By: Tyla Matthews | Staff Writer
For commuter students at the University of Lynchburg, the campus can feel like a place they wander rather than belong to, and without a dedicated space, that feeling persists.
The university once had a commuter lounge on the south side of campus where students could decompress between classes, but that space no longer exists. In its place, students are directed to general-use spaces such as the Mosaic Lounge and Pete’s Place in the Drysdale Student Center.
A’nashia Carter, a commuter who lives about 20 minutes from campus, said a dedicated space could change things entirely.
“Just to be able to meet students that I can relate to, like hey, we both kind of feel like we don’t belong here, let’s be friends,” Carter said. “I feel like that’d be really cool to have something like that.”
Nathan Albert, Assistant Vice President of Belonging and University Chaplain, acknowledged that the old lounge was not heavily used, partly because of its awkward location. He said conversations about creating a new commuter space have happened, but noted he is unsure where those discussions stand today.
Jennifer Reichard, Assistant Director of Orientation, said the university has not given up on the idea of a dedicated space.
“We are still working to identify a space or spaces that meet their needs,” Reichard said.
In the meantime, commuter students like Nyasia Whirley said they make do with what is available.
“I love the little things like study rooms and coffee from Mission House,” Whirley said. “I do feel as though I could be connected more in other activities.”
To learn more about resources and spaces on campus for students, visit https://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/student-spaces/
