The commuters attending West Chester University make up more than half of the population on campus. Even though these students spend half or less of their time on campus, they still require assistance in navigating student life.
The Off Campus Commuter Association (OCCA) assists commuting students in attaining their degree with services, programs and events. The board members of the OCCA investigate issues and hold meetings every Wednesday at noon so commuting students can make suggestions to common issues they face.
One issue that aroused many commuting students is parking.
The parking issue affects many commuters, and the OCCA explores subjects that hinder their success. Lateness to class, towed cars and outstanding fines all contribute to possible digression in completing college.
“This year was the worst ever; the student population grew, but parking spots did not,” said Renee Donald, the vice president of the OCCA. The organization suggested to the parking committee building a garage behind Sykes Student Union Center, this is one of many ideas that are in consideration. In addition to parking issues, commuters also face issues off campus that can trickle into their student life.
In most cases, the working mom, non -traditional, financially astute, or veteran student attends class then leaves campus to continue their life outside of school. The ranges of students commuting to campus vary, yet each unique commuter may come across obstacles that can deter their ultimate goal: receiving their degree. The OCCA provides commuters with the services they need for off campus issues. One of the services includes a free consultation with a lawyer for legal advice. This fifteen minute consultation provides recommendations for various legal issues such as leases, citations, domestic issues and landlord/ tenant disputes. Students are urged to seek legal advice before actual complications occur. If legal action is needed students are referred to the Lawyer Referral Service of the Chester County Bar Association.
Another service provided through the student affairs division is child care for children three and up. The child care program is funded through university subsidy and a grant from student services. A developmental education program is provided for children three to six for parents who are students or employed at the university. Connections with the appropriate resources can make a difference in the student life of a commuter. The OCCA organizes events and networking opportunities to keep commuters engaged in campus life.
“The OCCA works to improve relationships with people and help commuters really experience the college life,” Donald said.
Representatives from different organizations on campus come to the OCCA meetings to introduce their organization to busy commuters who may be interested. The OCCA also arranges workshops for resume building and leadership skills. Opportunities for leadership are offered through holding various positions within the OCCA organization. Both the vice president and president are commuters and hold prominent positions within the organization. Among the board of directors are positions such as the service director and program director. These leadership opportunities are experience for work, which most college students need along with their degree. The OCCA informs commuters the importance of resume building and connecting job experience with intended degree.
Every semester the OCCA attends the Association of College Union International conference. Any student can attend the conference. There is no fee involved. Students attend the conference in order to gain insights on how to make an organization better, and how to make oneself a better leader, and how to improve resume building.
The OCCA tries to offer the same opportunities to commuting students, so that they too can take full advantage of their college education.
Dominique Perry is a fifth-year student majoring in professional studies wtih minors in journalism and studio art. She can be reached at DP633925@wcupa.edu.