University Chronicle

Issue date: 9/6/07 Section: News

First-year SCSU student Samantha Newman waits to move her belongings into Sherburne Hall Sunday afternoon. Many volunteers assisted students moving into residence halls over the weekend.

A relatively empty campus suddenly swarmed with new and returning students Sunday morning.

First-year student Jessi Mayer arrived in the morning and moved in quickly.

"It only took an hour to move in," Mayer said. "It just happened that everything went smoothly."

However, her one complaint was the long wait it took to get off the streets and into K-Lot, where the move-in route began.

"It took us an hour to get to the lot. The traffic was horrible."

Her roommate, Danielle Adamski, who arrived in the afternoon, dealt with an hour wait in the parking lot before being allowed to travel up to the dorms.

"I have heard some people had to wait anywhere from 15 minutes to 90 minutes depending upon the actual time they moved in," said Kenny Hendrickson, assistant director of Residential Life.

Once up at the dorms, students had many people on hand to assist them.

"We had roughly 180 plus Husky Haulers as well as some faculty and staff to help students unload and move their belongings into their rooms," Hendrickson said.

"It was a controlled chaos," Mayer said. "Everything flowed pretty well, but it was hectic."

This year, all first-year students were allowed to move in on the same day, where as last year it was only those involved in the First Year Experience Program.

"Other changes were the addition of a well planned out Orientation Program to help get all first year students acclimated to the University Experience," said Hendrickson. "Events such as a respect and responsibility, Johnny Holmes Band, comedians, and many other social and educational programs were planned."

Opening ceremonies were held at the football stadium followed by a large fireworks display. Other events included an ice cream social, a bond fire, a comedian and a dance with music provided by the Johnny Holmes band.

"We wanted to give students plenty of social activities to stay on campus and to meet new friends," said Hendrickson.

The University's goal was to create a positive and welcoming experience for the students and their families. Welcoming signs were placed on each residence hall and on the walking bridge.

"We had more signage about history and fun facts; just ways to make first year students engaged and welcomed to their new community," said Hendrickson.

Both Adamski and Mayer are looking forward life in the dorms.

"I'm excited to have new experiences and meet new people," said Mayer.

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