Zoom screen featuring SOC members

Meet the New Student Outreach Coordinators

April 12, 2021 | |

In February 2021, Off-Campus Student Life launched the Student Outreach Coordinator (SOC) program to help build connection and dialogue with off-campus students through a variety of peer-based platforms.  

Funded with a grant from the Triad Foundation, Executive Director for Off-Campus Student Life Aaron Bachenheimer started the program as a community-building resource for off-campus students, non-student neighbors and the broader Chapel Hill-Carrboro community.  

“Our Student Outreach Coordinators are working to make fellow students aware of expectations for living in neighborhoods off campus, and to support them when they have the inevitable questions or concerns related to living in an off-campus environment,” said Bachenheimer. 

Examples of outreach programs the students have started include: conducting presentations for recognized student organizations on living off campus; connecting students who have received loud party/noise warnings with resources and information to prevent a second incident; and “Ask the SOC,” an e-form where students can submit questions and concerns related to living off campus and get personalized responses. They also help amplify the office’s social media platforms.  

Meet this semester’s Student Outreach Coordinators! 

Kenechukwu Uwajeh  

Class of 2023, Psychology Major 

Hometown: Matteson, Illinois  

Why did you want to be a member of the SOC team? 

After leaving my position as an RA last fall, I wanted to continue connecting with Carolina students and make their experiences more enjoyable despite the pandemic. The SOC team was the perfect transition, and it also came at the perfect time. Additionally, the position provides me the opportunity to expand my network and my impact at Carolina. 

What is one piece of advice you would give a student who currently lives off-campus or is considering living off-campus?  

I would advise them to stay connected with the Off-Campus Student Life Office! It is extremely resourceful and is a useful tool to learn the ins and outs of off campus living.  

Where is your go-to study space on or off-campus?  

My go-to study space at UNC is the first floor of the Undergraduate Library. It is the place that I get the most work done, plus it has a nice view of the pit area.  

Sophia Janken 

Class of 2021, Sociology and Hispanic Literatures and Cultures Major 

Hometown: Chapel Hill, N.C. 

Why did you want to be a member of the SOC team? 

I wanted to be a member of the SOC team because as a Carolina student and native of Chapel Hill, the community is very special to me. I wanted to be a resource for my peers and work to help students and non-students in the community feel respected and included.  

What is one piece of advice you would give a student who currently lives off-campus or is considering living off-campus?  

One piece of advice I would give to off-campus students is to take walks around your neighborhood and surrounding areas! 

Name one of your favorite things about Carolina. 
One of my favorite things about Carolina is the Arboretum.  

Myioshi Williams 

Class of 2021, Exercise and Sports Science Major 

Hometown: Miami and Houston 

Why did you want to be a member of the SOC team? 

To feel closer to campus and the student population. I genuinely enjoy helping people work through their issues and going about them the best way possible.  

What is one piece of advice you would give a student who currently lives off-campus or is considering living off-campus?  

Communicate with your roommate(s) and set boundaries.  

Where is your go-to study space on or off-campus?  

Coker Arboretum  

Austin Geer 

Class of 2023, Biochemistry and Psychology Major 

Hometown: Anderson, S.C. 

Why did you want to be a member of the SOC team? 

I applied to be a member of the SOC team because I believe in the importance of engaging students, with an emphasis of those who are off campus. During this time, I believe that it is important to continue to check on students and ensure mental wellbeing during this exceptionally difficult year.  

What is one piece of advice you would give a student who currently lives off-campus or is considering living off-campus?  

Create a budget by meeting with the financial advisors in the Office of Scholarships and Student Aid! 

Where is your go-to study space on or off-campus?  

I love to study at the tables right outside of Lenoir! 

Kayla McLaurin (she/her) 

Class of 2022Journalism Major, African American Studies and Social & Economic Justice Minor 

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C. 

Why did you want to be a member of the SOC team? 

I joined the SOC team because I wanted to help other off-campus students as we all find ways to navigate life off campus and through the pandemic. I think it’s very easy to begin to feel extremely isolated if you’re not in Chapel Hill or even living on campus, so I wanted to help connect students with resources to prevent that isolation and spread helpful information about COVID, so hopefully, we can safely return in the fall. I was also an RA, so it’s fun for me to still be able to connect with students. 

What is one piece of advice you would give a student who currently lives off-campus or is considering living off-campus?  

I’d say, don’t be afraid to get to know your neighbors and the community you are living in. Most times, it’s more helpful to have that connection because you can become a support system for one another. Also, knowing your neighbors makes you more understanding to their situations and potentially reduces conflict in the long run. 

Where is your go-to study space on or off-campus?  

I’m a sucker for a good study spot! I love going to coffee shops and bookstores. Since some of the COVID restrictions are being lifted, you can find more and more shops opening public seating. A coffee shop I recommend in Carrboro is Johnny’s Gone Fishing (They’ve reopened under a new name – Present On Main).The managers are good friends of mine and the art located in and around the shop is amazing! Tell them Kayla sent you ;)! 

Sharing and printing options: