By Hannah Melcher
Bellarmine prides itself on hospitality. Its pineapple seal represents the university’s concern for every individual who steps foot on campus.
Katy McWhorter said Hall Hosts are a prospective student’s first introduction to the welcoming atmosphere Bellarmine provides.
“We are the first faces that prospective students meet, so it is our job to welcome them and show them why Bellarmine is our home,” said McWhorter, who serves on the Hall Host Leadership Team.
Hall Hosts work closely with the Admissions Office, serving as assistants to the counselors.
There are 21 students who are a part of the program.
Each week, Hall Hosts are required to complete at least six hours of work.
“Most of our time is spent giving tours or sitting desk in Admissions,” McWhorter said.
McWhorter said Hall Hosts usually give only one tour a week, but Covid has required them to make adjustments.
“We can’t have two people sitting desk anymore because of social distancing,” McWhorter said. “So now most of our Hall Hosts are giving extra tours throughout the week.”
Reed Sparta, who also serves on the Hall Host Leadership Team, said campus tours are a huge part of a Hall Host’s responsibilities.
“We want to make students feel comfortable being here,” Sparta said. “And we want to make sure they get enough information and knowledge about Bellarmine for themselves.”
Giselle Arana-Garcia said tours are her favorite part of the job because no two are alike.
“During one of my first tours, I went off on a tangent about how great the waffles are in the dining hall,” Arana-Garcia said. “And afterwards the family told me they really enjoyed my energy and my passion for Bellarmine.”
Arana-Garcia said the tours allow her to show each prospective student why Bellarmine is important to her.
“That impact you make on a student’s experience means so much at the end of the day,” Arana-Garcia said.
Covid has also prevented Hall Hosts from housing prospective students overnight. They usually serve as hosts to students up to six times a semester.
Hall Hosts must attend each event the Admissions Office holds for prospective students.
“Preview Day, All Knighter, and KnightU are some of our bigger events,” McWhorter said. “Those tours are usually much larger, so we are able to connect with many more students and their families.”
Arana-Garcia said being a Hall Host can feel overwhelming but overall it is an incredible experience.
“Our supervisors work well with us to make sure we are staying on top of everything,” Arana-Garcia said. “They know how stressful it can be, and they want us to still prioritize our academics as well.”
Arana-Garcia said the community Hall Hosts fosters makes a great working environment..
“Everyone is so eager to help or pick up shifts if needed. We are always looking out for one another,” Arana-Garcia said.
Zach Shea said the community aspect makes being a Hall Host special.
“The first thing I thought after joining the team,” Shea said, “was that there are so many new friendships to be made.”
Shea said his favorite memories as a Hall Host are spent bonding with the rest of the team.
“Last semester, we had a big bonfire where we all sat and talked with each other,” Shea said. “And during each desk shift, there will always be other Hall Hosts around the office to chat and share stories with.”
Hall Hosts are also responsible for maintaining a positive attitude about Bellarmine.
This positivity is what Arana-Garcia said inspired her to become a Hall Host.
“Shelby Sullivan, who oversees the Hall Host program, was the first person I met here as a prospective student,” Arana-Garcia said. “She was so vibrant, and you could tell how much she loved it here.”
For students who want to become Hall Hosts, there are many attributes they must possess, Sparta said.
“Hall Hosts need to love Bellarmine,” Sparta said. “Have good public speaking skills, be energetic, passionate, and honest about their experience here.”
Students who are interested in applying for Hall Host can submit an application through Engage by Feb. 15.
Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA, abide by the Student Code of Conduct and have a flexible schedule.
The interview process begins with group interviews where students participate in teamwork activities, such as improv games and skits. Students are then selected for individual interviews with admissions counselors.
Once selected, Hall Hosts are required to complete a week-long training prior to the beginning of each fall semester.
During training, Hall Hosts practice conducting tours, hear from their supervisors and learn tips from their Leadership Team.
Sparta said the Hall Host program is looking forward to welcoming new members this fall.
“We are always looking to share our love and passion for Bellarmine,” Sparta said. “And we are looking for more students who feel the same to join the team.”
Sparta said she challenges applicants to be authentic throughout the interview process.
“Be true to yourself. I know it sounds cliche, but we genuinely want people to be honest and authentic throughout the process,” Sparta said.
Hall Hosts receive a room in Anniversary Hall that is 50% subsidized. They are also paid for any additional shifts or tours they pick up beyond their six mandated hours each week.
McWhorter said she is passionate about the Hall Host program and its ability to develop a welcoming environment on campus.
“I used to be a Bellarmine cheerleader,” McWhorter said. “But this is a new form of being one. I am still rooting for Bellarmine, but I am now rooting for the new students who we hope to join us.”