The King's Connection Magazine Volume 23 Number 1//Summer 2012 | Page 19

campus news

Commuter program engages
off-campus students

O

n January, 27 commuter students two-stepped, square
danced and enjoyed a BBQ at the now-annual Barn Dance.
Held in a barn-like workshop just outside Leduc, Alberta, the
dance included a square dance caller leading them around the
room. Around 50 students gathered at the family farm of King’s
student Marcel Wassink, whose parents generously donated the
use of their space.
With two-thirds of King’s students commuting to campus every
day, Student Life’s commuter program offers a wide range
of regularly scheduled activities. Weekly Monday Musings,
Wednesday Chili night, and monthly Meet & Greet breakfasts
allow commuters, to meet, discuss matters of faith, share
academic successes and enjoy meals together.
“Our commuter program allows students living off campus to feel
a sense of identity at King’s,” says Witty Sandle, coordinator of
student programs. “We recognize that it is difficult for commuters
to integrate fully into community life whereas it is relatively easy
for those living on campus. We work to tailor events to the
schedules of commuters.”
In a survey conducted by the commuter program last year,
the program received positive feedback from program users.

Students commented on how beneficial the program was, how
surprised they were by the number of commuters and how it
increased their involvement with King’s. Witty was surprised
t