Congratulations to Brooke!

Our heartfelt congratulations go to Brooke, who is graduating this semester with a telecommunications major and a music minor. She joined us at the BSIC three and a half years ago and has been a much valued and appreciated member of our staff since her first shift. She reports she has greatly enjoyed her time here because of the wonderful people she has had the opportunity to work with and get to know. (That’s YOU!)

In January, Brooke will be moving to northeast Pennsylvania to work in the digital production team for Highlights for Children magazine. She anticipates missing the city of Bloomington because its rich and diverse culture is hard to find in so many other places.  It goes without saying that she will miss all the friends she’s made here.  She knows she will also miss all the great restaurants.

Brooke is looking forward to being independent and living completely on her own. (No roommates in her immediate future!) She is understandably a little nervous about moving so far from home and not knowing anyone in her new locale, but she’s also excited to explore, meet new people, and pick up some new hobbies.

As she leaves us, she advises us to use the resources available here at IU.  She firmly believes that our connections can be our most valuable asset. She welcomes this opportunity to say “thank you” to all the good people at the BSIC for always making her feel welcome and allowing her to be herself.

Brooke, we want to say thank you to you! We’re so very glad we had the pleasure of working with you and getting to know you. Do be aware that you won’t be totally alone when you arrive in Pennsylvania because our best wishes are traveling there right along beside you. We are so proud of you and your accomplishments and foresee nothing but a bright and beautiful future ahead of you. Shine on!

Thein Caught in the Act

Rooms were in high demand yesterday, so we were working full speed ahead at the desk. Thein was in the IC, but since her shift wasn't set to begin for some time, she wasn't even clocked in when she noticed a guest waiting at our service desk. Rather than attend to her own affairs, she took it upon herself to step up to our side of the desk and help the waiting guest.

Thank you, Thein, for being so observant and acting upon what you saw. Your attention to our guests' needs and your willingness to help out fellow staff members has been noted.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Value:  People Focused - dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs

Our Guests' Personal Belongings

We're decent people and we want to make our guests happy, right? But sometimes "no" is the answer that serves the greater good, and when that is the case we have to say it.

Yesterday a guest who was returning to campus from the airport wanted to leave his suitcase with us behind the service desk while he went to class. We couldn't honor that request. Nor should we ever accept any personal item any guest wants to give us for safekeeping. We just can't be responsible for their stuff. It's too risky for them and for us. With all our shift changes, it's so easy for personal belongings to get lost. And in the case of the luggage...well, it posed a security risk to everyone in the I.C.

So here is what you do if someone wants to leave their notebook, backpack, business suit, or first-born son with you at the desk:  Say NO.  In a firm but still gentle way, of course. Especially if they want to leave their first-born son.  We don't want to scare the baby.

Room Reservations

Can't find the red Room Reservation notebook?  No worries.  It's missing from the desk because we will no longer be taking reservations from now until the end of the semester.  All rooms are currently on a first-come, first-served basis.  We halt reservations for the last three weeks of each semester because of the high use of the rooms during I-Core and finals times.

Space for Phone Interview

Ever have a desperate looking guest standing in front of you who was trying to find a quiet space for a phone interview?  It definitely happens!  If we have open group rooms, get your supervisor to get his/her take on checking out a room to the individual.  We may be able to make an exception to our "2 or more" rule for group room use.

If all our rooms are full or if an exception can't be made, do tell the person about this space in the Wells Library.  It's set up just for people participating in phone or video interviews. It will be ready for use later on this week.

Semester/Holiday Break

Welcome back!  I hope you had a great Thanksgiving break. With its end, we've now entered this semester's final stretch.  Know that you are responsible for your shifts through the last day of finals week (Dec. 16).  Please post sub notices several days ahead of time for any shifts you need to miss.

During the break, the IC will be open the weeks of Dec. 19-23 and Jan. 3-6.  If you plan to be around and would like to work some during the break, please let me know (treynold@indiana.edu).

Natalie Caught in the Act

When the instructions detailing how to use our scanner disappeared, Natalie volunteered to make new ones.  Thank you, Natalie!  Your expertise with our scanner and your initiative in taking steps to make sure our guests can comfortably use it are gratefully appreciated.  You have been Caught in the Act!

Core Values: People Focused (dedicated to personal, staff, and community needs); and Knowledge (committed to learning more and being better