The Office of Student Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement started a contest this semester called the Most Involved Commuter Contest, which recognizes the most involved commuter each month.
The student who attends the most events during the month wins a $50 gas gift card.
“The reason we’re stressing involvement so much is because we know that students who are more involved, engaged and connected to the campus community are more successful in their academics and stay longer and have higher rates of success after graduation,” said Stefani Kasven, graduate assistant of commuter student involvement.
Kasven said the gas gift card is a great incentive that has practical use since all commuters need to put gas in their cars.
“We want to support the fact that they’re coming here and help them get here. Gas is expensive so we’re recognizing the fact that they’re making that commitment by offering something to them,” said Kasven.
Crystal Andrews, first-year graduate student in the accounting program, thinks the contest is a positive way to get students involved and that the gas gift card is a great incentive.
“Gas prices are going up almost every single day, so any money that can be put toward gas is great, and, given that we’re commuter students, it makes sense,” she said.
The contest’s first winner was Vincent Comito, freshman biology major, and Kasven said he was not only the most involved in the incoming class, but the most involved undergraduate.
Students thought Comito was a resident because he was on campus so often he said.
“I don’t live that far from campus, so it’s easy to stay here. I just stayed all day and went to all the events because I had nothing else to do. I wanted to meet new people because it’s my first year on campus. I thought it’d be fun,” said Comito.
Comito said he was happy to receive the gift card since gas money helps, but the prize was a secondary thing. He planned on going to the events regardless.
“It’s good to be involved. You need to have a balance between your social life and your school work. All I’d be doing is going to campus and going home. That’s not what you should do. You should enjoy college,” said Comito.
Kasven hopes the competition for the prize will help students become involved since there are so many opportunities for them on campus.
“There are so many wonderful events and activities going on around campus, and we just want to see as many commuter students involved as possible. We really want students to find something that meets their needs. So the more we can encourage involvement, the more success we’ll have with getting them out there,” she said.
Marilyn Johnson, senior communication studies major, wishes she could see more involvement with commuters on campus.
“I think this contest will encourage students because you have to have a little incentive. Then, once they come and see what’s going on, they may just come on their own because it’s fun,” she said.
The Most Involved Commuter Contest is open to any undergraduate commuter student who swipes his or her shark card or signs in at an event. The winner will be announced on the Office of Student Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement’s website and each winner will be called.
October’s winner will be announced before November 15.
