities for both commuters and residents.’ All undergraduate commuters are automatically members of the legislative body of the organization and can participate in their bimonthly meetings.
Driscoll cited the advocacy of the CSA as the primary catalyst for the increase in the amount of parking on campus.’ With a consistent increase in the number of commuter students, the need for available parking on campus has grown as well.
“Our efforts, in great part, resulted in the creation of the stadium parking lot, and another mini, paid parking lot,” Driscoll said. Currently, the CSA is negotiating with the Long Island Railroad to obtain discounted railroad rates for Stony Brook students.’ The outcome is expected to be announced within the next few weeks.
With the support and advisement of the Office of Commuter Student Services, the CSA tries to “dispel the myth that commuters don’t want to be involved,” said Susanne Sullivan, the coordinator of CSS.’ Sullivan said that commuters often have more difficutly dealing with time management than do resident students.’ Many commuters have families and homes they need to care for, with 53 percent of them working up to 20 hours per week and 46 percent working more than that, in addition to the responsibilities of their education.’ Often, the commute itself is a major issue.
Sullivan works with a staff of graduate assistants and student volunteers to reach out to commuter students in academic and support areas, and provide job opportunities, parking and transportation information, campus safety issues, and off-campus housing.’ The CSS also sponsors a mentoring program that pairs new commuter students with seasoned commuters who can offer advice based on their own experiences.
Also, a priority of the CSS is reminding faculty and staff to keep commuters in mind when making decisions.’ They are encouraged to “think about all the folks on the road,” Sullivan said.
With one of the largest budgets of any organization funded by the Undergraduate Student Government, the CSA also plans and promotes recreational and cultural activities to help commuters get involved on campus.’ “The CSA provides a social outlet [for commuters] to have the college experience even though they live off campus,” said Vicky Eaton, secretary of the CSA.’
Annual activities, such as Spring Fest and Mood Indigo, which features 1920s-style “Harlem Night’ theme gambling, are among a few of their’ events.’ A Halloween party is planned for Nov. 1 in the Union Ballroom, with prizes for the best costumes.
CSA welcomes all commuter students to attend their general body meetings, held on Wednesdays at the University Caf
