As the first home Mountaineer Football weekend approaches, a student group is charging WVU students to exhibit Mountaineer pride through service and respectful behavior.

The student-led initiated social media campaign #RespectfulMountaineer has collaborated with West Virginia University student organizations and the Center for Service and Learning to launch a new community service initiative entitled “Respectful Mountaineer Moments.”

Through the Respectful Mountaineer Moments Program, the #RespectfulMountaineer will promote student organizations on social media and collaborate with the Center for Service and Learning to recruit volunteers for community service projects.

“There are so many amazing things happening at WVU,” said Chris Hickey. “The program will connect us with as many student organizations as possible to highlight the many ‘Respectful Mountaineer Moments’ occurring on campus and throughout the community.”

Hickey and other ‘Respectful Mountaineers’ spent the week speaking to students on campus about post-game behavior and changing the culture.

“We are spreading the word that a destructive, party school reputation is not cool, fun or exciting and the public perception is of the utmost importance,” said Hickey. “The program further promotes culture change, inclusivity and a spirit of respect among students, alumni, community members and the state. West Virginia University must continue to go first.”

“In the near future, we intend to partner with the Million Hour Match to do some pregame cleanups outside the stadium,” said Hickey. “With collaboration, we can clean up the stadium so it is more inviting for our fans and guests, and then enjoy Mountaineer football.”

The #RespectfulMountaineer hashtag was created in October by Hickey and Deonna Grandy, both senior marketing majors who are members of the Honors College, following the destructive behavior that occurred throughout Morgantown by some students and visitors following WVU’s football victory against Baylor.

The WVU community can join in the effort by using #RespectfulMountaineer on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow them on Twitter @RespectfulWVU.

-WVU-

ta/09/04/15

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