Commuters
Students who commute to campus from the surrounding region are valued members of the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø community and offer a unique perspective to campus life. As a commuter student, please know you are more than welcome to share your energy and enthusiasm by getting involved in some of the wonderful activities and organizations º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø has to offer! The time you spend participating in the cultural, spiritual, and recreational activities can be as rewarding and vital to your education as your academic experiences.
Commuter Student Services assists commuter students with involvement and ease of access at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø by providing professional staff support, commuter-only spaces, and resources for students to feel supported while on campus.
As of Fall 2025
Commuter Lounge
The Commuter Lounge is located on the first floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union. It is a comfortable place to study, hang out with friends in between classes, or simply relax.
The Commuter Lounge offers a range of amenities, including:
- Large-screen television with ROKU access
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
- Study room
- The lounge is open during Carolyn Hermann Student Union hours. Additionally, commuter student lockers, extra seating, and a meal prep area are available on the second floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union.
The Commuter Lounge is located above The Roost and The Roost Express, two popular dining spots on campus.
Programs and Events
The Campus Involvement Center sponsors events and programs throughout the year. All commuter students are encouraged to attend as many programs as their schedules will allow. If you have suggestions on how to improve a program or would like to see a new program, do not hesitate to let our team know by emailing rsco@mercyhurst.edu.
Here are some of the programs that are sponsored by Campus Involvement:
- Commuter Welcome Week Registration & Meet and Greet
- Monthly Events for Commuter Students
- Commuter Student Association
- Currently, the Commuter Student Association is an inactive Registered Student Club or Organization (RSCO). However, it can easily be reactivated by interested student leaders who would like to build community and a sense of belonging for our commuter student population. The reactivation form can be found on the .
- Comm-YOU-ter Monthly Newsletter
Commuter Welcome Week & Meet and Greet introduces new first-year commuter students to the Campus Involvement Center staff and other new commuter students. The Meet and Greet occurs on the first day of Welcome Week in August. At this event, students pick up their Spirit Shirts and learn more about Commuter Student Services. During Welcome Week, students attend presentations that will smooth their transition to º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø. They will also have the opportunity to tour the campus and participate in fun team-building activities.
At º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø University, we understand the diverse dining needs of our students. One day, you might need a quick bite on the way to class, and the next, you might have more time to relax and enjoy a meal with friends.
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø offers a range of convenient, flexible, and affordable meal plans to meet the preferences and habits of our commuter students. We encourage our commuter students to explore our block meal plans, which provide an affordable set number of meals at our all-you-care-to-eat dining facilities on campus, Grotto Commons in Egan Hall, and the 501 Grille in Ryan Hall. Both facilities provide an excellent selection of fresh, handcrafted culinary options every day. In addition, Grotto Commons is open late every day, with a special late-night menu, making it an ideal hangout spot for meeting up with friends.Ìý
Commuters can also participate in the Hurst Dining Club, through which you can purchase and use Dining Dollars at any on-campus dining facility (Grotto Commons, Ryan Hall dining facility, Laker Inn, coffee bar, or convenience store). With Dining Dollars, students are eligible for a discount on every transaction.
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At º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø University, every student who parks a vehicle on campus property must register that vehicle with the Department of Police & Safety and must have a university parking permit issued and affixed to the registered vehicle. The person registering the vehicle must be the registered owner or an immediate family member of the registered owner. Any person registering a new vehicle must provide a student ID card or driver’s license, a current state registration card, and proof of insurance before their parking permit can be issued.
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Student Government (MSG) sponsors $5 off two rides per day with Uber; this program is called MUber. Students should visit the Student Hub page for instructions regarding how to register for a MUber account with their º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø email.
Bike racks are located throughout campus at the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, Audrey Hirt Academic Center, Grotto Commons Dining Hall, Bookstore, and Zurn Hall if you plan to use alternate and environmentally friendly transportation, such as bikes! Students are responsible for the safety of their bikes and must provide their own bike locks. Additionally, we encourage all students who ride a bike to wear protective gear, such as helmets.Ìý
Getting involved in Recognized Student Clubs or Organizations (RSCO), participating in intramurals, studying with classmates, and attending programs hosted on campus are crucial to your success and happiness at º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø. You are welcome to stop into the Carolyn Hermann Student Union to learn more about the opportunities available to students.
For campus-wide events, visit or check out The Weekender located on the Hub. Both resources are consistent ways to learn more about what is happening on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Health and Wellness
Yes! All students can utilize the services at the Health Center. The Cohen Student Health Center does not bill insurance or charge for the health care services it provides. You must make an appointment prior to visiting by emailing health@mercyhurst.edu or calling 814-824-2431.
Yes! All students, regardless of whether they live on campus or not, can access the Counseling Center’s services, free of charge. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. while classes are in session. There is also an urgent hour from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., where students can come in and speak to a counselor without an appointment.
Yes! The Recreational and Fitness Center is open daily to those within the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø community. The normal hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Follow on Instagram for daily updates!
Housing
º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø University’s visitation and guest policy states students can have an overnight guest, but only of the same sex. That means men can stay with men and women can stay with women overnight. We do not allow men to stay with women overnight and vice versa.
Absolutely! Commuter students are welcome to move on to campus at any time. If you are interested, you should reach out directly to reslife@mercyhurst.edu, and we will work with you.
Students who reside in Erie County and demonstrate financial need may qualify for the Erie Campus Housing Grant to assist them in on-campus housing costs. For more information, please connect with the Office of Student Financial Services.
Dining and Food Options
- Grotto Commons Dining Hall takes cash, card, and Dining Dollars. It is an all-you-can-eat facility and a great place to meet friends for a sit-down lunch or dinner. Grotto Commons has nine food stations: Clean Plate, Daily Dish, Bravissimo, GC Grille, Salad Bar, Deli, The Oven, The Breakfast Nook, and Desserts. Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- 501 Grille in Ryan Hall takes cash, card, and Dining Dollars. It is an all-you-can-eat European kitchen, preparing restaurant-style dishes. Options include Asian-inspired dishes, smoked wings, pasta, burgers, salad bar, soups, and desserts. Hours of Operation: Weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Anchor Express (in Ryan Hall).
Yes, the Mercy Market is an on-campus resource center for any student facing food insecurity and access to basic necessities. The location is 3809 Briggs Ave., Apt. 6.
You do not need a meal plan as a commuter student. All dining locations take cash, card, or Dining Dollars. Contact the OneCard Office to add a meal plan or Dining Dollars to your account, onecard@mercyhurst.edu.
There are a couple of kitchenette areas students can use in the Carolyn Hermann Student Union. There is one on the first floor in the Commuter Lounge, and there is one on the second floor in the Multicultural Student Lounge, both with microwaves and fridges. The Campus Ministry Lounge on the first floor also has a full kitchen, and commuter students are welcome to utilize it.
The best places to grab a quick drink are the Bookstore Café, which serves Starbucks coffee and has various quick snacks, such as sandwiches, muffins, cookies, and veggie cups, and the Campus Ministry Lounge on the first floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union! The best place to get lunch to-go is the Roost Express, which is located on the bottom floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union. You can order ahead using the GET App.
Safety on Campus
- Campus patrols
- Text alert system
- Vehicle jump starts
- Vehicle lockouts
Yes! Students can call the Department of Police & Safety at 814-824-3911 to request assistance. Some of the services they offer are:
Yes! Students may call the Department of Police & Safety at 814-824-3911 to request an officer escort. There are also Emergency Blue Light systems strategically located in several areas on campus for students to contact an officer immediately should they need to late at night.
Parking and Transportation
- #1 McAuley Lot
- #4 Hirt Academic Lot
- #8 PAC/Zurn/Warde Lot
- #10 Ice Center Lot
- #11 Mercy Lot
- #12 Athletic Center Lot
- #16 3928 Wayne Lots
- #25 Grandview Lot
- #26 Grandview Lot North
- Parking pass (keep in your car always)
- School bags and supplies
- Cellphone charger
- Umbrella
- Water bottle
- Car emergency kit (e.g. jumper cables, flares, etc.)
- First aid kit
- Non-perishable snack
- Extra jacket
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Gloves
- Blanket
Commuter students have designated lots on campus for them to park in, based on the color of their parking pass (orange for commuters). Students who park on campus must have a parking pass, which can be obtained from the Department of Police & Safety.
For both part-time and full-time students, a parking permit costs $100 for the full academic year and must be paid in full.
Each parking lot is numbered and lists the permit colors allowed to park there. Commuter parking passes are orange and can park in the following lots:
We do not have a shuttle or bus; however, we do offer an Uber rideshare discount. º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Student Government (MSG) sponsors $5 off two rides per day with Uber. Students should visit the Student Hub page for instructions regarding how to register for a MUber account with their º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø email.
Anyone ticketed for a parking violation has three business days from the date of the violation to file an appeal or pay the amount of the fine at the Department of Police & Safety. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of any right to appeal under all circumstances. The º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø Department of Police & Safety will contact individuals via email to advise them of the outcome of their appeal.
There are not electric vehicle chargers on campus. The locations of bike racks are located at the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union, Audrey Hirt Academic Center, Grotto Commons Dining Hall, Bookstore, and Zurn Hall. Students are responsible for the safety of their bikes and must provide their own bike locks.
Check your º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø email to see if faculty have communicated about class cancellations or holding a different form of learning (asynchronous, virtual, etc.). In an emergency, the Department of Police and Safety can broadcast text messages using the e2Campus text alert system. Use your best judgment when driving to campus in dangerous weather conditions. Send timely communication to faculty, staff, coaches, etc. if you are unable to drive to campus due to extreme weather.
Use your best judgment when driving in extreme weather. Wait out bad weather in campus buildings when you can.
We would recommend getting to campus at least 30 minutes before your class starts to account for parking conditions. While there are many lots on campus, the availability of spaces can vary greatly.
For the full academic year:
For fall and winter seasons:
Campus Events and Activities
At the beginning of every semester, the Campus Involvement Center hosts an Involvement Fair where students can sign up to join over 70 Registered Clubs and Organizations (RSCOs). You can also join clubs on , the online hub for clubs and events.
Yes! Every month, Campus Involvement Commuter Student Services hosts an event for commuter students during the day. These events have included Make Your Own Winter Survival Kit, Coffee and Donuts, and a Pancake Pop-Up event with Campus Ministry.
Commuter students are embedded in every facet of º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø campus life. Many students hang out in the Carolyn Hermann Student Union between classes. At the beginning of the fall semester, Campus Involvement Commuter Student Services hosts a Commuter Meet and Greet session on the first evening of New Student Welcome, where new commuter students can meet each other.
While there is not a specific student position on º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇøâ€™s Student Government (MSG) dedicated to commuter needs, commuter students are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their class or school senator.
There are a variety of service and leadership opportunities on campus for students to participate in! Students can join the Hurst Responders email list by emailing Bethany Woods (bwoods@mercyhurst.edu) to learn about all the service opportunities we offer at different times of the year. Students can also join the Leadership Development Program (LDP), which is held once a month at 3 p.m. on campus.
Financial and Work-Life
Financial aid can be awarded based on various factors, including merit, financial need, or special circumstances (such as major, hobbies, talents, residency, etc.). Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 814-824-2288 or sfs@mercyhurst.edu to learn more and discuss your financial aid options.
Yes, there are campus jobs that fit all types of schedules, including commuters. Most jobs have shifts to work around your class and travel times. Some are weekdays during the day and/or evening, and others can be weekends only, etc. The link to explore types of jobs is .
There are no financial aid programs specifically for transportation or parking. However, transportation to and from college is considered an indirect cost that financial aid can help with. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 814-824-2288 or sfs@mercyhurst.edu to learn more and discuss your financial aid options.
Depending on the position, some students can work during winter break, but the Office of Student Financial Services needs to be aware of it. We do not participate in summer federal work-study. If a student wishes to continue to work over the summer in their position, the department they work for would need to hire them as a part-time employee. Any questions can be directed to fws@mercyhurst.edu.
Daily Life on Campus
There are multiple places for students to study and hang out on campus, especially in the Carolyn Hermann Student Union! There is a Commuter Student Lounge on the first floor of the union, as well as the Great Room, which has multiple couches and TVs. The Campus Ministry Lounge is also a great place for students to hang out with other students during the day. The Hammermill Library has multiple floors for students to study, if you would like a quiet place to concentrate. There are also many other spots students enjoy hanging out on campus, and it is up to you to find your favorite!
The Hammermill Library is a great place for students to study in between classes! It is in a convenient location for students to quickly walk to academic buildings such as Old Main, Audrey Hirt Academic Center, and Zurn Hall.
Yes, as long as you are accompanied by a residential student who lives in the building you are visiting. This policy is for the safety of all students. The only exception to this policy is Ryan Hall. Anyone is allowed in Ryan Hall on the first floor, which means you have access to the Ryan Hall lobby, the Anchor Express, and the 501 Grille!
Public campus buildings are typically open until 11 p.m., and all residential halls are card-access only.
Yes! There are lockers available for students commuting to campus, located on the second floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union. Visit the Commuter Student Liaison, Jessica Hubert, in Carolyn Hermann Student Union 201, or email jhubert@mercyhurst.edu to get registered.
Support and Resources
Commuter students have a staff member dedicated to connecting them to resources on campus. The Assistant Director for Leadership & Belonging, Jessica Hubert, can be found in Carolyn Hermann Student Union 201 or can be reached at jhubert@mercyhurst.edu, 814-824-2369.
Yes! The Commuter Student Services Office is a branch of the Campus Involvement Center (CIC), located on the second floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union. The commuter student liaison is the assistant director of leadership & belonging. However, everyone located in the CIC can assist with commuter student needs!
A great resource to utilize if you are struggling with balancing time management is your academic counselor in the Office of Academic Support. Every student is assigned an academic counselor based on their major. However, any of the counselors can assist you with your time management skills! They are located on the first floor of Egan Hall.
Yes! All currently enrolled students are eligible to use campus resources. We recommend visiting the Student Hub and searching for the resource you would like to access to learn more about their services.
Every faculty member holds office hours to meet with students outside of class. Their respective hours will be listed on their course syllabus. If the offered hours do not work with your schedule, you can email them to set up an appointment. Academic Support counselors are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, located on the first floor of Egan Hall.
In the event of an emergency, a variety of emergency notification methods will be employed to alert the university community. The university text alert system (e2Campus), email, and website notices will be the primary methods for ongoing communication after the emergency. Students can register for e2Campus alerts on their Self Service.
Yes! The assistant director for leadership & belonging is the commuter student liaison and is located on the second floor of the Carolyn Hermann Student Union, office 201. You can also email her at jhubert@mercyhurst.edu.
Academics and Support
Commuter students follow the same registration process as all student populations. You will meet with your faculty advisor prior to course registration time to discuss your planned schedule. Students’ registration day/times are assigned based on class standing.
Students can check their grades for current classes on Blackboard and can also view their final grades in their Self-Service portal under the Grades tab.
The first stop should always be your instructor! You can visit their office hours and ask questions, review assignments, clarify confusing topics, and get feedback that typically only the instructor can offer. You can also stop by the Office of Academic Support on the first floor of Egan Hall, and they can help in various ways, including creating plans to improve academic performance, signing up for tutoring or writing services, or connecting you with other campus resources.
Students should talk with their faculty advisor or another faculty member within their program about questions they might have. They also have the option to talk to their student success coach within the Office of Academic Support.
Students should always check their º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø email daily to receive updates from faculty about their individual classes.
Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 814-824-2288 or sfs@mercyhurst.edu to discuss your financial aid options.
Traditional college commuter students will be enrolled in our first-year transition course called IMU 101: Introduction to º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø. In this two-credit course, a staff facilitator, as well as upperclassmen students serving as Laker Leaders, will teach you about skills and specific º£½ÇÂÒÂ×ÉçÇø resources that will help you be a successful college student.
Technology and Campus Access
- Here are instructions on how students connect to Wi-Fi:
- Here are instructions on how to connect to the printers:
Yes! All students can connect to the Wi-Fi on campus.
General-use labs are located in the library.
There are charging stations for phones in the library, Center of Academic Engagement (CAE) 24/7 Lounge, Bookstore, second-floor Zurn, second-floor Hirt, as well as the Carolyn Hermann Student Union first and second floors. Outlets are available throughout campus for charging laptops, but students need their own power adapter for the laptop.
Yes! We encourage students to bookmark important class resources, such as Blackboard and the Hammermill Library website, for easy access. Students also have access to the Microsoft Office suite. We also encourage students to upload their assignments and course materials to their OneDrive.
Yes, there are several general-use labs available in the library, and specialized labs are available in departments.
Campus Involvement Center
Office: Carolyn Hermann Student Union 200
Jessica Hubert
Commuter Student Liaison, Assistant Director for Leadership & Belonging
Office: Student Union 201