A new pilot program launched this semester that encourages students to be involved in campus life began in Buc Ridge through an auction. The auction aims to foster community and engagement in Buc Ridge, with plans to expand into more residence halls.
Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives in Housing and Residence Life Robert Minton shared the details of the program.
Students earn Auction Bucs to use in the auctions by attending campus events. “For example, our RAs at Buc Ridge will go to an event, and they’ll invite their residents to go with them. They may be able to pick up 100 Auction Bucs just for going to an event that that’s already happening somewhere,” shared Minton.
Auction Bucs are stored in a virtual bank account and students can save up for future bids. Prizes range from ETSU merchandise to gift baskets. Prizes have been donated by several campus partners, such as Leadership and Civic Engagement, the Department of Housing and Residence Life and Sodexo.
Minton shared that the auction scheduled for after spring break gained traction before the break with an influx of student registrations. “The numbers went from just a few, to 60 to now over 100 students,” said Minton.
Buc Ridge’s success in the auction gives Minton hope for a successful expansion into other campus housing, especially next fall as freshmen move in.
“What we want to do is get students involved in things that are already happening,” shared Minton. “When people get involved, they’re more likely to stay here, more likely to go to class and more likely to graduate.”
Buc Ridge staff and RAs are currently planning their end-of-year event, which will be an opportunity for residents to gain more Auction Bucs. A date has yet to be set for the event, but Minton shared it will be at the end of April.
