SIUE Faculty and Staff Check-in with Residents during House Calls

SIUE Faculty and Staff Check-in with Residents during House Calls

On Tuesday, September 9, faculty and staff from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville visited first-year residents in Bluff, Prairie, and Woodland Halls, as well as transfer students in Cougar Village Apartments.

The House Calls program is designed to foster meaningful conversations between students and faculty/staff early in their transition to campus life. The initiative provides residents with the opportunity to connect with a supportive and welcoming face, helping build a sense of community.

This year's event was a success, with 44 campus administrators engaging residents in conversations about adjusting to on-campus living, academics, student programs, organizations, and any concerns they wished to share. This marks University Housing's 22nd year hosting the program.

Director of Clinical Operations, M. Amanda Pittman stated, "House Calls was an energizing way to meet students right where they are. It felt a bit like trick-or-treating, but instead of candy we were greeted with conversations, laughter, and the excitement of new students settling in. By showing up at their doors to say, 'You belong here,' House Calls eases nerves, sparks connections, and reminds students they already have a community cheering them on. Shout-out to Pete, the coolest ESA around!"

First-year student, Kayla Wagner, said, "My experience at SIUE so far has been very helpful, and everyone is very nice and willing to help if needed! it's always helping to connect with staff as well, not just students."

For more information about House Calls, please contact Mallory Sidarous, Director of University Housing at (618) 650-4628 or [email protected].

PHOTO: Sophia Stephens, Savannah Hanner, Kayla Wagner, Sadie Sampson and University Housing Marketing Specialist Bridgette Hemberger