By GRACE GUNTER
April 19, 2006

Why did it take me so long to learn commuters could have mailboxes on campus? Why do I sometimes find out about an event only after it has already occurred?

Somewhere the lines of communication have been cut . . . or at least crossed. While commuters are not completely “out of the loop,” we seem to have to search a little harder for information on some student activities and events on campus.

Sure, flyers are always put up all over the Commons, but commuters rarely go there, unless there’s a cultural credit to be had. Personally, I would rather eat at home than have to pay to eat the cafeteria food.

“But what about the bulletin boards in Stowe Hall with flyers all over them?” you might ask. Well, to tell you the truth, I’m always rushing to get to class, so I don‘t have the time to stop and read all the flyers. When I do take the time to read the bulletin boards after class, they don’t always have updated information.

And what about the commuters who don’t have any classes in Stowe Hall? To that question I usually get the response, “Event information is also posted in Holy Grounds.” Again, I have no specific reason to go to Holy Grounds unless there’s a cultural credit event inside. There’s no reason I need to eat there either when I can save five dollars by eating at home. I’m sure there are other commuters who agree. Although I know there are commuters who go to Holy Grounds and the Commons on a regular basis; however, I’m not one of them.

If residents are like me and don’t go to either one of these locations very often, they still receive event information in their mailboxes and have flyers taped on their suite door and dorm bulletin board. Residents even have a special channel for Abbey events and information. Meanwhile, commuters generally don’t have access to these sources of information.

I don’t want to complain too much because I know the college puts forth the effort to get information out to its students. And most of the time I do get the information . . . it just sometimes comes a little too late.

So, how can the college better communicate with its students -- commuters, especially -- in the years to come? I think the first thing to do is publicize the fact that commuters can have a mailbox on campus. (And, encourage commuters to take advantage of this privilege.) I have also noticed that sometimes the only way I will hear about an event is through e-mail. Publicizing events in additional ways would definitely increase the chances of all students attending, not just commuters.

Although I will never be able to be on campus every night, attending every event, there are some things I have missed because I didn’t know about them ahead of time. Improving communication with commuters will not only benefit them, but enrich the life of the campus as a whole.