Otterbein commuter students are left out of campus opportunities.
The issue isn't the resources they have at their disposal, however, they are uninformed about certain opportunities, such as the commuter lounge and pop-ups, or extra-curricular events and Greek life information, commuters frequently left out on what to do and where to go.
Outlook is the most used source for sharing and receiving information, in which every student and faculty member has an account. It is also the most convenient way for commuters to receive information about what's happening on campus, since it can be checked from using their phone to their laptop, making this resource heavily underutilized.
The most recent email sent from Micia Clemmons, an Assistant Director for Student Engagement about a Commuter Pop-Up event, where commuters can enjoy free food and learn about resources on campus, was on Nov. 18, 2025. These emails are informative and pertinent to commuters, so why haven't there been any since then?
Alerts about Greek life have been even more sparse. Emails sent from the Otterbein Interfraternity Council and Center for Student Engagement with information about the IFC Kick-off event, and “Meet the Greeks” were sent on Oct. 1, 2025, and Sept. 4, 2025, respectively.
Not only are these the most recent emails that have been sent about Greek life events that have not been buried under less-relevant information in Otterbein News’ weekly newsletters, but they are also just for introductory events.
In addition, information about the rushing process and important dates is exluded, leaving students who were unable to attend “Meet the Greeks” or IFC Kick-off to rely on sources that are less reliable, such as Instagram, which not everyone might have.
Also, the commuter lounge desperately needs revitalization. As a small room tucked away in the corner of the basement of Towers Hall, it is not an ideal place for commuters to go meet new people and be involved.
Since this is also where the Commuter Pop-Up events take place, it leaves commuters at a clear disadvantage in terms of overall experience. Especially in comparison to the Campus Center Lounge, which is much more spacious and has equipment like ping-pong and pool tables, air hockey, and foosball.
If commuter events were held elsewhere, or if there was more consideration for them in general, it would allow these students to be involved, interact with each other, and build a community around them.
That is what this campus should be after all; a community where residents and commuter students alike can contribute to and benefit from. With more chances for commuters to be included on campus beyond going to class, then this can easily be achieved.
