By Brandon Cortés
Features Editor
For many commuters, campus life can feel like a series of short stops between classes — a quick coffee, a quiet corner, then back on the road. The latest Voices in the Nest event invited commuters to gather in the Adanti Student Center in Room 217 for an open mic event.
The goal, psychology major Heather Rae Gaydowen, a senior and member of Commuter Services, said, was to help students feel part of campus life even if they do not live there.
“For Commuter Services, we try to do a couple smaller events so people can just know the area and do something fun in between classes,” Gaydowen said. “It’s another event where people can earn commuter cash.”
The karaoke setup transformed the Student Center into an impromptu concert hall for the afternoon, with students singing everything from pop hits to old favorites.
The event encouraged students who might otherwise pass through campus quietly to stop and connect with others.
Commuter cash, Gaydowen explained, is a rewards program that encourages students to engage with events and resources.
Participants collect metaphorical money by attending Commuter Services activities throughout the semester, which they can later use to bid on prizes during a large auction at semester’s end.
“It gives commuters a reason to stop by,” Gaydowen said. “You come to an event, you have fun, and you also get commuter cash you can spend later. It’s a win-win.”
Events like Voices in the Nest are designed to make the university’s large commuter population feel seen and connected.
While residential students have easy access to community activities and social events, commuters often miss out due to tight schedules or long commutes.
Gaydowen said Voices in the Nest bridges that gap by offering relaxed, inclusive spaces between classes.
“It’s really about making sure commuters have opportunities to engage with campus life,” Gaydowen said. “Even if you’re only here a few hours a day, you can still be part of something.”
Commuter Services hosts several small-scale activities throughout the semester, often incorporating games, trivia or music to keep the atmosphere light. The events are intentionally short and accessible — something students can enjoy without disrupting their day.
“You start recognizing the same faces,” Gaydowen said. “People who might’ve just come to eat or study now stick around to talk. You see connections forming.”
Gaydowen said that beyond the casual fun, events like this represent a larger push at the university to strengthen commuter engagement.
Gaydowen said that beyond the casual fun, Voices in the Nest represents a larger push to strengthen commuter engagement. With more than half the student body commuting, programs like these play a vital role in fostering inclusion.
“Being a commuter doesn’t mean missing out on the college experience,” Gaydowen said. “These events remind people that community isn’t just for residents. It’s for everyone.
