Describes the common needs and concerns of commuter students that impact on programming efforts, identifies the goals of programs designed to promote involvement by students who commute, and highlights examples of programs being sponsored at colleges and universities which have been effective in encouraging involvement of commuter students. (KS)

Presents the Campus Ecology Model which advocates an ecological perspective on commuting. Suggests that campus ecology should infer the ecology of the student, so that the physical/social environment residing outside of the university's property boundaries is of great importance. An ecosystem design process, its application to commuter…

Discusses the special needs of commuter students and provides suggestions for improving student services and programs for them. Suggestions are incorporated into an improvement model based on four general categories: services, programs, advocacy, and research. (RC)