Lougin’ around

Commuter students and resident students often live in two different worlds. At Fairfield University, steps are being taken to bridge this gap.

The opening of the new Barone Campus Center presented many opportunities for commuter students to become more involved in campus life.

“The location of the commuter lounge in the old building made many commuters feel secluded,” said Matt Dinnan, associate dean of students. “With the new building, we wanted a more centralized location which would make it easier for students to get involved.”

The new setup places the commuter lounge on the first floor of the campus center, along with all the university’s clubs and organizations.

“It’s in the hub of activity, so commuters can interact with other students and become involved with the different clubs,” said Dinnan.

The commuter lounge is furnished with two couches, a table, a television, a refrigerator, water cooler, microwave and lockers. “We have seen a good response toward the lockers,” said Dinnan. “So far, 24 students have come to get locks.”

The lockers are free for the semester, and students can come to room 212 in the Barone Campus Center to pick up a lock.

Many commuters appreciate the new area. “I spend a lot of time in the lounge,” said Lisa Basso, ’03. “It’s a great place for commuters to hang out.”

“I come here to relax,” said Dave Grazynski, ’04. “I really like the new setup.”

There are three classes of students at the university: on-campus residents, commuters and off-campus residents. To be considered a commuter, a student must reside at home and within the local geographical area. Students living at the beach are considered off-campus residents.

According to the Academic Vice President’s Office, there are currently 2,593 on-campus residents and 759 off-campus and commuter students combined attending Fairfield.

While commuter students can come to the lounge to finish homework and hang out with friends between classes, they are also encouraged to join clubs and organizations where they can meet other students.

“Freshman year, I didn’t feel like part of the ‘Fairfield community,'” said Marissa MacDonald, ’02, “but then I became more involved in clubs, and now I know more people. No one thinks I commute.”

Commuters looking to get involved can start by joining the Commuter Club. MacDonald was vice president of the commuter club the first semester of her junior year, and is a member of the Asian Students Association and Project Excel. She encourages her fellow commuters to make the effort to meet people and join organizations.

“You have so many different options,” said MacDonald. “The lounge shouldn’t be your life.”

There are many reasons why students choose to commute. They range from health and family issues, to money, having a job or not liking dorm life.

“I chose to commute because of personal reasons,” said Jackie Tyszka, ’03. “I really don’t mind it though, because I have a lot of friends here. I try to spend as much time as I can on campus.”