House Calls Volunteer Training

When is this happening? Monday, January 25 (6:30 – 8pm, with a pizza dinner at 5:45) Wednesday, January 27 (6pm to 7:30 pm, with a pizza dinner served at 5:15). You will be notified of which building you have been assigned to via email. If you are serving on the east side of campus, you will report to Appalachian Hall. If you are serving on the west side of campus, you will report to Newland Hall.

University Housing Mission, Vision, and Values We provide students with convenient, well-maintained housing and foster a learning-oriented community that creates connections and opportunities for meaningful experiences. Vision We strive to provide safe and sustainable housing for the Appalachian community and create a learning-centered home that engages residents to become active citizens of the world. Values Caring Dedication Inclusiveness Integrity Learning Caring: We put the best interests of our students first and demonstrate compassion in our interactions with others. Dedication: We work hard and take the extra step to get the job done. Inclusiveness: We seek to give voice to the diversity of the Appalachian community. Integrity: We do what we say we do and make ethical decisions. Learning: We develop by listening, asking, reading, reflecting, and experimenting.

House calls: Our Purpose To get acquainted with other ASU staff/faculty we may not know Live out our mission, vision, and values To show genuine care for our students Meet students where they are Provide them resources to be successful both on and off campus (safety, involvement, awareness, etc.)

Expectations Wear a name tag and T-shirt (will be handed out prior to starting) Take note of which students you spoke with by highlighting their name on the roster. This is crucial. Spend no more than 5-7 minutes talking to each student—if you get a room with two students in it, 5-7 minutes is also an acceptable amount of time to speak with both. If you have safety concerns about students, write down the students: First and Last Name Building Name Room Number Any notes you wish Suzette

Your Role as a Volunteer Each group will have 2-3 people You will meet either in App Hall or Newland Hall and we will divide you from there into your groups and be given the necessary supplies for the evening (highlighter, roster, phone amplifier, etc.) Either the Hall Supervisor or a designated RA from that building will be there to let you in to the building Roles that are important: Someone to carry the phone amplifiers (1 per students you speak with) Someone to note which students were reached & note student concern (if any) Someone to knock on doors and initiate conversation

Suggested Talking Points Your Name and Role at ASU Ask how they are doing Ask what year at ASU (probably first-year) Ask how their break was Ask what their major is Ask about their involvements on-campus How did their last semester go? (homesickness, grades, connection to campus community, etc) How are they feeling about this semester? (course load, involvements, do they need to be connected to resources?) Do they feel comfortable talking to their professors if they’re struggling? Do they have any concerns? Based on answers, give suggestions for resources (counseling center, writing center, LAP, academic advising, etc) Give business card, connect with resources, etc. You will be given a list of resources in your supplies for the night. Remember: this is a conversation, you are trying to get to know them. Let it flow!

What are some situations you may encounter during house calls? Potential situations What are some situations you may encounter during house calls?

Scenario 1 Scenario: You knock on the door and no one appears to be home Appropriate response: move on, think about stopping by again before you leave for the evening.

Scenario 2 Scenario: Student is really hesitant/apprehensive to speak with you Appropriate response: People are most comfortable when talking about themselves. Try asking them what their interests are and how they are feeling about school (see talking points slide for guidance)

Scenario 3 Scenario: Scenario: Student is talkative and wants to have a much longer conversation than this event allows. Appropriate response: Bring conversation to a natural conclusion and give your business card or offer to connect the student with someone else for a continued conversation.

Suspicious Activity If you have concerns for a student or believe a policy violation is taking place, contact the RA on duty. Suzette

People Who Can Help The RA on Duty may not be at the desk while you are there, but they will have their buildings phone on them. You will be provided with that number upon arrival. ASU Police Non-Emergency 828-262-2150 Suzette

What to do when you’re finished Go back to either App Hall or Newland Hall for some App Cookie Co and to return your supplies from the evening!

Questions? Email Ashley Holland (hollandae@appstate.edu)