Q. What is ULM's definition of "commuter"?

Students who live off-campus and not in residence halls are defined as commuter students at ULM. Approximately 89%* of our students walk, drive, bicycle, take the shuttle bus, or use some other form of transportation to get back and forth on campus.


Q. What are some special needs commuter students may have?

• They find it challenging to return to campus after their regular class schedule.
• They may not feel connected to the campus, and may find it difficult to stay abreast of campus-wide events and deadlines.
• They prefer programs to be held in places that are already familiar to them, and promoted through mediums that they use, such as e-mail and web pages.
• They prefer programs, services, and class schedules to be advertised at least one full week in advance to allow them time to adjust their schedules.


Q. What does the term "non-traditional" mean?**

Non-traditional students (non-trads), sometimes referred to as "adult learners", are an extremely diverse group. Non-Traditional Students make up approximately 27%* of the undergraduate student population at ULM and meet any ONE of the following criteria:

• Age 25 years or older
• Married
• Has children who receive more than half of their support from the student
• Has legal dependents, other than child or spouse, that live with and receive more than half of their support from the student
• Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces



Q. What should I know about 'non-trad" students at ULM?

• They are part of a extremely diverse group.
• They almost always live off-campus, so they have the same concerns as commuter students, as outlined above.
• They juggle home, parenting, career, and school responsibilities and find managing their time a serious challenge.
• They often come from a community college atmosphere, where they receive plenty of individual attention.
• They may feel as though they do not "fit in" at ULM at first, and may find university life intimidating.
• They tend to be highly focused on their studies and priorities, and often expect professors to give feedback on their assignments in a timely manner.
• They add an exciting and diverse dimension to the classroom with their life experiences and mature perspective.


Q. As a faculty/staff member, what ways can I help?

• Familiarize yourself with all of the services and programs ULM has to offer these populations. You can begin by touring this web site!
• Refer students to the Student Center (SC 257) for assistance.
• Invite CNT staff to your faculty and staff meetings. We will be happy to give you a brief presentation with valuable information for you colleagues.
• Consider taking an informal poll on the first day of classes to see how many of your students live off-campus and how many may have special needs.
• Take into consideration the needs of commuters and non-trads when scheduling class assignments and office hours.
• Encourage your off-campus students to attend events that will benefit them, and get them involved.
• Nominate one of your students for Non-Traditional Student of the Month.


Q. How can I encourage commuters and non-trads to get involved and have a great ULM experience?

• Provide commuters and non-trads with plenty of opportunities to work in groups with traditional resident students in your classes. Encourage them to share their experiences and get to know a diverse group of people in and out of the classroom.
• Encourage them to join a club, organization, fraternity or sorority, play intramural sports, volunteer or develop leadership skills.
• Tell commuter and non-trads to seek work on-campus, either through work assistance or work study. On-campus employment enriches a student's education, provides valuable work experience, and helps students get connected quicker.
• Persuade students to come back to campus for events in the evenings and on weekends. Most university events are free or low-cost to students.
• Encourage commuter and non-trad students to read The Hawkeye, ULM's student newspaper and view the AxisTV boards to see campus happenings.
• Remind them they can purchase a commuter meal plan, and should eat on campus often. This is a great way to interact with other students, faculty, and staff.
• Refer students who may be experiencing transition difficulties to our office, the Office of Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Affairs, located in the Student Center (SC 257), and we will schedule a one-on-one appointment to discuss any issues or concerns they may have.

* source: ULM Office of University Budget and Analysis; 14th day Class Day Information and Housing Assignments - Fall 2006 ** source: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), 2006-2007