Each August during freshman move-in day, Kent State University faculty, staff and students volunteer to assist incoming freshmen get settled into their new university accommodations. To make the experience more fun and welcoming, the Kent InterHall Council sponsors the Movers and Groovers program.
Freshman move-in day took place on Thursday, Aug. 21. A host of volunteers welcomed students and parents, and assisted with heavy lifting. The Kent State president’s Cabinet also volunteered to help this year.
“The Movers and Groovers program provides an opportunity for upper-division students, student groups, alumni, faculty and staff to help new students get adjusted and moved in to the residence halls.”
- Jill Church
Director of Residence Services
“The Movers and Groovers help keep things flowing during a very busy day. With more than 4,000 students moving in on Thursday, the extra hands keep the traffic flowing. Families are able to get their cars unloaded quicker and get on to the important things like setting up the room for the year.”
This year, Movers and Groovers had its highest number of volunteers yet, reaching just shy of 1,000 helping hands. The volunteers all wore green T-shirts and were split up into three different shifts at five different locations across campus, in order to provide maximum help for incoming first-year students.
The Movers and Groovers program is part of Kent State’s Welcome Weekend, an orientation program that runs from Aug. 21–24. Welcome Weekend includes a variety of activities that help students explore the Kent State community and transition into the university environment.
“Students look forward to participating in Movers and Groovers, and the program is a great opportunity for returning students to connect with our incoming freshman class,” Church said.
One of the Welcome Weekend events is Freshman Convocation. Freshman Convocation that took place Friday morning at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center. This special ceremony allowed students to experience the grandeur of university ceremonies and meet Kent State President Beverly Warren. It also marked the beginning of first-year students’ college careers and their entrance into higher education.
Welcome Weekend concludes Aug. 24 with Blastoff, a Kent State tradition where student organizations and community groups gather to welcome students to campus. The event includes hot air balloon rides, live music, fun activities and a laser light show.
For more information about Kent State’s Residence Services, visit www.kent.edu/housing.