University’s New Commuter Lounge Fosters Community

Darby Brown ’25, president of the University of New Haven’s Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA), has had a vision for creating a new Commuter Lounge since starting in her position nearly 18 months ago.

"Last year, USGA passed the motion to use reserve funds to help finance the renovation of the new bookstore and this Commuter Lounge," she shared at a recent ribbon-cutting for the new space. “It’s amazing to see that vision come to life and to see it impact our community.”

As a student leader, Darby was determined to help enhance the experience for the growing number of commuter students. "Our mission is to advocate for our student body, to make campus a second home for everyone, including our commuter peers,” she said.

For Darby and her classmates in USGA, dedicating a space for commuters to gather, study, and connect was crucial. “Not only is it important that people find their second home here," she added, "but also that there’s a physical space where those communities can meet and grow.”

The new lounge, centrally located on campus near Maxcy Hall and Gehring Hall, and steps away from the newly renovated bookstore, symbolizes the University’s commitment to every Charger.

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., emphasized this dedication during the event, sharing, “The University is deeply committed to commuter students, and we want each of you to have the full University experience. This lounge, in the heart of campus, will help you form relationships and lean into the Charger experience.”

'I’m excited to see our commuter community further grow with this new space’

Brandon Woods, associate director for the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation (CSELO), also recognized the work of commuter assistants (CAs), who play a pivotal role in connecting commuter students to campus resources.

Calling them forward, Woods said, “I’d like to publicly thank our commuter assistants and have them present President Frederiksen with a ‘Commuter Essentials’ bag, just like the ones we give to all commuter students.”

For students such as Kayla Batista ’26, a CA, the Commuter Lounge is now a lively space where she can pass along the knowledge and camaraderie she experienced with her sister, a former student.

“When I first started here, I remember stepping into the old lounge,” Kayla said. “It was quiet and didn’t feel like a place to stay. Now, it’s filled with laughter and conversation—it’s so much fun to see that transformation.”

For students coming from all over, such as Kayla, the lounge provides both a home base and a welcoming community. “I wanted to help make a change, and I’m excited to see our commuter community further grow with this new space,” she shared.

'This space is more than just a lounge; it’s a community’

For USGA, the investment in the Commuter Lounge reflects their commitment to creating spaces that serve all students. As Darby explained, “This was a big ask for USGA, but we believed it was a great investment in the student experience for future Chargers.”

Her efforts were applauded by Greg Overend, executive director of CSELO and the adviser to USGA, who noted the years of planning that went into making the lounge a reality.

“When we first spoke to Darby about this idea, she took it to heart and recognized the impact this space would have on our commuters,” Overend said. “She led the discussion and helped guide the vote to make this space a reality.” For Overend, the lounge is the culmination of hard work, cooperation, and a shared vision across students, faculty, and administration.

The transformation of the space has been met with enthusiasm. “This space is more than just a lounge; it’s a community,” said Darby. "And it’s one we’re incredibly proud to have helped build.”

In the words of President Frederiksen, the Commuter Lounge underscores the University's promise: “We’re here to support you, to make sure that every student feels they belong, and that Charger Nation is a home for each one of you.”