Photo: An unrecognizable commuter lounge welcomes students with colorful furniture, a fresh coat of paint and newly carpeted floors. Credit: Danny Nikander / Hofstra Chronicle
A revamped commuter lounge, providing a more welcoming and convenient environment for students who travel to and from campus was introduced by the Office of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach this semester. The office has additionally outlined a schedule of events throughout the semester for commuters to attend that will make their experience at Hofstra as immersive as that of those who live on campus.
“This renovation is part of a campus-wide effort to introduce furniture into public spaces that currently do not host any, and upgrade existing locations. Some buildings and areas that have been part of this initiative already are Breslin and Berliner Hall. With plans for more as the spring semester continues,” said Dom Lavin, director of Campus Operations.
The lounge, located in the Student Center, was refurnished with a new set of couches, chairs and tables designed to improve the productivity of students, while providing a comfortable feel for recreational use between classes. Furthermore, the lounge holds couches equipped with power outlets and USB accessibility.
This makes for a more convenient environment in one concentrated area for commuter students to get work done throughout the day.
“This project was a collaboration between Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach, Student Government, the Commuter Student Association and Hofstra’s facilities team,” Anita Ellis, director of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach, said. “This space being centrally located is utilized between classes and in the evening by both commuter and residential students. Providing a clean and comfortable space to hang out was important for us and we are so glad students are enjoying the space.”
The Office of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach is hosting a multitude of commuter-oriented events throughout the semester, including laid-back events such as The Commuter Dance Pizza Party, Karaoke Fridays and Commuter Appreciation Day.
Aside from these fun-filled events, the office will also host more informative events like a discussion about bullying, a session on spring break safety tips and a table in the atrium that will promote safe driving.
Madison Wright, a junior public relations major, is a commuter at Hofstra. Wright is heavily involved on campus and has taken on positions in organizations such as WRHU and Alpha Theta Beta sorority. Her status as a commuter is often pressing to the flexibility of her involvement. The renovation of the commuter lounge and efforts of the Office of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach have helped abate the stress of her busy schedule.
“With the new design of the commuter lounge, to me it brings positivity and is more welcoming,” Wright said. “It’s easier to get work done in there, all while socializing with other commuters.”
Commuters also have the chance to join Hofstra’s Commuter Student Association (CSA). The club acts as a liaison between commuter students and the university. They serve as an advocate for services and opportunities for commuter students and are responsible for facilitating many of the commuter events. The club holds weekly meetings during common hour in Brower Hall, room 202.
“We work with all students to best support their experience at Hofstra,” Sofia Pertuz, assistant vice president for Student Affairs, said. “We continually look for opportunities to enhance facilities, resources and offerings based on what our students want and need.”
The grand opening of the new commuter lounge will take place on Feb. 21 at 12:00 p.m.
