The Commuter Life Assistant Program matches incoming freshman and transfer commuter
students with a commuter life assistant (CLA) student leader who provides guidance
and support to commuters while creating opportunities for commuters to meet each other
and learn about APU resources and services. The primary goal of a CLA is to help commuter
students adjust to life as APU students, and engage them with academic and personal
development opportunities. CLAs also serve the broader Azusa Pacific community by
working shifts in the Student Union as resources for information and ticketing services,
as well as managing the services provided specifically to commuter students. The position
is available to all students, not just commuter students. The following list describes
the expectations and requirements of the position:
Time commitment: 12+ hours a week
Maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
Adhere to the Student Leadership Covenant
On-/off-campus employment/volunteer work kept to a maximum of 15 hours a week
Sample Time Commitment Per Week
Student Union Desk Hours in Cougar Dome
8-12 hours
Staff Meeting with CLA Staff
1 hour
Meeting with the Director of Commuter Life
1 hour every other week
Programming and Event Planning
1-2 hours
Weekend shift once per month
0-12 hours
Total hours
11-28 hours per week
Application
Are you thinking about becoming a commuter life assistant next year? Apply on Handshake
(create your account; you may also access Handshake through the main menu on home.apu.edu: UG Enrollment Services Center > My Financial Account > Handshake Job Platform).
Matt Browning, EdD, has been at APU, off and on, for nearly 30 years. Matt is passionate
about whole person development for college students. Matt has created programs and
learning opportunities in over 70 countries around the world and is committed to celebrating
diversity, equity, and inclusion in all forms. He is especially proud to work with
the commuter students of APU. He has great respect for the extra effort commuters
exert to succeed in college. Matt lives in, and rides his motorcycle around, Pomona.
He is proud of his strong, God-fearing, and grown daughters Emily and Mary as well
as his granddaughter Aria.
Marlina is a graduate assistant (GA) in her first year of the MS in College Counseling
and Student Development program. She graduated from California State University, San
Bernardino with a BA in Psychology. Before joining APU, Marlina taught a year of 5th
grade in the High Desert. Her hobbies include learning to play new sports, soccer,
playing video games, art, and spending time with her family. Marlina has a passion
for learning and helping others with an understanding heart.
Grace is an out-of-state undergraduate student at APU, currently a senior majoring
in communication management. She enjoys exploring new foods and restaurants, creating
memories with her friends. She also loves watching shows, with her favorite being
the Gilmore Girls series. She’s also open to new show recommendations. Above all,
Grace loves meeting new people and building meaningful friendships. Please stop by
the Cougar Dome and say hi!
Brooke is a freshman at APU. Some of her hobbies are working out, reading, dancing,
and going to the beach. Before coming to APU she was a competitive dancer for 7 years.
She loves iced coffee and her favorite color is navy blue. She lives in Trinity Hall
and is excited to meet all commuter students and make friends with everyone!
Wiley is a junior majoring in accounting at APU. He loves playing volleyball, basketball,
and spending time with friends! He’s from Japan and also watches anime (especially
Hunter Hunter, AOT, etc.) Feel free to talk to him about your favorite shows! Wiley is excited to serve
the commuter community this year and looks forward to creating meaningful memories
together!
McKenna is a senior this year majoring in liberal studies in hopes of becoming an
elementary school teacher. She enjoys playing volleyball, shopping, hanging out with
friends, and traveling. She's looking forward to meeting all of the new commuters
this year and making it an incredible year!
Janvi is a senior majoring in psychology. She’s an international student from the
Philippines and India, and she enjoys swimming, listening to music, hiking, and exploring
new places. She’s excited to connect with fellow commuters and build new experiences
during her senior year!
Bella is a junior majoring in business marketing and minoring in design studies. She
enjoys hanging out with friends, going on hikes, and trying new coffee shops. This
year she’s commuting from Azusa and is so excited to meet other commuters!
Matt is a sophomore as an APU nursing student. Matt’s hobbies consist of playing basketball,
volleyball, drinking boba, hanging out with friends, collecting vinyls, and video
games. He loves New York-style pizza. He also loves the Los Angeles Lakers and enjoys
talking about the NBA, and sports. He currently lives on campus at Trinity Hall. He’s
excited to be a part of the Commuter Life team and can’t wait to meet all the commuters!
Naomi is a junior nursing major at APU. Naomi’s hobbies include playing volleyball
and pickleball, singing karaoke, going to the beach, and getting food and boba with
friends. She currently lives in the Shire Mods and she’s excited to serve the commuter
community this year!
Taylor is a senior, majoring in liberal studies and Honors humanities with a concentration
in special education. She enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, and
hiking. Taylor is looking forward to helping the commuter community and making it
the best experience for them here at APU!
