Monday, June 19, 2006
Current students help new students ease the transition to USI
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Residence Life recently completed the first period of an initiative on behalf of Student Affairs in which admitted new students are contacted by phone in an attempt to make the transition to USI easier. Julie Payne, director of Residence Life, said that a phone bank made up of student ambassadors, AMIGOs, and resident assistants is calling new students to ask if they have questions about coming to USI. If they are unable to answer a question, they refer it to the appropriate office. “From athletics to academics, the departments receiving the referrals have been doing an outstanding job of getting back to students,” Payne said. About 4,200 new students had been admitted to the University when the initiative began. Callers were able to contact 98 percent and spoke to 73 percent. Payne said the program was initiated in order to help students “take care of business ahead of time.” “Sometimes they come to campus and are overwhelmed by all they have to do,” she said. “Residence Life has new deadlines, and we didn’t want students to get taken off guard. Also, orientation sessions are filling up fast.” The effort also is designed to help with yield and retention. “This is a great opportunity to make a connection with students so they know we care about helping them make a successful transition. That’s why we did this and why we’ll continue to do it.” |
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