Going behind the scenes of Move-In day

BY JESS KIRCHHOFF

Another successful year of moving FHSU students onto campus has come and gone, but what students don’t realize is how much work takes place behind the scenes to make Move-In Day successful. 

Director of Residential Life Dave Bollig explained the preparation for students to return to campus starts nearly a month before any Tigers step onto campus for the Fall semester. 

“We begin training our staff in mid-July for the upcoming academic year,” Bollig said. “Our training includes a variety of sessions so that our team is prepared for students arrival to campus.” 

Bollig goes on to explain the small, but completely necessary last-minute touches that make new students feel at home here at FHSU. 

“We post information on bulletin boards to help students get connected with campus resources, and have programs ready for those first few weeks,” Bollig said. “We update the signage in our buildings so students know where to go and who to contact if they need anything. Our goal every year is to make sure that when residents arrive on campus their move-in is easy and they feel welcome.” 

Last year COVID precautions in the residence halls during move-in were at an extreme level due to high infection rates across the country. These provisions included strict mask-wearing, social distancing, and designated time slots for residents to move in. Though COVID arrangements were not nearly as harsh, one piece of last year’s move-in remained in this year’s routine. 

“We had a lot of positive feedback last year from the timed move-ins,” Bollig said. “Residents and parents appreciated the less hectic move-in. So this year we used a hybrid approach. Prior to COVID, move-in happened from 8 am-12 pm. This year move-in hours were 8 am-2 pm. We allowed students to sign-up for move-in times, but didn’t have strict limits on the number per timeslot.” 

It is no secret that move-in day is a crazy one for all parties involved, but as everyone is racing around and looking at the big wild picture, the most stressful part of the day for Res Life might not be what one would expect. 

“Making sure all the small details are done is undoubtedly the most stressful part, including having the keys/key card locks on the room working, having the students’ Room Condition Report ready, and making sure rooms are ready for move-in after our summer camps,” Bollig said. “We were happy to have the Admissions staff, and our volunteers back helping with move-in this year.”  

Though the stress of the day cannot be avoided altogether, it can be slightly diminished by coming in prepared. Bollig offers advice on what he hopes students remember for next time to make the process smoother for everyone involved. 

“Knowing that move-in day can be a little hectic and that residents may have to wait in line to check-in or get their Tiger ID card would be helpful,” he said. “Also remembering that our team is here to answer your questions and help you get connected to campus.” 

For future reference, students need to understand just how much is truly going on behind the scenes of move-in day and to thank Residential Life members for all they do to make it as smooth as possible. Welcome home Tigers!