No matter where you lay your head at night, you can fully engage in the Colonel community as a commuter student. A valued member of the Wilkes family, you’ll enjoy full access to all academic and social programming at Wilkes University.
Commuter Council
Commuter Council gives a voice to students living at home or in off-campus housing. The council organizes socials, fundraising events and community service activities, and also coordinates subjects like parking. It’s part of the Mega Council of student leadership on campus.
Activities have included bus trips, axe throwing and paint-and-snack events. Members of Commuter Council are elected from commuting students. The council works closely with the Student Affairs Cabinet, the Residence Hall Council, the Off-Campus Wilkes Liaisons and Student Government.
Commuter Spaces on Campus
You’ll find plenty of study areas across campus where you can work or just chill between classes and activities. Here are a few:
Commuter Lounge: The Commuter Lounge, conveniently located on the second floor of the Henry Student Center behind the Mail Room, is reserved just for commuters. Use your ID card for swipe access to the lounge area, work spaces and a microwave, as well as a mini fridge and computer. Commuter Council meets here.
Farley Library’s Alden Learning Commons external website: Located in the library’s lower level, the commons offers new and expanded technology in a cozy learning environment great for independent or group work. It is open 24/7, with after-hours access via the South Street swipe card entrance. Group study areas feature widescreen computers and flat-screen televisions, and you’ll find printers and scanners for your use.
Cohen Science Center Lounges: For views, you can’t beat the lounges on either end of each floor of the Cohen Science Center. One end of the building overlooks the Fenner Quadrangle, while the other boasts great views of the Susquehanna River.
Getting Involved
Commuters can participate and lead any of our 80-plus clubs and organizations, and take part in our 23 NCAA Division III athletic teams external website as well as intramural or club sports. All Wilkes students, including commuters, enjoy free access to the university fitness center; full-time undergraduate students can also get free membership to the local YMCA, which is located at the edge of campus.
Wilkes designates 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays as “club hours,” a time set aside for you to dive into activities with fellow students. To keep up with the latest activities, you’ll want to watch your email for Today@Wilkes, a daily digest of campus announcements. Also, follow Student Development and other Wilkes social media accounts for updates; check our social media directory for details.
Dining
Commuter students are not required to have a meal plan, but may choose to purchase one. Dining Services also offers meal plans designed specifically to meet the needs of commuting students.