Faculty, staff volunteers needed for After Office Hours
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 28, 2026) — For many students, the transition to college comes with new routines, new challenges and new opportunities.
To help those students build connections and access support, the Office of Residence Life — housed in the University of Kentucky Office for Student Success — is once again bringing resources directly into residence halls through After Office Hours (AOH).
“Move-in is our first opportunity to show students and families the care and hospitality that define UK. But that support cannot end once boxes are unpacked,” said Justin Blevins, assistant vice president for the residential experience. “AOH is another way we wrap resources and relationships around our students. We want them to feel comfortable asking for help, understand the support available to them and know they made the right choice in coming to a university with heart.”
Each fall semester, Residence Life welcomes colleagues from across the university into residence halls after traditional business hours to connect directly with students. Through AOH, students can engage with faculty, staff and campus leaders in a comfortable, familiar environment.
Conversations range from adjusting to college life and finding academic support to exploring personal interests, career goals and campus involvement opportunities. By bringing support into students’ living spaces, the program makes it easier for students to build connections across campus.
“AOH helps make a large university feel smaller and more personal,” said Kenyatta Jeter, associate director for Residence Life. “Even a brief conversation can help a student discover a resource, become more confident asking for assistance or begin a relationship that supports their success at UK. It also gives faculty and staff a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from students about their interests, aspirations and needs.”
AOH will take place from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Volunteers should be prepared to answer questions on topics such as:
- Academic advising and success strategies
- Campus resources and support services
- Building relationships with faculty
- Getting involved on campus
- Safety and wellness resources
- Personal needs and student life
Those interested in volunteering, or learning more about the program, can submit a volunteer form by Sept. 4.
You can also contact Kenyatta Jeter at kenyatta.jeter@uky.edu or 859-323–4626.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.