Making connections at UMW

Orientation 2014
A student who does not
live in the residence
hall at UMW. A
commuter can live with
family or off-campus,
either alone or with
other students.
Getting connected to faculty dedicating
time to seeing faculty outside of the
classroom or seeking academic assistance
Getting connected to campus feeling
like they are a part of the greater
community
Balancing classwork, travel, jobs, outside
responsibilities, social life
Transportation parking, reliable
transport, travel during inclement
weather

Students who are connected both socially
and academically are more likely to persist
and eventually graduate (Tinto, 1987)
Connection and interaction with university
peers positively affects critical thinking
skills, cultural awareness, leadership
development, and academic development.
(Astin, 1993)


The most challenging part of making
academic connections is taking the
time to visit professors during office
hours.
Utilize academic services early in the
semester.
Attend UMW functions where faculty
are likely to be present. (Lectures,
receptions, etc.)
Take advantage of study groups,
sessions or any additional support that
may be offered.
Seek ways to interact with people outside of
class
Meal plan
Student organizations
Club Carnival during Welcome Week August 27, 2014
Study groups
Spend time on campus
Its very tempting for commuter students to block
their classes together to minimize time on campus. To
make connections, they need to spend time here.
LINK lounges, library, Seacobeck dining hall, Eagles Nest
Attend social events

Office of Residence Life and Commuter
Students Services staff is available to work
with students who are having trouble with
the work/life/school balance. (Marye House)
Counseling and Psychological Services can
meet one-on-one with students who need
support with time management. (Lee Hall)
Commuter Student Association connecting
with other commuters who are in a similar
situation will also help the student find
solutions through conversation and
brainstorming.
Whether walking, biking or driving,
commuters need to factor in travel time
Parking can be a challenge. Extra time is
recommended so that students arent late to
class.
Parking tickets can get expensive make sure to
follow the parking rules!
If youre relying on your car, make sure not
to skip those oil changes and routine
maintenance.
Keep your cell phone charged.

Lockers located in the mailroom at the
Woodard Campus Center.
Special commuter meal plan available
for purchase so that commuters can
save money while eating on campus.
Commuter Student Services an office
dedicated to commuter student issues.
Meg Gruen CSS Graduate Assistant &
Chris Porter Director of Residence Life
and Commuter Student Services

Students need to assess road conditions where
they are and err on the side of safety.
It is incumbent upon the student to make contact
with the professor to let them know why they missed
class.
Inclement weather announcements are available
through local media outlets, the UMW webpage,
and by calling 540-654-2424.
Commuter students are eligible for on-campus
shelter if they do not feel safe driving home
from campus in a storm. Contact Residence Life
and Commuter Student Services at 540-654-1058
for shelter information.

Please contact me:

Chris Porter
Director of Residence Life and
Commuter Student Services
Marye House
540-654-1058
cjporter@umw.edu

Thanks for coming to the session!