By: Rilee Knott & Matt Bertram
Welcome to Carolina! My name is Rilee, and today I’ll be introducing you to an essential part of campus life: service desks. These desks are a vital part of the Carolina Housing experience, and chances are, you’ll engage with them often during your time here. Understanding how they work and what they offer will help you make the most of this valuable resource.
A service desk serves as a central point of activity and support within each residential community. While no two service desks are exactly alike, they all share the same core purpose: to assist students and provide helpful resources. Not every residence hall has its own desk, so be aware that your community’s designated service desk may be located in a nearby building rather than your own.
When you stop by a service desk, you’ll be greeted by a student staff member known as an Office Assistant, or OA. These OAs are part of the Carolina Housing team and are trained to provide a range of support services. They’re a great point of contact whenever you need help, have a question, or simply want to connect with someone who’s knowledgeable and welcoming. If you’re interested in becoming an OA yourself, keep an eye on your email and Carolina Housing’s social media channels—we hire for this role at least once a year, and it’s a rewarding opportunity to engage with your community and build valuable skills.
Service desks provide a wide range of helpful services designed to make your life on campus easier. You can check out items like sports equipment, hammocks, cleaning supplies, and tools to loft or deloft your bed. If you find yourself locked out of your room, the service desk can issue a temporary replacement key to get you back inside quickly. Additionally, the OAs are there to offer general information and guidance, whether you’re looking for housing policy details, directions, or support with other concerns.
To get the most out of your service desk, take the time to introduce yourself to the OAs and don’t hesitate to ask questions. They’re here to help, and following any procedures they outline will help ensure everything runs smoothly. These desks exist to support you, so take full advantage of what they offer—and always remember to show appreciation for the OAs who work hard to enhance your experience at Carolina.