For students adjusting to life away from home, a quick visit from a friendly face can help a lot. During Student Housing’s annual House Calls initiative, faculty and staff volunteers visit students in residence to check-in, share resources and hear how the first few weeks of University have gone.
In past years, with great support from volunteers, the House Calls program has managed to have community members knock on the door of every residence room on campus and speak with over 2,200 of our 4,800 residence students.
Through the program, volunteers may identify individuals who need support getting involved in University activities or connect students with resources to make their University experience better.
“House Calls really helps build that community of caring at U of G,” says Irene Thompson, director (student housing services). “It supports our students’ mental health and creates valuable connections between students and those who work here.”
This semester’s House Calls program runs October 1 to 3 from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Patrick Kelly, associate director (residence life), says “The program shows students that we care about their well-being and their success here at the University of Guelph.”
Volunteers receive a light dinner and orientation before being paired with a Residence Life advisor and heading out to knock on doors in our residence buildings.
Interested in helping out? Register by 4 p.m. on Sept. 27.
Volunteer for House Calls
October 1, 2 and 3 | 5:30 – 8 p.m.
- Open to faculty, staff and alumni volunteers (student leaders are invited to participate in the winter session)
- Overview of the program and a light dinner provided
- Partner up with Residence Life staff to visit students in residence
- Volunteers are welcome to participate in as many or as few nights as they are able
- Register by 4 p.m. on Sept. 27
- Volunteers will receive confirmation on Sept. 28 indicating where to meet
Contact Patrick Kelly at pkelly03@uoguelph.ca for more information.