Adapting the Institution to Meet the Needs of Commuter Students

Abstract

The overwhelming 83 percent of college students nationwide who do not live in institution-owned housing are generally termed "commuters." National studies have shown that commuter students are fess satisfied with the collegiate experience and fess likely to persist to graduation. Substantial institutional change is required to address this situation effectively. This article discusses how institutions of higher education can assess themselves from the perspective of the student-as-commuter and provides recommendations for the enhancement of environments, programs, and services.