DeKALB | Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services unveiled its new commuter lounge Wednesday.

At the event, Vice President of Student Affairs Brian Hemphill presented a brief address along with Holmes Student Center director Mitch Kielb, and Troy Melendez, director of Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services. They elaborated on the new services the department will provide as well as the direction the department will take to improve the experience of commuter and non-traditional students.

“We hope that this [commuter lounge] becomes your home away from home,” Kielb said. “We really look forward to you being here and making this your home base.”

This is the second year Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services has been in operation. Previously run out of Neptune North, the department’s office is now located in the basement of the Holmes Student Center, along with the new commuter lounge.

“It was important for us to establish this particular office because it is so key to one of our core values, which is about student-centered services,” Hemphill said.

Hemphill assured the department will continue their commitment to non-traditional and commuter students. He said the ground-breaking for the new housing for students with dependents, to be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 12, will make as powerful of a statement as the development of the campus childcare facility.

“I want to make the trip worthwhile,” said Vicente Fernandez, a senior history major and commuter student. “I think it’s good for commuter students because we usually just go to class then go home. Sometimes as a commuter you feel kind of lost on campus. You don’t feel like you’re a part of it, but with this it makes you feel like you’re a part of the university.”

Dan Stone is a Campus Reporter for the Northern Star.