Good Morning Commuters Breakfast helps connect the university’s Black and Brown commuter and transfer students

UMD commuter and transfer students, TOCSL and partners are seen greeting students at the Good Morning Commuter’s breakfast Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Located in the Stamp Student Union Atrium every Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. (DeAnna Giles/The Black Explosion)

Commuter students hold more than 20% of the UMD student population, according to the Assistant Director of Engagement Cori Carfagno. For Black and Brown students, commuting to campus poses challenges in creating a sense of community on campus.

Community and belonging is what many UMD students look for in their experience at college. However, some students use the bus as their means of transportation, which limits their ability to attend events outside of the bus schedule. 

The Good Morning Commuters Breakfast is one way commuter and transfer students can feel more connected. The Transfer and Off-Campus Student Life (TOCSL) hosted the second Good Morning Commuter’s breakfast on Wednesday. The event, which takes place every first Wednesday of the month, hosts breakfast in the Stamp Student Union Atrium from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Black and Brown students attending the breakfast shared their experiences as commuter students. Although there are multiple events held on campus every week, some believe it is harder to get involved while still learning about the big campus.

Sophomore public health science major Emma Geneste said the commuters breakfast is a great way to get connected and eat free breakfast. Food such as bagels, muffins, fruit, coffee and juices as well as music are provided at the breakfast.

The breakfast aims to connect and engage transfer and off-campus students. TOCSL coordinator Bria Bennett is excited to create memorable experiences for transfer and off-campus students.

“I want this to be a welcoming and chill space,” Bennett said. She added the breakfast helps to create a sense of community.

Over 100 students attended the commuters breakfast. Usually students come to the event, take food and leave without socializing. However, since the pandemic, Bennett says “students want to stay and socialize with their peers.”

But students may need more than just free breakfast. 

Senior information science major Veena Aruldhas believes more can be done. 

“I think there could be more of an initiative to be more inclusive,” Aruldhas said.

While in college, Aruldhas has always been a commuter. Currently, she wants to experience living on her own before entering the real world. Another reason to commute is due to the financial burden caused by the pandemic. 

 Senior criminology and criminal justice double major Faith Gray transferred to the college during the pandemic, making off-campus housing her only option.

On campus, Gray serves as a peer mentor in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and a student affairs student representative in the University Senate. With her involvement, she recognizes the limitations of commuting.

“I do not feel 100% connected to campus,” Gray said. “I travel by bus, which limits my time on campus and how long I can stay at events.”

While commuting to school poses its difficulties, the Good Morning Commuters breakfast serves its purpose.

“The breakfast event is a great way to connect transfer and commuter students and is a great resource,” Gray said.