Snapshots from the Fringe: Utilizing Photovoice to Discover Commuter Experiences at ONU

Abstract Commuter students can make up about 75% of the student population on university campuses, but researchers have shown that retention is a great challenge among this population. This qualitative research study utilized photovoice to discover the experiences of the commuter population at ONU. Photovoice is a strategy used in participatory action research. Participants submitted photos that reflected their own lived experiences as a commuter student from their perspectives. These photographs, accompanying narratives, and a follow-up focus group led to the discovery of themes and proposed action plans that might improve their experiences. This workshop describes Photovoice and the results of this study