Programs and services sponsored by the Office of Commuter Student Services are designed with one simple idea in mind: meet the needs of commuter students at UMES.  The Office of Commuter Student Services (OCSS) understands that commuter students need to be kept abreast of important information on campus, connect with other students, and find some accommodation for commuter students. OCSS believes that the college experience extends far beyond the learning that goes on in the classroom.  There are issues to  discuss, information to gain, people to meet, and fun to have.   Hence, OCSS facilitates a number of programs and services. While some programs may be more specific to the needs of commuter students, all students are welcome to join us at any of our functions. 

Here are some of our programs and services...

"Good Morning Commuters!"- On the second and last Tuesday of each month, the OCSS will offer free coffee, tea, juice, and doughnuts in the Commuter's lounge from 8:00am until 10:00am for commuter students.  The program is targeted toward commuter students who arrive early on campus, and may also be used as an incentive for students who do not ordinarily come to campus early.  Extensive information tables are stocked with information about services, opportunities and activities from around campus and the community and made available to commuter students at this time.  Through the display of a breadth of information from around campus and the community, students are able to have a "one stop shopping" experience while they grab a bite to eat on the way to class, meet other students (both residential and commuter), and connect with other university and community representatives.  The ability to secure a closer parking space due to the early hour of the program also meets important commuter needs.

Academic Overdrive-  Is a voluntary academic monitoring program for commuter students.  The Academic Overdrive program is designed to encourage students to focus on their academics throughout the semester, not simply at midterms and at the end of the semester.  Monitoring grades, hosting study halls, referring students to tutors, and providing a rewards system for academic achievements are all components of the Academic Overdrive Program.

Newsletters-The Office of Commuter Student Services publishes two newsletters. They are the Road Hawk and the Commuter Update.

Listserv Commuter-As a tool to keep commuters abreast of commuter issues, important dates, and activities on and around campus. The LISTSERV is an electronic mailing list which includes both commuters and residential students. It is a convenient way to reach hundreds of students at once. When a message is posted to the list by one person, the serfvice makes copies for ALL the people who have subscribed to the list. To subscribe to the list, contact the list manager at rrthomas@mail.umes.edu. 

Social-Certainly the most popular of commuter programming, the socials go beyond the fun that is generally had by all who attend these functions. We in the Office of Commuter Student Services believe that all commuters should feel a part of the UMES community. When you just come to class and then go home, feeling a part of this "community" of more than 3,200 people, is no easy task.  By sponsoring socials, OCSS is providing a setting for commuters to meet each other, and thus developing their niche within the University community.  We also hope that, in the process, commuter students will become more familiar with the Office of Commuter Student Services and our

Forums-Because there are many issues that are unique to commuter students, OCSS works with students to provide a setting and the appropriate individuals to address these concerns.  Last year, there were forums on off-campus safety/security and the demands of being a parent while being a student.   The latter of the two forums resulted in the Young Mothers Support Group which began   (Fall '98). If there is something you'd like to see addressed, please contact the Office of  Commuter Student Services at 410-651-8007.

Fundraisers-Because money doesn't grow on trees, the Commuter Student Association and OCSS are always working to raise money to sponsor our socials, activities, and other "stuff" we think would make life for commuters better at UMES. Your support is greatly appreciated. 

Campus Events/Involvement-To demonstrate that commuter students are a part of the campus, OCSS sponsors programs which encourage commuter students to participate in campus-wide events.  Some of these events include Spring Fest, Career Fairs, the First Look Fair, and Homecoming.

Advocacy-Despite that commuter students comprise approximately 50% of the UMES student body, traditionally, commuters have not had a collective voice.  Through the Commuter Students Association and the Office of Commuter Student Services, commuter students now have a formal body through which concerns and accolades can be expressed to the appropriate people at the University. Students are strongly encouraged to be a contributing part of the Commuter Student Association which meets Tuesdays at 11:30am. 

Any questions, comments, or suggestions for our page? Please e-mail them to rrthomas@mail.umes.edu, or call us at 410-651-8007.

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