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Commuter Student Programs (Updated 7/23/2008)

Having difficulty making the connection to WVU? We can help you make your transition a little easier. We provide fun activities where you can meet other students, academic progress counseling, referral information, information on campus events and activities, community service opportunities, and a place to relax between classes.

Summer Commuter Community Service Event

We've organized an American Red Cross Blood Drive for commuters, which takes place on Wednesday, July 30 from Noon to 6 PM at the WVU Student Rec Center. Donors who present receive a t-shirt and other freebies. In addition, all presenting donors are automatically entered in a drawing for a $2,400 gas card grand prize and five $100 gas cards for runners-up! For more information, contact Tara Pletcher at tara.pletcher@mail.wvu.edu.

Parking Alert

As of July 15, 2008, the WVU Parking Management Office will begin towing parking violators who have accumulated more than five unpaid parking tickets from University lots. Please do not park in University permit lots before 5:00 PM Monday through Friday, and remember to never park in a University lot with a 24-hour restriction.

Traffic Alert

Traffic in the downtown area continues to be impacted by construction to the Clark Hall Chemistry Annex and chiller plant. North High Street between Nick's Canteen and Willey Street may be intermittently closed to traffic throughout July and early August. Additionally, the city of Morgantown has closed one lane of High Street in order to bury power lines. Fayette and Chestnut streets are also closed to traffic due to the replacement of sewage lines. Roads should reopen by the first day of classes.

Other Parking Information

For information about University, public, and private parking lots in the Downtown and Evansdale campuses, see the Parking Info page.

Where's the Commuter Lounge?

The Commuter Lounge is located in Room 101 of the Purinton House. Inside you will find a microwave and refrigerator, a TV and DVD/VHS player, comfortable couches and chairs, wireless Internet access, lockers to store your stuff in between classes, free local and national newspapers, and other commuters just like you!

Please note that the Commuter Lounge reopens for the fall semester at 8:30 AM on Monday, August 18.

Fall 2008 Commuter Lounge hours:

  • Monday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Tuesday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Wednesday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Thursday: 8:30am - 4:30pm
  • Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm

Contact Information

If you need assistance, contact either Brian Walker, Commuter Student Programs Coordinator, or Tara Pletcher, Commuter Student Programs Graduate Assistant:

Places to Study

If the Commuter Lounge is a bit noisy and you are looking for a more subdued atmosphere where you can relax and study, then the Betty Boyd Lounge at Elizabeth Moore Hall is the place for you. Once inside, you can come in and check out one of the wireless laptops, use the courtesy phone, or just unwind on one of the many couches.

Parking Information

For information about private parking lots in the Downtown and Evansdale campuses, see the Parking Info page.

The Commuter Connection Newsletter


Download the April 2008 (Volume 4, Issue 7) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the February 2008 (Volume 4, Issue 6) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the January 2008 (Volume 4, Issue 5) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the December 2007 (Volume 4, Issue 4) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the November 2007 (Volume 4, Issue 3) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the October 2007 (Volume 4, Issue 2) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the September 2007 (Volume 4, Issue 1) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the April 2007 (Volume 3, Issue 4) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the March 2007 (Volume 3, Issue 3) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the February 2007 (Volume 3, Issue 2) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Download the January 2007 (Volume 3, Issue 1) issue of The Commuter Connection newsletter.

Getting Involved in the Community

Brian and Tara will be looking for volunteers for community service events for the 2008-2009 school year. Last year, we worked with the American Red Cross, Ronald McDonald House, Bartlett House, Special Olympics, and other charitable concerns. For the upcoming year, we are partnering with SGA to assist with these projects. And remember that some courses require community service, and working with Commuter Student Programs can help you fulfill this requirement. Contact either Tara or Brian for more information.

Upcoming Commuter Events

  • Monday, August 18: Pizza Party, Commuter Lounge, Room 101 Purinton House. Brian will provide pizza and soft drinks in the Lounge from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to kick off Welcome Week.
  • Tuesday, August 19: Ice Cream Social, Commuter Lounge, Room 101 Purinton House. WVU Child Development will provide ice cream to commuting students from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
  • Wednesday, August 20: Commuter Open House, Commuter Lounge, Room 101 Purinton House. From 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Brian will provide breakfast items in the lounge for commuters and guests.
  • Monday, August 25: Dinner 'n Bowling. We'll meet for dinner at the Boston Beanery on Patteson Drive at 7:30 PM, followed by bowling at 9:00 PM at Suburban Lanes. You will pay for your own dinner is on you, and Brian will pick up the tab at Suburban Lanes.
  • Monday, September 29: Dinner 'n Bowling. We'll meet for dinner at a restaurant to be announced at 7:30 PM, followed by bowling at 9:00 PM at Suburban Lanes. You will pay for your own dinner is on you, and Brian will pick up the tab at Suburban Lanes.
  • Friday, October 3: Commuter trip to Kennywood for Phantom Fright Night. Contact Tara for more information. Approximate cost is $17, which includes transportation, snacks on the bus, and admission to Kennywood.
  • Friday, October 15: Commuter trip to Rich's Fright Farm. Details will follow in the coming weeks.

Important Dates to Remember

  • Monday, August 18: First day of classes.
  • Friday, August 22: Blue and Gold Day. Remember to wear blue and gold!
  • Friday, August 22: Last day to add a class.
  • Friday, August 22: Last day to drop a class without getting a 'W' on your transcript.
  • Saturday, August 30: Football game: WVU vs. Villanova.
  • Monday, September 1: Labor Day Recess.

Learning Resources at WVU

  • Open during the fall and spring semesters, the Academic Resource Centers are located at Arnold Hall (Sunday-Wednesday, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM), Brooke Tower (Sunday-Thursday, 7:00 PM tp 11:00 PM), and WVUp All Night (Thursday-Saturday, 7:00 PM to Midnight) in the Mountainlair. Assistance is available for a variety of subjects. Remember that commuters are free to participate in the Academic Resource Centers in the residence halls.
  • The Math Learning Center is located in 301 Armstrong Hall. Student may drop in and receive help with homework problems or ask questions concerning returned homework and exams. Appointments are not necessary. Hours are 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM Monday through Thursday and 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Friday. Call 293-7273 for more information.
  • The Chemistry Learning Center is a free tutorial service offered to students taking general chemistry courses. The center is open Mondays through Wednesdays from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is located in 408 and 410 Clark Hall. Call 293-3435 for more information.
  • The WVU Writing Center assists students in becoming better writers. The Writing Center has moved to G02 Colson Hall and is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Friday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Call 293-5788 for more information.
  • The Term Paper Clinic is conducted at the Downtown Campus Library. No appointment is necessary. The Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Call 293-4040 EXT. 4040 for more information.

For additional information, contact Brian Walker at (304) 293-5611, or stop by the Office of Student Life located in Elizabeth Moore Hall.