News Taffy

Students and their parents will receive a warm welcome when they arrive on the Arkansas State University campus as part of "Operation Move-In," Saturday, Aug. 21, beginning at 9 a.m.

"Operation Move-In" is a campus-wide event designed to welcome returning and new students and their family members to campus for the 2010-11 academic year. The Leadership Center, the Student Activities Board and the Student Government Association have joined forces to produce the event.

"These three groups have worked hard to recruit volunteers to
assist with 'Operation Move-In,'" said Martha Spack, associate dean and director of the Leadership Center. "The volunteers will provide assistance to students moving into University, Kays and Arkansas Halls because these three residential facilities house primarily incoming freshman students."

Spack said students will pick up room keys at their assigned
residence hall. At least 22 student organizations and seven area churches will be on site to help physically move individuals into their assigned residence hall room as well as provide directions and assist with traffic flow throughout the day.

In addition, volunteers will team up with staff members from the Department of University Advancement for the annual "Watering Hole" to distribute water to students, parents, and other volunteer workers from 9 a.m.-noon. 

"Operation Move-In is always a key day in beginning the academic school year at ASU," said Dr. Rick Stripling, vice chancellor of Student Affairs. "A lot of work goes into planning the events to welcome not only incoming freshmen, but our returning students as well. It also provides opportunities for students and parents to familiarize themselves with the residence halls, meet other students, and experience the campus and community as a whole. 

Classes begin Monday, August 23.