The Commuter Experience

Authors: Erin Arroyo, Yanine Hess

SUNY Campus: Purchase College

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: UU 111

Presentation #: 69

Timeslot: Session B 10:15-11:15 AM

Abstract: The link between school belonging and engagement at a collegiate level continues to be an important component in our understanding of the experience of non-traditional students. Early research on the commuter student experience within university settings suggests that commuter students may experience lower levels of belonging and engagement. However, this work has been largely qualitative, utilizing focus groups, or is limited to specific colleges. This current study expands on previous work by examining the differences in belonging and engagement between residential and commuter students across different colleges in the US. We hypothesized that commuter students will report lower belonging and engagement scores compared to those residing on-campus. College-student participants were recruited both through Prolific and a NY college. Participants completed a validated Student Engagement Scale and Sense of Belonging Scale. Participants were also prompted to indicate their participation in on-campus school sponsored events, clubs or activities. The results will shed light on the broader relationship between commuter status and college belonging.