Commuter Students
Nicole Smith
- Housing & Orientation Coordinator/Event Coordinator-Spiritual Formation
- nsmith@malone.edu
- 330-471-8270
Malone commuter community: Stay connected, supported, and involved
Whether you’re commuting from across town or just down the street, you’ll find meaningful opportunities to get involved and make your mark on campus. Commuters serve as leaders in Student Senate, excel in the Honors Program, guide new students as GEN 100 course assistants, participate in service-learning trips, and so much more.
We recognize that commuting can present unique challenges but you don’t have to navigate them alone. We have student leaders – who are also commuters – who are here to offer support, resources, and connection to help you thrive. You may not have a residence hall room, but you absolutely have a place—and a voice—on our campus.
Top five ways for Malone commuter students to get connected at Malone
Get Involved on Campus
Explore clubs, organizations, and campus activities that align with your passions and help you build meaningful connections within the Malone community. Whether you’re looking to deepen your spiritual journey or engage in academic enrichment, there are resources to support your growth. The Honors Program offers a vibrant learning community—transfer students with a 3.5 GPA or higher who were part of an honors program at their previous college are automatically admitted. And remember, nearly all campus opportunities available to resident students are also open to commuters. Your place is here—discover where you belong!
Your Place is Here—Discover Where You Belong!
Once you’re in college, your schedule will be different than it was in high school—and you’ll likely find yourself with more independent studying, reading, and project work. Balancing that academic load with a part-time job, commuting, and other responsibilities can quickly fill your calendar. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead, stay organized, and give yourself space to rest and recharge—college is a marathon, not a sprint!
Seek Out Resources
In addition to campus spaces open to all students—such as Bennett Lounge in the Randall Campus Center and the Everett L. Cattell Library—Malone offers a dedicated Commuter Lounge on the second floor of the library. It’s a great place to relax, study, or connect with other commuters between classes. Lockers are also available for your convenience, both in the Commuter Lounge and on the library’s lower level.
Seek Mentorship
While support may come naturally as you get involved, you don’t have to navigate college life alone. Commuter students have plenty of opportunities to connect with experienced peers, faculty, and staff who are here to help. Unlike resident students who have built-in support through RAs and residence directors, commuters can turn to the Commuter Director on Student Senate—a fellow student leader who’s eager to connect and advocate for your needs.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Though it might feel a little uncomfortable at first to introduce yourself or start conversations with people you don’t know, building connections is a key part of the college experience. Everyone is looking to make friends and find their place—so chances are, others will appreciate you taking the first step. The more you engage with those around you, the more confident and connected you’ll feel in your campus community.
Services For Commuters
There is a variety of free services available to students living off-campus, designed to support your academic, personal, and professional growth. From tutoring and career advice to wellness resources, these services are here to help you succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Taking full advantage of these offerings can help you feel more connected to the campus community and ensure you have the tools you need to thrive during your time at Malone.
“As a commuter, I stay engaged on campus by being a part of the Women’s Golf team, attending study groups on campus, and using the gym to workout. With that, I am connected with many individuals and receive support to feel like I am an included member of the Malone community.”
Erin Strouse
“As a commuter student, I’ve really appreciated how easy it’s been to stay connected on campus, whether through clubs, study groups, being an admissions ambassador, or being a part of the volleyball team. There’s always something happening on campus that makes me feel like part of the community. The support I’ve received has helped me feel fully included. “
Annika Nichols
“Despite not living on campus, I’ve felt fully connected to campus life. Between the support offered by the faculty, the welcoming student organizations, and all the opportunities to meet new people, I have felt that I truly belong here. It’s like a home away from home!”
Kassidy Cannon
Perks for Commuter Students
Dining Hall
Two free meals for our dining hall are activated on your student ID card during the first month of EACH semester of enrollment. Putting personal funds on your student ID card to use in the AVI-serviced dining hall or cafes will act as a debit card and gives you a 15% discount on all purchases.
Lockers
Lockers are available on the lowest level of the library, and outside of Timken Science 100.
The Wellness Center
The Wellness Center facilities can help you get – or stay – in shape! Initial fitness assessments are free to all Malone students. Showers and lockers are provided – bring your own lock!
The Health Center
The Health Center offers daytime medical care to students enrolled in eight or more semester hours. A nurse is on staff daily and the medical doctor is available by appointment. The Health Center is located in lower Whittier Hall – or make a doctor’s appointment by calling 330-471-8340.
Counseling Services
Professional short-term counseling services are free to all students enrolled in eight or more semester hours. The Counseling Center is located on the third level of the Barn at 330-471-8439.
Peer Tutoring
Peer tutoring for 100- and 200- level courses is available beginning the second week of each semester.
Career Advisers
Career Advisers provide free assessment tools for help in major and career planning that matches strengths, interests, and abilities. Visit the Center for Student Success on the second floor of the library or call 330-471-8250.
The Office of Spiritual Formation
Along with offering hundreds of SFOs each semester, The Office of Spiritual Formation (The Barn – Second Floor) provides pastoral mentoring for all students. View SFOs here, fill out the Prayer and Support Form, or email spiritualformation@malone.edu for support.
Commuter Student Resources
Parking and Vehicle Registration
At Malone, getting around is easy with free parking permits for both residential and commuting students. With convenient lots near residence halls and academic buildings, having your car on campus means more flexibility to get to class, attend events, and explore the area—on your schedule. Just register through MaloneXpress and you’re set to go.
Commuter Hostel
Have an early class? Don’t want to drive in the snow? Is there a late night campus event you want to attend? The Malone Commuter Student Hostel is a service for current commuter students which offers affordable overnight accommodation.
Cost & Amenities
- $30/night (Please provide your own bed and bath linens.)
- Accommodates one student
- Rooms located in Blossom Hall
- Rooms include a XL twin bed, desk, chair, and WIFI. Microwave is available in the community lounges. (Males may have limited access to community lounges).
- A room key will be issued and must be returned at checkout, or a $50 fee will be charged to your student account.
Reservations
- Same-day reservations are not available.
- Payment can be made via credit card at the time of your online reservation.
- Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance by emailing nsmith@malone.edu or else you will be charged for the first night.
- Reservations can be made for a maximum of two nights in a seven-day period but you may not exceed six days per month.
- Reservations are not available for weeks preceding a holiday except during exam periods.
- Check-in is at 3 p.m. in the Office of Student Development.
- Checkout is at 11 a.m. in the Office of Student Development. Your room key will need to be returned at this time.
- During your stay, you must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct.
- You are welcome to participate in Residence Life events!
Commuter Meal Plan
Campus dining is a big part of the college experience. Our goal is to provide a variety of healthy foods in a fun atmosphere.
Commuter students are offered the “Block 75” Meal plan, available for purchase in Student Development (The Barn).
The Block 75 plan costs $570 and includes 75 meals during the semester and $75 Flex Dollars.
Block Meal Plans are non-refundable and any unused blocks (meals) will expire at the end of each semester and flex dollars will expire at the end of the academic year.
Block Meals can be used in the Hoover Dining Commons; Flex Dollars can be used in Hoover Dining Commons and Regula Café.
Frequently asked questions by commuter students
Wondering where to eat?
On-campus options are the Hoover Dining Commons, Regula Café, and vending machines. Two free meals for our dining hall are activated on your student ID card during the first month of each semester of enrollment. Putting personal funds on your student ID card to use in the AVI-serviced dining hall or cafes will act as a debit card and gives you a 15% discount on all purchases. Nearby, a number of fast food restaurants on Cleveland Avenue offer Malone students a discount.
Need a computer lab or printer?
Our computer labs are located in the library, in the basement of the library, and in Regula 300.
What’s the best way to get in touch with faculty?
Your professors will note their contact information on class syllabi, but you can also search for them in our web directory.
Have you lost your student ID?
Replace it for $5 in the Office of Student Development in the Barn. Call 330-471-8273 if you have questions.
Have you lost a personal item?
Our lost & found items are kept with Campus Safety. Give them a call at 330-471-8111.
Have you lost your class schedule?
You can print another one by logging onto MaloneXpress.
Did you lock your keys in your car or have a flat tire on campus?
Help is minutes away if you call Campus Safety at 330-471-8111.
Do you need to check out non-Malone courses for potential transfer credit?
Send the course information to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@malone.edu.
Do you need academic accommodations for a physical or learning disability?
Contact the Center for Student Success at 330-471-8496.
Are you wondering if all of your financial aid is finalized?
Contact the Financial Aid Office in the Brehme Conference Center (around the corner from the campus store).
Do you need to look up how much you owe on your account balance?
You can find this info in MaloneXpress. Payments can be made there electronically and are always due on the third day of each month. Paper reminder statements are mailed to your permanent address each month.
Do your parents have questions?
Direct them to the Parents and Families site – or contact Student Development.
Are you feeling disconnected or overwhelmed?
The Counseling Center has free services. Feel free to call them at 330-471-8439.