Jordan Cornell
Lantern Staff
A commuting student is on their way to class. They woke up early and like every other day should be on time. However, there is traffic and construction slowing them down, more than they expected. This can happen to some of Butler’s commuting students.
Some of Butler’s students reside in the dorms and Butler Villas, but some drive here for their classes. Students commute from all over or can be as close as living in El Dorado.
Freshman Anthony Gorges comes from outside Reno County every day.
“My commute every day is 53 miles,” Gorges said. “On average, it takes me anywhere from 50-55 minutes to get to class every day. Recently, construction is heavy on 235 East, so it has been taking longer than it should.”
Gorges spends up to $55 on gas a week, coming to $220 a month. To Gorges the drive is cheaper than living on his own.
Freshman Linea Meade drives from Derby, a 30-minute drive.
“I have some classes in Andover too, so I only come to El Dorado on Tuesdays and Thursdays.” Meade said. “I leave my house around 9 a.m. and normally arrive back home around 3 or 3:15 p.m.”
Meade also thinks not living on her own is a good route to go. She can keep her job in Derby because she still lives there. Meade spends around $35 on gas per week, and any class cancellations have not affected because she checks Canvas daily. However, another perspective can be seen from a professor who has commuting students. Professor of Math Bethany Chandler has several students each semester who commute. Most of her students drive 30-45 minutes to get to class.
“I try to be flexible and understanding when issues arise,” Chandler said. “Sometimes there is weather related issues, or they may get stuck in traffic. I just handle each issue on a case by case manner. If the weather is too dangerous for them drive safely, I tell them to stay home.”
Many of Chandler’s assignments are completed online, so she can send notes to students who will still be able to finish their work.
“I just try to be understanding and work with students to accommodate them as needed,” Chandler said.
Professors do try to make to all students lives easier, not just the commuting students, as Chandler tries to be consistent with all her students. Though commuter students must drive to the campus to go to their classes, all students are here to learn and to get a degree.
