Welcome! Students, faculty and staff pitch in on new student Move-In Day
SUNY New Paltz inaugurated the fall term with its annual Move-In Day tradition on Aug. 25, as hundreds of first-year and transfer students and their families were greeted by volunteers ready to help new residents settle into their campus homes for the fall 2016 semester.
[Click here to view and download photos from Moving In Day!]
“Move-In Day is one of the greatest days on a college campus,” said W. Wayne Brumfield, interim vice president for Student Affairs. “We feel very fortunate to be able to help welcome students and families to the SUNY New Paltz community. It’s a wonderful experience.”
Brumfield and Provost Lorin Basden Arnold worked alongside 37 faculty and staff volunteers, 14 complex directors, 108 resident assistants, numerous student athletes and, of course, Hugo the Hawk to assist new students and their families moving into the College’s 14 residence halls.
“We all pride ourselves on community service,” said Head Women’s Soccer Coach Colleen Bruley. “Our athletes do a lot throughout the year, including chipping in on Move-In Day, because we want to show the campus that that’s what we’re here for. This is a great way to start off the semester.”
For the Office of Residence Life, Move-In Day is an “all-hands on deck” tradition, not only because of the volume of new students on campus, but also because it is a chance for the complex directors and resident assistants who will live and work with them throughout the year to make a good first impression.
“It’s really important for us to meet new students and their families on their first day on campus, because this is going to be their new home for at least the next year,” said Resident Assistant Sam Steere ’16 (Adolescence Education). “If they see a friendly face and feel comfortable talking to us, that can foster the kind of relationship that makes their transition much easier.”
The many smiling faces among the campus’s newest residents suggest this welcoming approach is having the desired effect.
“One of the major reasons I chose New Paltz was because of the atmosphere, and I’m already enjoying being here,” said Olivia Porcari ’20 (Undecided). “I’m really excited to get started!”
Incoming first-year students will receive an official welcome to the SUNY New Paltz community at the 2016 Convocation Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 26. Convocation will begin at noon in the Athletic and Wellness Center, and will include keynote addresses from President Christian, welcoming remarks from faculty, alumni and current students and an outdoor barbeque.
Live stream the Convocation Ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Aug. 26 by following this link!