Quote:
Originally Posted by Leslie Anne
*Edited to add: I just remembered something else that bothered the collegians. Keep the door to the office/suite open as much as possible. You'd be amazed what adding a simple, friendly sign to the front of the door can do. Buying or making a sign that reads something like "Welcome! Come right in!" makes it easier for the collegians. If privacy is needed for a time during the day, post another sign letting the collegians know what's going on. Finding a closed door and not knowing if the Housemother was there, busy, or whatever really frustrated the collegians numerous times. It may sound silly and trivial, but it can make a big difference.
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I agree with everything Leslie Anne posted, but especially this part! I never had a House Director/House Mom in school, but have hired three of them previously. Even if the chapter members never come in to chat, it's important that they feel welcome to do so if they wish. If the HD's door is always closed, or if it's open and rooms are dark, it simply doesn't create a welcoming atmosphere. Along those lines, and I hate to even have to say this, the HD should understand that she is responsible for keeping her living area neat and clean even if you have house staff doing the heavy cleaning in her living area.
The chapter's Property Manager/House Officer and Chapter President should know how to reach the HD in case of emergency (AND know what actually constitutes an emergency! Failure of major physical plant system = emergency. Kitchen staff doesn't show up = emergency. Lightbulb burned out = no emergency. Cable goes out = frustrating inconvenience but no emergency.) The HD should also know who the House Officer and Chapter President is and have their phone numbers, class/work schedules, email addresses, etc. in case she must reach them in an true emergency situation. She also should know who her direct contact is with the Corporation, instead of calling multiple people for various reasons.
Other than that, from a contract perspective she should be sure that her vacation and personal time is clearly outlined in her contract (number of days, any "blackout" dates, specific policy on requesting time off). She should have a private residence including bathroom, local phone and cable/internet access; her own designated parking place, information on any required meetings and reporting, and training provided by the local Corp (so there are no questions down the road about the scope of her duties). If the sorority publishes a House Director Manual she should receive a copy of it upon hire.