Commuter Students

Commuter Assistant Mentoring Program

Commuter Assistant Mentoring Program (CAMP)

CAMP is a commuter program that pairs first-year and transfer commuter students with a Commuter Assistants (CAs) - seasoned undergraduate students who act as peer mentors and guide you through your first semester as a Golden Ram! The first semester as a commuter can be overwhelming at times; consider getting connected with a CA to help you make the most of your first year at West Chester University.

What Can a New Student Expect From the CAMP Program?

  • Support while adjusting to commuting and the college environment through monthly meetings
  • Advice on common commuter topics such as parking, where to eat, how and where to meet other students, getting involved, etc.
  • Suggestions of how to incorporate your interests and passions into your University experience
  • Weekly personalized emails about campus opportunities, WCU resources, student life, student organizations, etc.
  • Invitations to CAMP exclusive events and giveaways
  • Opportunity to build friendships and extend support systems

Fill out the CA request form today to sign up for CAMP and check out what some past mentees had to say about their CA:

"My CA sent me helpful weekly emails, informed me of campus events, and was very friendly and welcoming to me whenever we met or ran into each other!" - CAMP Mentee 2023

"My Commuter Assistant was always available to answer questions and he sent weekly emails of what would be going on that week on campus which was super helpful." - CAMP Mentee 2023

"She provided me with valuable information that I was then able to base my schedule on like the best places to park, quiet places to study, and other resources to help me succeed." - CAMP Mentee 2023

Meet the 2024-2025 Commuter Assistants:

Ava Gerace

Ava Gerace

Ava is senior Early Grades Preparation major who commutes to campus from West Chester, PA and transferred to WCU from Montgomery County Community College. This year, Ava is excited to start student teaching and when she's not in class, she enjoys spending time with her family and her cats, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts. Her favorite place on campus is the Commuter Center or finding a nice outdoor spot when its nice out and she is looking forward to meeting new students this year!

Iris Ortega-Rodriguez

Iris Ortega-Rodriguez

Iris is a senior Business Management major with minors in Business Law and Law, Politics and Society who commutes to campus from Horsham, PA. When she is on campus, Iris enjoys spending her time in Sykes Student Union and studying in the library. Iris is also fluent in Spanish. She is excited to be returning to the CA team for her third year and will be sad to leave when she graduates in spring 2025. 

Nick Kaeser

Nick Kaeser

Nick is a sophomore Earth Space Science Secondary Education major who commutes to campus from Upper Darby, PA. On campus, Nick is involved with the Earth Space Science Club, Students for Sustainable Action, and Student Pennsylvania State Educators Association (SPSEA). When he's not on campus, Nick enjoys exploring all the local coffee shops and studying in the library!

Maria Mendez

Maria Mendez

Maria is a junior Nutrition major who commutes to campus from Kennett Square, PA! On campus, Maria is a member of the First Generation Honor Society (Tri Alpha) and is part of the Fueling Program in the Sports Nutrition department. When she is not in class, Maria enjoys spending time in the library and in the Commuter Center (located on the top floor of Sykes Student Union) or talking a walk into downtown West Chester. Maria is also fluent in Spanish. She is excited to return to the Commuter Assistant team for her second year and can't wait to meet other commuter students this year!

Niquese Lewis

Niquese Lewis

Niquese is a sophomore Music Education major who commutes to campus from West Chester, PA. She is a proud member of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band where she plays the flute and can be spotted at various football games in the fall with the band. When she is on campus, Niquese likes to spend time in the Presser Music Library in Swope Music Building and in the Commuter Center in Sykes Student Union.

Cece Perrotti

Cece Perrotti

Cece is a sophomore Early Grades and Special Education double major who commutes to campus from Landenberg, PA. On campus, she is an ambassador for the PRIZE Program (Partnering in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators) and when she is not in class she enjoys spending her time at the Student Rec Center gym and following all Philly sports team!

Commuter Success Day

Commuter Success Day is held before the start of each semester and is specifically designed for first-time commuter students to learn more about the West Chester University experience. Students will have the opportunity to meet other students, feel more comfortable with campus resources, and ask current commuter students questions about life at WCU. Students also participating in CAMP will have the chance to meet their Commuter Assistant during Commuter Success Day.

Spring 2025: Wednesday, January 15th (Snow Date: Thursday, January 16th) 

Commuter students

Helpful Links

Here are some links you may find helpful as a commuter student at WCU

Request a Commuter Assistant

Commuting Options

Dining Options

RAM FAM COMMUTER RESOURCE GUIDE