Showing up for new Wildcats

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Move-in Week marks the beginning of a new chapter for thousands of University of Arizona students. But before students settle into their new rooms, meet their roommates and begin exploring campus, they are often greeted by U of A employees who volunteer their time to help them move in.

Move in occurs Aug. 18-22, and this year, Housing and Residential Life brought together 65 employees from across the university to serve on its Move-In Welcome Crew to greet students and families, answer questions and help them navigate campus.  

Housing also prepares volunteers for a day that can be both physically demanding and emotional for students and their families. Volunteers may help by providing move-in bins and water, assisting families with elevators and answering questions as they navigate a new environment. 

More than a move-in 

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Chrissy Lieberman, dean of students, said that welcoming students can help them feel like they belong from the moment they arrive. 

"When they see that we've stepped out of our day-to-day to be there, at the threshold of campus, to welcome them in, I think that really sets a tone that it's an all-in experience," Lieberman said. "We're all part of that experience, and we want to be present."

That presence matters to families, too. Move-in can be an emotional moment as students and their families prepare to say goodbye, and Lieberman said volunteers can help make the transition a little easier. 

"We're there to fill in all the gaps and hopefully create an ease to their burden, whatever it might be that day." 

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Don McCarthy, a retired astronomer and University Distinguished Outreach Professor, has spent decades connecting with U of A students through astronomy and continues to work closely with them through Astronomy Camp, weekly star watching parties, presentations and mentoring. For McCarthy, volunteering during Move-in Week is another opportunity to connect with students and help them feel at home at the U of A. 

"Move-in helps ease the college transition for both students and families by providing an outgoing, friendly U of A community welcome that's service-oriented, happy and encouraging," McCarthy said.

McCarthy sees Move-in Week as a chance for faculty and staff to build those early connections with students that can help them feel more at home. 

Spencer Lambert, a student access consultant with the Disability Resource Center, works on accommodations related to academics, housing and physical access.  

"It's great to meet these students in person, meet their families and help with whatever they need," Lambert said.

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His biggest motivation is helping make the transition easier for students and their families. 

"Just being able to make people's lives easier honestly makes me feel like I'm doing something special," Lambert said. "I'd rather be out there helping people than at my desk!"

Being there matters 

For Lieberman, those small moments of connection are what make volunteering worthwhile. They also offer employees a chance to see students as individuals beginning an entirely new stage of their lives. 

"We're a huge campus, so it's nice to have these moments where you can see each student for who they truly are, and meet who's bringing them to campus," she said. 
 
The value of the Welcome Crew isn't always found in the biggest gestures, Lieberman said. Sometimes, simply being there is enough. 

"It makes a big difference to people when somebody just leans in," Lieberman said. "They may not accept the help, but it means a lot when people show up to show support."