RPS offers new chat online help service

Residential Programs and Services has started a new program to help current and prospective students with their housing and dining questions.

RPS Help is an online chat that allows people to connect with RPS staff after business hours, said Pam Sprong, assistant director for marketing and communications. The tool is available from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Not only can it be used by students on campus with questions or concerns about their rooms, but Sprong said the tool can be utilized by people overseas who might be looking for campus housing.

“We get questions about everything,” she said.

Since the beginning of the semester, RPS has notified students of the chat services in the RPS e-newsletter, In Touch, which is sent to all RPS residents, according to the
RPS website.

“We felt it was a need,” Sprong said. “It is a service we want to extend, because we know a lot of people are on our website after hours.”

During chat hours, a green icon appears in the top right corner indicating an RPS staff member is available, she said.

If accessed before chat hours, Sprong said the icon appears gray. However, students have an option to leave the operator a message to be answered when chat hours begin.

To access the chat, visit rps.indiana.edu.

— Jessica Williams