VSU 'Move-In Day' brings new students, parents to Valdosta

HOT Squad set to perform manual labor part of move-in

The city of Valdosta will have 1450 new college student residents on August 9. That's the day when Valdosta State University officially plays host to "Move-In Day" and the arrival of first year students on the main campus.

"The total number we are expecting on Wednesday the 9th is 1450 and on the 11th the upperclassmen arrive," said Dr. Thomas Hardy, VSU's director of Housing & Residence Life. "We will have over 2300 residents this fall in the halls," he added.

Campus officials say VSU students will be arriving from around the world and throughout South Georgia with another large contingent of students also coming from the Metropolitan Atlanta area.

Local merchants are on alert to prepare a special welcome to the students. Valdostans can expect to see additional cars from counties all over Georgia and VSU students and their parents shopping for extra supplies and having one last meal together before goodbyes are said.

Hardy said the VSU community is going all out to provide a special welcome to the new students.

"Athletics is providing two tents with water, soda and ice to the participants; the Dean of Students is purchasing VSU towels; and Sodexho, our food services company, is catering lunches for the workers and volunteers," said Hardy. He added that volunteers from Greek Life, local campus ministries and university-wide faculty and staff will be moving students in.

"Housing is renting hand trucks and the HOT Squad, a student leader group, will coordinate the manual labor part of move-in," said Hardy. He said Auxiliary Facilities will be handling any last minute maintenance and housekeeping emergencies, Parking and Transportation as well as University Police will be directing traffic and there will be a shuttle system for parents from the Oak Street Lot to the halls once they park. Hardy said Plant Operations will provide extra dumpsters for trash disposal, Housing is providing a tent mister to cool everyone off right near the Palms Dining Hall, and University Advancement is providing an Ice Cream Social for parents and volunteer staff.

"The move will begin at 9 a.m. on August 9 for all first year students," said Hardy. "They do not have to show up early, as we will continue to check them in throughout the day."

Hardy encourages arriving students and parents to use a new traffic pattern that is different than normal. It can be found online at http://services.valdosta.edu/housing/movingday.aspx .

"No one will be permitted to park next to the residence halls to increase traffic flow," said Hardy. "What will happen is as soon as a car gets to the door of a hall, five to six volunteers will move everything to the curb and start carrying it to the student's room. Thus, only one person needs to remain with the car and relocate it to the Oak Street Lot."

Hardy said the effort is to make the experience a positive one for all concerned.

"If any attendees have feedback about the move-in experience, I encourage them to contact me at twhardy@valdosta.edu so we can improve for next year."