Students who have no means of transportation can still find their way to Dallas to experience all “Big D” has to offer.
“For students who don’t have cars, or have good friends with cars, they’re locked into Commerce, and as much as there is wonderful things going here at the University, you do want to get out once in a while,” Dr. Deborrah Hebert, dean of student affairs, said.
Hebert, who is in charge of the program, said the reason for the creation of this is so students – particularly international students with no cars – can have something to do when there’s nothing else going on.
“It’s such a shame to be so close to Dallas and not take advantage of that. Between the museums and the shopping, the groceries and the restaurants, there’s so many things to do,” Hebert said.
On Oct. 27 and Nov. 17, Texas A&M University-Commerce students, faculty and staff will be able to travel – by mini-bus and vans on reserve through the University – to Garland, where they can then catch a ride on the DART Rail Station.
All it will cost is $5, minus the cost of DART fare. Those participating will have to sign a waiver relieving the University of responsibility. Students must sign-up and make their payment at the Candy Corner on the second floor of the Memorial Student Center before the Oct. 24 deadline for the first trip.
“This will give them the opportunity to see more and do more than just what’s available on campus,” Hebert said. “I’m hoping that they’ll make some new friends and get to know some people.”
Although organized by the University, students are responsible for themselves. Once they arrive in Garland, it is up to them where they go, so it’s best to have some idea of a destination or location, Hebert said.
An e-mail was sent Oct. 8 letting students and faculty know about the program. In addition to informing students, faculty and staff, there is also a link on the e-mail that gives additional information about the DART Rail System, events going on in Dallas, and well as points of interest.
On the mornings of the trips, participants will meet in the front of the West Halls Office at 8:30 a.m. The buses/vans will leave from there at 9 a.m. sharp. The busses will wait until 11 p.m., the departure time, for student’s arrival off the Dart.
Trips will need to meet a minimum of five participants or they will be canceled and money refunded.
The popularity of these trips, along with the goings on of the University, will determine how many trips will be planned and when.
“This may be the kind of thing you only do once a semester,” Hebert said.