10 Things To Know When You Start Working At CAVR

Learning how to be a guide can be a lot to take in. Here are some of the most important things to keep in mind during your first few shifts!

1. Always, ALWAYS say good morning to the suite staff

Work in suite 329 can get quiet at times. Seeing your bright and shining faces makes eveyrone's day, so make sure you stop bye and say "Hello" to your IGCs, TGCs, ISS, PAs, CVPs, PPs, Pro Staff, and everyone else who works in the suite!

2. Arrive on Time (or early)

No one likes being late. Make sure you try to arrive 10 minutes before your first shift to get situated, or you'll end up as sad as Steve Harvey when he announced the wrong Miss Universe winner.

3. What NOT 2 Wear

If you don't want to get the "Stacy London cringing because I picked out crocs with jean shorts and a kitten sweatshirt" look from one of the coordinators, make sure your polo is tucked, nametag is on straight, are you aren't wearing a hat behind the desk. A full dress policy can be found on KB.

4. Keep your conversation appropriate

People often recognize us, even when we're not in uniform (probably because we're really, really ridiculously good looking). We are always representatives of the university, and our conduct should reflect that.

5. Don't talk with your mouth full

Snacks are allowed at the desk, but remember to only eat when you aren't talking to a guest. Additionally, full meals are not allowed behind the desk, so no shoveling krabby patties like it's your first time ever trying one. If your stomach is growling and you're working a shift between 3-6 hours long, you're allowed a 15 minute break to grab some food! If you're working 6+ hours, you can have either a 30 minute break or two 15 minute breaks.

6. Ask questions

There's no such thing as a bad question. The only way you can learn is by doing something, and if you don't know how to do it, ask! The pro-staff, IGCs, supervisors, and other guides are here to help you!

7. What 2 do behind da desk

It can often get slow behind the desk. Here are some ideas of things to occupy your time when guests aren't present:

-Peruse KB

-Look at TITU (today in the Union)

-Get to know your coworkers

-Try to stay away from social media (unless it's to read this buzzfeed post)

-Draw a picture and hang it up in the ISS desk

-Leave a nice note for the guide working after you

-Catch up on homework or reading

8. KB is your friend!

KB has thousands of documents containing information about UW Madison and Madison related items. If someone has a question, odds are you'll be able to find the answer on KB.

9. How to get outta town

If a guest is wondering about transportation:

1. the city of Madison Metro provides bus service to virtually all areas of Madison. The buses are $2 per ride, but UW students and staff get free bus passes courtesy of ASM. Additionally, the 80, 81, 82 and 84 are campus-circulating buses that are free for all to use.

2. A number of charter buses run to large metro areas straight from the UW campus. Van Galder tickets are available for purchase at Memorial Union, and tickets for Greyhound, CoachUSA, Megabus, Lamers, Badger Bus, Jefferson bus lines are available online or at the bus. FYI, all charter buses from UW Madison leave from East Campus Mall in front of the Chazen Art Museum.

3. The Dane County Regional Airport is located about a 15 minute drive away from campus. Additionally, larger international airports are located in the nearby cities of Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities.

10. Have fun!!!!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~! :))))

Most importantly, enjoy your work! At CAVR, you get an amazing opportunity to serve as the front door of UW-Madison. Take advantage of the wonderful people you meet and the coworkers you get to become friends with <3