Admissions Blog

This post is the third in a series we are running to track down community on a commuter campus. Read the introductory post “First Thoughts,” and the second “(Re)Defining Community.” The Florida Dunnam campus is a commuter campus. The Wilmore campus is majority residential students, but still maintains a strong core of students who commute. Last time we proposed community is, “a deep form of togetherness and love found when we embark on a common mission of discovery, when we encounter danger together and have to find each other in the process in order to survive” (Hirsh, The Forgotten Ways, 240). In this post we will look at the ways and methods commuters engage in community on a commuter campus.

Food: Responsible for bringing people together since time began, meals are a primary method commuter students connect and build community. The Lounge, and adjacent Harper Community Room create space for students, staff, and faculty to prepare and enjoy their meals while on campus. Any given class day, whether lunch or dinner, you will find any mixture of conversations around the table ranging from theology to “24″, denominational issues to family life, struggles and laughter. One of the unique aspects of a commuter campus is the closeness between students, staff, and faculty. In fact, this element was one of the most surprising when I began my studies on the Florida Dunnam campus. I was amazed to meet faculty who would readily join student’s lunch tables. There is no hidden faculty dining room, set apart from the “common areas.”

Classroom: A place designed for instruction becomes a key place to meet other students. Each new semester and class provides yet another opportunity to meet other commuters. We are each trying to balance some combination of family, work, ministry, seminary, and so on. The time before and after class provides opportunity to reflect with each other.  Additionally, with 3 hours class sessions, many faculty will incorporate time for groups to break-out and discuss the material for the week.  As a community in class, we process our learning together, forming and challenging each other with our prospectives and insights.

Common Spaces: Have you ever seen a patch of grass with a worn-in dirt trail? The kind of trail which comes from people continuously cutting across the same line day after day. While the carpet does not have “worn-in” trails. There are two specific places on campus where commuters have gathered time and again to share life. First, the library, or as we call it, the Information Commons. Sure, it is a place to research, study and write. However, it is also a place for sharing and asking questions. I have observed, and participated in, numerous conversations with the person at the computer or cubicle next to me. “What do you think about….?”, “Have you read….?”, “Do you agree with…?”. The spirit of inquiry around academic formation draws us together. Secondly, the front desk is one of the busiest areas. I believe this is largely due to the influence of Jose Hernandez; receptionist, alumni, mission mobilizer, evangelist, preacher and “hermano” to all. The front desk sits at the crossroads of the campus. Here, the campus entrance, Vice President’s office, Business office, library, reception couches, elevators, and staircase all converge. On any given day, you will find a good conversation in “Florida Dunnam Marketplace.”

Chapel: Each Tuesday and Thursday the community gathers at 1pm to participate in chapel. As we worship God through song, prayer, preaching the Word and communion we are drawn together by the Spirit into one body. As I write this post, I wonder if the time we spend in worship is what gives so much vitality to our time shared in meals, classrooms, and common spaces? I think so!

There you have it. Some of the practical expressions of community on a commuter campus. I need to thank everyone who helped to write this article through their Facebook and twitter responses. In fact, thanks to Facebook, email, OneATS, and other social media outlets, we have yet another way to stay connected. Please feel free to add your comments below. The community of the Florida Dunnam campus is eagerly waiting to meet you, prospective and new students!! Welcome to a community called, to doing seminary through commuting.