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Commuter Assistant Program

If you are an incoming new commuter student for the Fall 2022 semester (and have less than 30 hours in college credit) you are eligible to participate! Please contact commuter@uh.edu for questions. Join the program today!

The Commuter Assistant Program assists first time in college (FTIC) commuter students’ transition, and ultimately persistence, at The University of Houston. The program strives to:

  • Provide commuter students with peer guidance
  • Ensure commuter students feel a sense of connection/belonging on campus
  • Provide opportunities for commuter students to meet each other
  • Positively impact commuter student’s retention
  • Increase commuter students awareness of university resources and services

How does the program work?

The Commuter Assistant Program pairs incoming commuter students with "seasoned" commuter student leaders, referred to as Commuter Assistants (CAs). Each CA works with a small group of students who they meet and interact with, both individually and as a group, throughout their first semester.

What's a Commuter Assistant?

Commuter Assistants (CAs) are upperclassmen students who have demonstrated leadership, involvement, and commitment to campus that make them an excellent role-model and resource for incoming students. All CA’s are currently or have been a commuter themselves so they understand the unique challenges and opportunities involved with commuting to campus.

I’m an incoming commuter student, how can I participate in this program?

If you are an incoming new commuter student (and have less than 30 hours in college credit) you are eligible to participate! Interested students can sign up during any of the New Student or Transfer Student Orientation Conferences, we will be hosting a session specifically for commuter students or you can fill out the form online. 

When will I meet my CA and group?

Interested students will submit a request to join the program after which they will be assigned to a specific peer group and CA. Your CA will contact you via email before the semester begins. You will meet your CA during the first week of August at the mandatory Commuter Student Welcome Event during Weeks of Welcome.

Why should I participate?
The Commuter Assistant Program offers you the opportunity to connect with other new students, learn “insider tips” on how to succeed from experienced upperclassmen, and receive information on useful campus information and resources. This program may also help you:

  • Establish UH as your “home away from home”
  • Explore campus and discover the best places to eat, study and socialize
  • Meet new friends
  • Get connected to campus resources
  • Participate in specific programs geared specifically for commuter students
  • Receive personalized guidance and communication from your CA helping you to be connected and involved on campus
  • Build relationships with faculty, staff and fellow students

I'm a current commuter student, how can I apply to be a Commuter Assistant?

  • Full-time registered commuter returning commuter student at the start of the Spring 2020 semester.
  • Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher at time of application. You must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to continue your appointment in the position.
  • Student involvement and leadership experience.
  • Willingness and ability to model appropriate behavior, goal-setting and mentoring for FTIC commuter students.
  • Serve as a role model for a group of approximately 10-20 commuter students.
  • Serve as an advocate for the interests, needs, and rights of commuter students.
  • Utilize Map-Works, a comprehensive student success and retention tool, to help coordinate early intervention programs with commuter students.
  • Help commuter students make connections to campus resources, academic resources, and student organizations on campus.
  • Create programs for your assigned group of students to help them transition to the university and integrate them into campus life.
  • Maintain weekly contact with your assigned group of students (via face-to-face, email, phone, FB, twitter, etc.).
  • Work with Commuter Student Services to plan, promote, and implement initiatives specifically focused on FTIC commuter students.
  • Actively participate in Weeks of Welcome programming including the Commuter Student Welcome Event and of the annual Commuter Awareness Kick-off.
  • Devote approximately 5 hours per week to the Commuter Assistant Program.
  • CA positions are for one academic semester, from August to December (approximately 16 weeks).
  • Approximately 5 hours per week; additional hours may be needed for special events
  • You will have to attend two mandatory training sessions before the Fall semester in April and August.
You can e-mail Commuter Student Services at commuter.uh.edu, call us at (832) 842-6185, and/or come visit us in room 256 in the Student Center South.