Students Receive Warm Welcome from Administrators During House Calls Event
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville freshmen and transfer students were paid a special visit on Tuesday, Aug. 30 by approximately 70 faculty, staff and administrators who offered a personal welcome and words of encouragement during University Housing’s 12th annual House Calls event.
Volunteers, including Chancellor Randy Pembrook, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple and Interim Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker, knocked door-to-door to ask students about their first week of classes, answer questions and hand out a sweet treat.
“This event offered a special opportunity to individually welcome our newest students,” said Waple. “We’re excited that the academic year is underway, and want to be sure that these students are aware of the many resources available to them to ensure a successful student experience.”
Students in 33 wings throughout the first year residence halls, along with those in the transfer Focused Interest Community (FIC), were included in the welcome event. The FIC sections were greeted by faculty and staff directly connected to their study areas.
“We want this to be empowering for residents. An effort is made to assign faculty and staff to some specific communities of students they may work with,” explained Vicky Dean, assistant director for residential education and House Calls coordinator. “It’s exciting to see bonds begin to form between students in their community as they talk about their experiences so far.”
Photos: Freshman Javon Williams, of St. Louis, receives a sweet treat from Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple (middle) and Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook during the annual House Calls event.
Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook visits with freshmen students Kelly Wrap, of Chesterfield, Mo., Mendon native Marisa Blickhan, Mattie Stanley, of Herrin, and Lauren Gralewski, of Roscoe.
