Marshall University Student Affairs

Welcome Commuter Students!

Welcome to Marshall! Our staff is committed to helping and assisting commuter students identify available resources and provide services which foster successful college experiences for the Marshall University commuter student. Through campus and residence hall activities, we strive to enhance commuter students' experiences and success and contribute directly and indirectly to the enhancement of the educational experience of all undergraduate commuter students at Marshall!

Of Marshall's 9,314 undergraduate students, commuter students make up about 77 percent of the undergraduate student body. We understand that being a commuter student can present many challenges. Not only do you need to deal with the daily commute, but often you need to balance home, social, and academic responsibilities. We seek to assist our commuters in becoming active participants in campus life so that your experience at Marshall is truly satisfying and enriching. We accomplish this by providing a number of services and programs to help you, as a commuter student, participate in campus activities and feel more connected to Marshall's campus.

Commuter Student Events

Commuter Student Welcome Reception
August 21, 2009, 3:30pm, Student Center Lobby

First Year Students & Commuter Ice Cream Social/Welcome
August 21, 2009, 8:00pm, Twin Towers East Dining Hall

Commuter Weekend/Sleepover at Marshall
August 28-29, 2009, Check in at Twin Towers East at 4:00pm

Tips for MU's Commuter Students

Get a job on campus.
Get to campus early to beat traffic and get a good parking spot!
Hang out at the Student Center, Recreation Center, or residence halls.
Talk to other students and faculty--MU is a wonderful place to meet people.
Make friends in the residence halls--you never know when you might need a place to stay on campus!
Go to the Recreation Center and workout or exercise.
Join an intramural team.
Utilize the study areas on campus such as the library, Student Center, and residence halls.
Don't eat lunch in your car--come to the dining halls or Student Center.
Stay on campus after classes--there's a lot going on here at night!

Important Dates to Remember

Friday, August 21, 2009: Commuter Student Welcome/Ice Cream Social, 8:00pm.
Monday, August 24, 2009: First day of classes at MU. Check the Academic Calendar for dates of holidays and more.
Friday, August 28, 2009: Last day to make course schedule changes.
Friday, August 28 - 29, 2009: Commuter Student Weekend!
Monday, September 7, 2009: Labor Day Holiday. University will be closed.
Saturday, November 21, 2009: Some Residence Halls close at 1:00pm. Students may apply for break housing in Twin Towers. (First Year Residence Halls remain open.)
Thursday and Friday, November 26 - 27, 2009: Some Residence halls closed for Thanksgiving break. Students may apply for break housing in Twin Towers. (First Year Residence Halls remain open.)
Wednesday, December 2 - 8, 2009: Dead Week.
Thursday, December 10, 2009: Finals begin.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009: Residence Halls close at noon.

How to Become More Connected to MU

Being a college student isn't easy, but it's even harder when you commute to college. As a commuter student, you may find it difficult to keep abreast of important information on campus. Connect with other students and find accommodations on campus in between classes. You can become more connected to Marshall through:

Getting involved in student organizations. Just because you commute to school doesn't mean that you can't be involved in organizations and clubs on campus. Getting involved in students organizations is a great way to meet new people and form friendships with your classmates.

Participating in intramurals. Become connected to your school and stay fit at the same time by participating in intramurals on your campus instead of driving back home as soon as classes are over.

Forming/Joining study groups. In order to become connected to your classmates, form study groups with them. Ask some of your peers if they would like to meet at the library or at a local coffee shop and review class notes before a test.

Working on campus. Working on campus would give you more of an opportunity to meet people and start a campus network. By spending that extra time on campus, you would also be more aware of campus activities that you could be involved in.

Spending time in the residence halls. Spending time in the residence halls will allow you to become acquainted with your classmates who live on campus. Residence halls have computer labs, study rooms, lobbies, and social and educational programs on a variety of different topics that will appeal to any Marshall student. Commuter students are welcome in all of Marshall's residence halls so stop by and ask for the RD of the building who can provide you with more information on living on campus and the wonderful benefits offered by residential living. For specific information regarding guest visits to the residence halls, please call 1-800-438-5391 or (304) 696-6765.

By getting involved on campus and making the effort to meet new people, you will be more connected to your school and make commuting to college much more interesting!

Common Commuter Student FAQs

Who is a "commuter" student? A "commuter student" is defined as a student who does not live in university-owned property and has to commute to campus each day for classes. Students NOT considered commuters are those who live in the residence halls, fraternities, and sororities.

Where do commuters usually live? At MU, we typically have two kinds of commuters: those who live just off campus and those who live at home. Those students living just off campus are students who usually rent houses or apartments during the months of August through May. "At home" students are students who live with their families or live off-campus year-round.

Where do I get my ID card? You can get your ID card at the Campus ID office located in the lower level of the Memorial Student Center. Your ID is needed for nearly every transaction on campus including checking out books at the library, obtaining tickets for athletic events, entry to the Campus Recreation Center, printing in computer labs, etc.

Where can I find my class schedule? If you have any questions about scheduling classes contact the Registrar's office in Old Main at (304) 696-6410. You can also find your schedule on your MyMU account located on the homepage of Marshall University's website.

How is a commuter student different from a residential student? Commuter students face many unique challenges while attending college. Commuters have to wait around campus in between classes and work instead of returning home. Commuters may have very limited time on campus during the day because of driving time, scheduled, and work. Sometimes, if a commuter does not have class or work, he or she may not even come to campus. Commuters may have family and work responsibilities in addition to classes.

Where can I park on campus as a commuter student? Temporary permits are sold in the Parking Enforcement Office located in the Office of Public Safety on the corner of 18th Street and 5th Avenue. The permits are sold for $2.00 per day, $10.00 per week or $40.00 per month. Semester and academic year permits may also be purchased. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm. Parking regulations are enforced throughout the entire calendar year and are not directly associated with the class schedule. Parking citations are issued Monday through Thursday from 7:00am - 7:00pm, Friday from 7:00am - 4:00pm. All other violations are enforced 24/7 by the Marshall University Police Department.

Where do I find out what books I need and where can I buy them? The Marshall University Bookstore is located in the Memorial Student Center. All class books are available there. You should take a copy of your class schedule with you. There are tags under each book indicating the course and professor for which the book is required. You can also ask one of the friendly bookstore staff members for assistance. Another option for finding your books is to buy them from other students on campus. Students sell their books by posting signs in the residence halls and in the Student Center.

Where and what is the commuter lounge? We are still in the process of finding a beneficial location for the Commuter Student Lounge on the MU campus. Once a space has been identified and converted into a lounge for our commuter students, you will be the first to know!

Where can I eat on campus? There are many options for dining for commuters on campus. In the Student Center you will find a variety of options, including Sweet Sensations where you can find Starbuck's coffee. Marshall also offers commuter meal plans for the Harless and Twin Towers dining halls. These can be purchased in the Campus ID office in the lower level of the Memorial Student Center. If you wish, you may also pay cash in the Harless and Twin Towers dining halls.

Does "Welcome Weekend 2009" pertain to me? Yes! There are many activities in which you will want to participate. Please join us for all of the weekend activities posted at www.marshall.edu/welcomeweekend.

I need to use a computer. Where do I go? Several computer labs are available on campus, including labs in nearly every classroom building, the Drinko Library, the residence halls and the Student Center.

I need to get my email address. Where do I go? A free campus email account is available to all students. To get your email account and instructions on how to use the email system, to Computing Services in the Drinko Library on the first floor. Bring an ID.

I'm not feeling well. What do I do? Marshall University Student Health, located at Cabell-Huntington Hospital on Hal Greer Boulevard, is available for your acute medical needs. For more details, please visit www.marshall.edu/studentaffairs/studenthealth.htm or call (304) 691-1100 for additional information or to make an appointment. Appointments are not required but are encouraged.

What do I do if my vehicle breaks down or if I'm stranded on campus because of bad weather. Try to make arrangements with a friend or two in the residence halls, fraternity, sorority or nearby home so that you can stay with him or her in an emergency.

If your car breaks down while on your way home, pull to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and raise the hood so others will know you have broken down. If your cell phone does not have service, try to avoid walking to another phone. If another driver stops to help you, ask him or her to contact the police or call for assistance. Lock yourself in the car and do not get out of your car for anyone other than the police or a service truck. Also, be familiar with emergency roadside assistance programs offered by your insurance company or auto manufacturer.

What are some things I should keep in my vehicle? You should keep jumper cables, a bucket of sand (in case you get stuck), a shovel (for the snow you get stuck in), an ice scraper, de-icer, a box of tools, a flashlight, flares, blankets, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, some non-perishable food items, spare eating utensils, and a change of clothes (in case you get stuck on campus).

What recreational services are available on campus? A variety of recreational facilities are available on campus. From residence hall activities to campus programs to the Marshall Recreation Center. Call (304) 696-4REC for the Recreation Services front desk, or stop by for more information.

The weather outside looks frightful...how do I know if classes have been canceled? You can check the MU website, local radio and TV, or sign up to receive emergency text message alerts from the University. You can sign up for these message alerts on myMU and clicking on the red MU Alert symbol and following the instructions.

Where can I find out about campus policies for students? The Marshall University Student Handbook covers all student policies. The Handbook is available online at www.marshall.edu/studentaffairs/studenthandbook2009-10.pdf.

How can I meet people on campus? A great way to make friends is to be "adopted" by a wing or floor on campus. The residents of your adopted floor will invite you to exciting activities and programs. Contact the Director of Residence Life at (304) 696-6765 if you are interested in this program. You can also get involved in intramurals, join student organizations, attend campus and residence hall programs, study on campus, and hang out at the Student Center.

What about getting involved in student organizations? For a list of all recognized student organizations (as well as information on how to start your own organization), go to the Student Activities office in the Student Center, Room 2W31.

Other Helpful Information...

Looking for on-campus or off-campus jobs? Visit Career Services, 1681 5th Avenue, (304) 696-2370.

Not sure you're in the right major? Visit University College, Laidley Hall, (304) 696-3169

Have questions about financial aid and student loans? Visit the Financial Aid Office, Old Main 116, (304) 696-3162 or 1-800-438-5390.

Have questions about your student bill? Office of the Bursar, Old Main 101, (304) 696-6620 or 1-800-438-5389.

Have questions about your student schedule? Office of the Registrar, Old Main 106A, (304) 696-6410.