WEST LIBERTY, WV, Sept. 21, 2016 — The commuter lounge is gaining popularity this year as a comfortable place for students to visit for studying, socializing or just hanging-out.

“We plan on having a complimentary commuter brunch at least once a month. We might have information during a presentation from different departments during that hour or just the time as a social time for students,” Campus Activities Coordinator Kate Billings said. “Our main goal is to help commuter students feel as much a part of the university as our students who live on campus.”

The lounge has amenities such a flat screen TV, Hulu, Netflix, food, beverages, free coffee and comfortable seating.

“Hopefully, the commuter lounge sparks an interest for commuting students to get involved with the campus in other ways. West Liberty has about 1,200 to 1,300 students who commute and that’s almost half of the student body, so we value their input,” she added.

Commuters, from left, Sam Harris and Nathaniel Cumberledge, Cameron, W.Va., study in lounge.

“We want them to know that they can get involved with other activities on campus. Whether it is by becoming an intramural referee or being a tutor in the learning development center. We have our Resident Assistants telling our residential students about all our activities, but who is informing the commuters? We want them to grow in other aspects of student life,” Billings said.

“We’re also trying to provide better programming and scheduling them more than just once throughout the day. That way, commuters can have it into their schedules and be able to participate in after-school activities such as clubs, intramural sports, Greek life and so on,” she added.

Cheyann Fherman, WLU commuter assistant and student, explains why she enjoys the commuter lounge.

“It’s relaxing because you can shut off the lights and study. I’ve gone there a few times where I would go watch television shows and relax. I’ve also gone to just hang out with friends as well,” she said.

She also believes that it’s a good place to meet friends and seek help if students are unfamiliar with the campus.

Hopeful items coming to the lounge in the near future include a new printer and coffee machine.

Located on the second floor of the College Union, the commuter lounge is open from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For questions or concerns, please contact Billings at 304.336.8580.

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