Commuter students make up an overwhelming majority of the college student population. At the same time, the amount of research on commuter students is minuscule compared to that of residential students. The characteristics of the commuter student subgroup that is referenced in this chapter can be described as living independent of guardians or…

In describing standards and guidelines for commuter student programs and services, an analysis is provided of the mission, the program, multicultural programs and services, leadership and management, organization and administration, human resources, funding, facilities, legal responsibilities, equal opportunity, access and affirmative action,…

The Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) has put forth uniform national criteria for assessing educational effectiveness through the publication of "Standards and Guidelines for Student Services/Development Programs." This document is described briefly, and guidelines for interpretation are offered. (KS)

Student affairs professionals at smaller institutions are encouraged to research their commuter students' characteristics and needs and to create or enhance services and programs to improve the college experience for commuters based on their findings. (KS)

Discusses the special needs of commuter students and provides suggestions for improving student services and programs for them. Suggestions are incorporated into an improvement model based on four general categories: services, programs, advocacy, and research. (RC)

Recognizing the need to extend a variety of academic and student support services to its adult and commuting students, East Tennessee State University initiated a Center for Adult Programs and Services. The center, a collaborative effort of the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, offers a broad array of programs and services to…