by Alexis Waters

In the old days, doctors would make “house calls” for their sick patients by knocking on their doors and checking on them.

Housing and Residence Life has implemented that same concept by conducting “House Calls” for the past three years now, helped largely by the positive feedback from students and faculty.

During each house call, faculty will advise and ask questions to students pertaining to their academics as well as their experience on campus so that they do not fall under the radar and potentially fall behind.

This program mainly focuses on the interaction between the students, faculty and professors while RAs and hall directors are simply playing host to those professors and faculty members.

“The focus is making sure they’re succeeding in the classroom,” said Mark McNalley, newly hired assistant director of housing for resident education.

The House Calls program will begin next week, on Monday and Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m, and will only take place next week and again during the spring semester in late January or February.

McNalley will meet with faculty and professors a half an hour before the program begins.

This meeting is not a training process, but rather an organizational process where hall assignments will be given and professors and faculty members will get a better understanding of the process and what will occur.

“It may be beneficial for those students afraid to call home but need help,” said Briceton McNair, freshman chemistry major. “They might feel more comfortable taking to professors with more experience.”

He has expressed his enthusiasm for the program since receiving the position in June.

“I’m really enjoying it,” he said. “I finally get to focus on things I really like, such as training RA’s, advising, and being involved with programs that help improve students’ campus life.”

“It can be beneficial to some students,” Jasmine Reid, another freshman, said. “However, some students may dislike it and may not want to be bothered.”

Even with mixed responses, McNalley is enthusiastic about the positive changes this program will create.

“It’s a heads on, pro-active approach before students reach the point of no return,” he said.