At the University of Miami, commuter students play a vital role in shaping the campus community. To celebrate and support them, the University hosts Commuter Week every spring.
Running from Feb. 17-20 on the Coral Gables Campus, Canes are invited to a variety of events designed to foster a sense of belonging and introduce commuter students to valuable resources and opportunities.
The overarching goal of Commuter Week is to create an environment where commuter students feel welcomed, supported, and connected on campus. By hosting engaging activities, the Department of Orientation and Commuter Student Involvement (OCSI) and the Association of Commuter Students (ACS) aim to broaden students’ perspectives and encourage involvement beyond the classroom.
“Commuter Week is an opportunity to showcase the importance of commuter students on campus and provide them with spaces to build relationships and find community,” said Caden Schaffner, a first-year ACS student liaison and executive board member studying health sciences. “It’s all about making commuter students feel like they truly belong here.”
One of the biggest challenges undergraduate commuter students face is the physical separation from campus life. Commuter Week directly addresses this challenge by providing opportunities for students to engage with their peers and the wider university community.
“Commuter Week is all about exposure. We want students to feel comfortable putting themselves out there, meeting new people, and taking advantage of the resources available to them,” said Remi Turner, a senior transfer assistant on the Commuter and Transfer Assistant Team majoring in English on the creative track and minoring in advertising.
With commuter students making up a significant portion of the undergraduate student population, the University remains dedicated to fostering a strong commuter community. Commuter Week is just one of the many initiatives that highlight the University’s commitment to ensuring every student feels at home on campus.
Planning these events is no easy task, requiring months of dedication and careful thought. Both ACS and the Commuter and Transfer Assistant Team work tirelessly to curate the perfect week of activities for commuter students.
“This year, we have two members of the Association of Commuter Students and two members of the Commuter and Transfer Assistant Team designing all of the events for this week,” said Stephanie Fleitas, associate director of orientation and commuter student involvement. “I think having that cross-collaboration can only make the events even better, with different perspectives and creative ideas bouncing off each other.”
Beyond Commuter Week, ACS and OCSI continue to support commuter students through various initiatives, including social events, professional networking opportunities, and leadership programs like the Commuter Council.
“The Commuter Council, which started in 2021, is made up of first-year commuter and transfer students,” said Fleitas. “The purpose of the council is to help new students develop leadership skills and gain professional development experience. As a group, they also learn about event planning and get hands-on experience by designing small-scale events for their fellow commuter students.”
Interested students can get involved and learn more about leadership opportunities within ACS and OCSI.
Find Commuter Week events and activities:
Monday, Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m.: Good Morning Commuters
Students can enjoy crepes and connect with fellow commuters in the area between Lakeside Village and the Pavia garage.
Monday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m.: Pickleball Showdown
The Pickleball Showdown at the Mahoney tennis courts invites students to team up for a friendly competition in collaboration with the Pickleball Club. A prize will be awarded to the winning duo.
Tuesday, Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Commuter Country Showcase
This event at the Lakeside Patio offers students the chance to explore different aspects of campus beyond OCSI and ACS while enjoying performances by student dance teams and singers. Two Step Canes, a new student organization on campus, will be teaching the crowd how to line dance.
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.: Commuters of Oz
Commuters of Oz offers students the chance to grab their favorite snacks before heading to the Bill Cosford Cinema for a 7:30 p.m. screening of “Wicked,” presented in collaboration with the Cinematic Arts Commission.
Thursday, Feb. 20, noon–2 p.m.: ACS Open House
Drop by the Donna E. Shalala Student Center, Suite 210C, to grab some snacks, relax, and connect with other students. Whether you're new to campus or a seasoned commuter, this open house is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ACS.
Thursday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.: Commuter Council Event
The Commuter Council will host an event on the Foote Green that will include free food, crafts, and carnival style activities.
