MUNCIE, Ind. - Free Frappe Friday is an event where first-year commuters come to the Student Center to get a free Starbucks drink, learn about events, and participate in a question of the week. This commuter event takes place every Friday to give students a community they otherwise might not have.
“What we do understand about commuters is that they have fewer opportunities to engage with others on campus. So a couple of years ago, when student success coaching started, they also started the commuter success program to get commuters more engaged and give them that direct connection on campus,” Kelsey Mosley, graduate student for Student Success Programs, said.
Each week, the students visit with Mosley and the success coaches to talk about their assignments, daily life, and the week. Mosley has built connections with the students and worked hard to make the program something students want to attend.
“It's honestly the highlight of my week because I get to talk to people on campus. I'm a commuter student, so I'm only here for two classes as a non-traditional student. So I don't get that much time here, so by being at the commuter success events, I get to talk to Kelsey and everyone on the team about events that are going on while I'm here. And they also brighten my week by fun questions,” Bailey Coleman, graduate student, Ball State University said.
The first-year students have also spent time getting to know each other, fostering new relationships.
“It's a nice little community that they've got going on. I love coming in and talking to the ladies that run it every Friday. I feel like there's a good bond; everything feels very personal between them. I've met a couple of other commuters I'm good friends with now. A couple commuters that are from high school that I've reconnected with,” Ryder Riggin, freshman, Ball State University said.
Commuter Students can miss out on many events that happen daily on campus.
“I think it's (Free Frappe Friday) a great way to make friends if you don't live on campus, if you're not in the dorms, and things like that. So you can meet other people that maybe have a lifestyle more similar to yours,” Coleman said.
These students shared that Free Frappe Friday encourages them to wake up on time, go to class, and reflect on their week. The success program also tries to help students focus on basic skills to help their education.
“Success coaching is really beneficial, especially for students who are struggling with things like procrastination, time management, motivation, which is something commuters often struggle with, especially in that first year whenever you don't really know a lot of people around here. That's what we're here to do with students,” Mosley said.
As the semester ends, these students will continue to be involved in commuter success events. The connections they've built through this program will continue to help them have a sense of familiarity and feel comfortable on campus.
Contact Stella Davis with comments at estella.davis@bsu.edu.
