Discusses ways that experiential and service learning can contribute to a sense of community for both resident and commuter college students. Considers the theory and practice of experiential education and ways in which experiential learning can involve commuter students with other students, faculty, and the community. (DB)

College and university students who live in campus residence halls are found to have a significant educational advantage over those who commute to campus, either from their parents' homes or from apartments or other off-campus housing. Residence hall dwellers are better off financially, educationally, and in other ways to begin with. Then, largely…

A study was conducted at Pennsylvania State University to determine the degree of involvement in college life of commuter students aged 25 or older. A sample was drawn from a list of 1,449 students identified by the university as being 25 or older. From these names, 502 were selected as commuters (living more than five miles from campus) and…

Examines marginality issues facing transfer commuter students attending a mid-Atlantic university and what student characteristics relate to their sense of marginality. Results showed that transfer students have few sources of on-campus support, which may lead to their feelings of marginality. Results were particularly true for woman and Asian…

The intent of the study was to investigate recent developments pertaining to the position of dean of students to determine what impact, if any, the recent tumultuous history and dramatic growth of higher education has had. The research was carried out in three large, urban, state-supported universities: California State University, Long Beach;…

At Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus in New York City, the large population of nontraditional students, primarily adults, is being encouraged to participate in the career planning process through existing programs, new scheduling, and new programing in four areas: freshman orientation; student activities; the career center; and academic…

Indiana University Purdue University Columbus reorganized its teacher education program to socialize students to the teaching profession and increase collegiality. Communication between faculty, students, and cooperating elementary schools has increased; America Reads program has facilitated partnerships with local schools and increased exposure…

Youngstown State University is a predominantly commuter campus. A six-page questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 2,000 students in the fall 1976 focusing on attitudes and opinions concerning commuting and associated problems, activities, and student services. Specific areas surveyed include demographic data; general university programs,…

A survey of 1,200 students at York University (Ontario) found students' place of residence affected student involvement and first-year grades. After controlling for standardized test scores and department, freshman grades of off-campus students were higher than those of on-campus students. Despite off-campus residence and low involvement in some…

The needs of off-campus black and female students at McNeese State University, Louisiana, were surveyed. The sample of 25 students was randomly selected from more than 200 off-campus black students. Seventy percent of the sample wanted to live on campus but had limited funds. Only 5 percent felt that they had a full part in college activities, and…

In addition to providing demographic information and data on sex, age and college majors, 500 freshmen who attended DeKalb Community College orientation classes during fall 1977 were asked to rank various student subcultures according to preference. The subculture list followed the Clark-Trow model that defines four subgroups among college…

The purpose of this report is to compare the freshman experience of commuter and residents students at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) who were studied as part of the Maryland Longitudinal Study. Residents, dependent commuters, and independent commuters in the Representative Sample (434 students representing all ethnic groups at…

Problems experienced by nonresident students at Auburn University and areas in which they are receiving fewer opportunities for personal development, compared with residential students, were studied. Responses to a survey were obtained from 624 nonresident students and 223 resident students. Statistical data and a descriptive summary of the survey…

Relatively little attention has been given to the importance of student earnings in the total financing of postsecondary education. The present study deals with this important question. It attempts to answer these questions: (1) How much are students earning in the aggregate? How much of these earnings are increasing resources to finance…

A North Carolina State University study compared college freshmen who lived in campus residence halls, off-campus with their parents, and off-campus but not with their parents. Changes during the freshman year were compared on the following areas: educational goals, career plans and goals, political views, opinions on college-related issues,…