Temple University is no longer a commuter school?
This is my third year as a professor at Temple University. I’ve heard stories that our heritage includes many years with a reputation as a commuter school–one that has been more recently shed with year-round classes and a vastly increased amount of on-campus and near-campus housing.
Yesterday, Philadelphia was hit with a snow, sleet, snow storm. As the weather worsened Temple University cancelled all evening classes (after 5pm). Overnight, there was another 12-15 inches of snow.
When I left my house about 9am, Temple University was open despite SEPTA bus service being suspended and the SEPTA trains running an average of 30+ minutes late (if at all). Many cities street–including Broad Street–are poorly plowed as well.
I’m quite surprised that no classes are cancelled today. All I can conclude is that on main campus of Temple University, at least, that the majority of students must now live within walking distance of campus.
Update: Then again, maybe not. Just saw a message on a faculty email list saying that only “4 out of 40 students made it to an 8am class” this morning.
Another Update: Or, maybe so… another anecdote: “started my class as usual at 8 am today. 7 students were there (out of 9).”
I’ve had a handful of students (out of 45) let me know ahead of this evening’s class that they have transportation challenges.
Final Update: Last night I had the lightest attendance I’ve ever had for a class at Temple — only about 1/2 the students where there. This morning Temple is opening 2 hours late (10am)–pretty much acknowledging a blown call yesterday.
Steven L. Johnson
Wouldn’t these numbers imply that Temple University continues to be a Commuter School? I am an alumnus and have many friends that are currently finishing up their degrees. According to them, the majority of students live off campus or out of the city as a whole despite the boom in housing in the near neighborhoods and campus housing.
I think you’re right Jose.
The majority of main campus students probably do live “commuting” distance, but the percentage in walking distance of campus is growing. I’d be curious to know what percentage of students enrolled in main campus classes live on or near campus.
According to the Temple. U. website, there are 39,000 students across all 9 campuses (that includes US and abroad). An email from the CFO yesterday said, “nearly 13,000 students living on or near campus, including the 5,000 students living in university residence halls.”