Helping hands and big smiles mark Move-In Day at IU Southeast

19th August 2016

(NEW ALBANY, Ind.)–Mild weather, big smiles and a sea of helping hands greeted incoming residents for Move-In Day at IU Southeast on Thurs., August 18.

Over 100 volunteers—joined by Chancellor Dr. Ray Wallace—were ready to assist the new arrivals, who numbered around 320, according to Amanda Stonecipher, assistant vice chancellor for retention and student services. With nearly 400 residents, the popular lodges are at capacity.

The volunteers carried lamps, boxes filled with books and clothing, laundry baskets, mini-fridges, giant stuffed animals, and the occasional custom-made study table.

Andrew Strauss, who will be studying business, arrived from Madison, Ind. with his parents, Laura and Curtis Strauss.

He chose IU Southeast in part because it is relatively close to home, he said.

Andrew’s father Curtis Strauss graduated from IU Southeast in 1994 with a Bachelor of General Studies degree, and now works in information technology in Madison.

“The small class sizes make IU Southeast very attractive,” Strauss said.

The faculty, staff and student volunteers also helped new arrivals register for their rooms, secure parking permits, learn about the Career Development Center, and get their UCards. Refreshments were provided to volunteers and new arrivals by participating UCard merchants Jimmy John’s and Zaxby’s, and Coffee Crossing was also represented.

At the lodges, the volunteers directed traffic, helped students and their families carry their worldly goods, and smoothed the transition into their new digs.

Forest, Meadow, Woodland, Orchard and Grove Lodges feature apartment-style housing for students with a Great Room, computer lab, laundry and vending services, and study areas. Each apartment includes a full kitchen, bathroom and living room. There are one-, two- and four-bedroom layouts available. Apartments are fully furnished and come with basic cable and wireless internet. The lodges opened at IU Southeast in 2008, helping the university increase retention rates and improve the diversity of the student body.

Move-In Day is the traditional kick-off for events marking the beginning of the fall term, including Induction Day and the Week of Welcome.

Homepage photo: Cody Bishop, advisor of the Student Christian Fellowship, helps out at Move-In Day.

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