An innovative program that ensures new University of Guelph students feel supported at a critical point in their first semester has expanded to offer online support this year.
House Calls volunteers visit a student in residence
For nearly a decade, U of G faculty and staff have volunteered to participate in House Calls, a program run by Student Housing Services that trains volunteers to go door-to-door in U of G residence buildings to check in on students.
"Connecting with students in their homes shows U of G genuinely cares for everyone on our campus," says Patrick Kelly, director of the Residence Life Office. "These check-ins can proactively help someone who may be struggling and make sure they have the help they need."
U of G was the first school in Ontario to create such a program. This year, off-campus students were also invited to a virtual House Call check-in through the Department of Student Experience to see how they're faring at U of G so far.
"By reaching out to all of our students, we're making sure they have a really strong connection to the University," says Daniel Brisebois, coordinator, student transitions and engagement.
Volunteers can refer students to many programs, including academic advisors for those needing help with managing their course work, support services for those with accessibility needs, social organizations at U of G and community mental health services for those struggling with anxiety and other mental health woes.
Investing in U of G student experience
Virtual and in-person House Calls are done in the sixth week of a student's first semester, checking in on them at a time that can be overwhelming for someone adjusting to university life. Many students are heading into their first round of midterms and may be feeling far from home.
"Through House Calls, students feel like they have a faculty or staff member who has specifically reached out to them and is invested in them as a person," Brisebois says. "We can provide timely support in a stressful time, offering positive intervention."
Positive volunteer experience
Estera Lawrance, counsellor in residence in Prairie Hall, makes a point of volunteering for House Calls annually.
"There's so much positive energy when you go around to residences and meet everyone," she says. "First year can be a challenging time for students, and it's great for them to know the school cares and wants to send someone to check on them."
Lawrance says programs like House Calls highlight how U of G works to create a home- away-from-home for students.
"By strengthening relationships overall, we're making a healthier campus for everyone," she says.
Prof. Jonathan Parkes, a sessional lecturer in the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, was encouraged to volunteer for the first time this year. This year, he's also teaching first-year students and said the experience will help him connect with his own students.
"It gives me a great perspective to understand what students are navigating beyond the classroom, like adjusting to life at university, living away from home and meeting new people," he says.
House Calls volunteers connected with 2,363 students in residence this year and 300 students virtually. Virtual House Calls are continuing in the coming weeks to accommodate for students' schedules. Both the in-person and virtual House Calls represent U of G's efforts to build a community for new students and help make them feel at home. Many off-campus students who were not able to be reached have requested to connect with a staff member in the coming weeks, continuing the success of this initiative.
