FCLC's Commuter Freshmen Mentors

In a previous post I wrote about getting involved as a commuter on campus. I mentioned that every incoming commuter to FCLC is assigned to a Commuter Freshmen Mentor group, but I didn't go into detail about exactly what the CFM program is. As a CFM to a great group of freshmen, I wanted to shed some light onto this program that we are so proud of at FCLC.

2011/2012 CFMs

This year, the Commuter Freshmen Mentor program consists of 13 upperclassmen commuters who guide new students through their first year of college by maintaining a connection with them throughout most of the year. Previously, the program would only last during the fall semester, but due to its success, it is now being extended though March. The reason behind the CFM program is to help freshmen transition to college not only as students, but as commuters as well. Being a commuter has its ups and downs (so does being a resident); as commuters ourselves, the CFMs know this first hand. Going to college can be one of the most transitional times in a person's life, many students choose to dorm and this usually comes as a huge change to them - they are away from family and friends at home and they experience freedom that comes along with being a resident on campus. However, commuters are never very far from home. We must balance our home lives and our college lives at the same time - many of us deal with factors such as curfews, household responsibilities, and jobs near home among many others.

Having a CFM is a great resource for new commuting students, they can relate to us because we deal with many of the same things that they do, plus, we've gone through the transition period as freshmen ourselves. I'm a CFM because I want new commuter students to feel as if they are a part of the Fordham community; as a part of my job I hold office hours when my freshmen can come and speak to me (I've helped a few of them with their spring semester schedules), I send out weekly emails so that my freshmen are always in the know about what's happening on campus, and I host outings for my CFM group. Recently, I took my group for a trip to the Waffles and Dinges cart in front of the Time Warner Center, they loved it! We has a great time and I was so happy with the turnout, but most of all, I was glad to see these new students making connections and bonding as a group. The CFM program is constantly expanding and improving and I can't wait to see where it goes in the coming years.