Last Tuesday, a welcome back social was hosted for first-and-second-year commuting students.

The party, which was hosted by the DU- organization “DUIT,” a student involvement team, was held at Spanky’s Road House Grille.

Free food and drinks were provided as an incentive to get commuting students more involved in the DU community.

Ten percent of DU students commute to campus every day.

However, according to Malorie Stroud, a freshman and an intern with DUIT, trying to “accommodate commuter student needs is hard.”

“With commuter students, it’s not always convenient to wait around or drive home during rush hour,” said Stroud.

Some students feel that programs such as Discoveries have helped them feel more comfortable in the DU community.

“I met several people through the commuter things and I rushed a sorority,” said Catherine Pheasant, a freshman, “I don’t really feel like I’m missing out on anything except roommates waking me up at night when I have 8 a.m. class.”

However, others feel not living in the dorms is in large part the reason they feel left out of the DU community.

“It’s hard because everyone else has the built-in social aspect of the dorms,” said Stroud.

This commuter social was set up by Amanda Stone Norton, the first year experience coordinator with DUIT and in partnership with Melissa Martinez from academic advising.

DUIT primarily aims “to get students involved through activities around campus,” Stroud said.

DUIT@du.edu is an e-mail address set up this year for new and commuting students.

Interns at DUIT answer questions of any nature regarding DU within 24-hours.

However, only about 25 students have utilized this resource so far this year.

Also, the study abroad ice cream social has been successful in bringing commuting and non-commuting first and second year students together to discuss aspects of going abroad.