USI students and their families had a jam-packed day to kick off the return to campus for the Fall 2021 Semester. For parents, it was a busy day, taking care of final details and saying good-byes as their children launched into the beginnings of young adulthood—and wondering how they would fit all that stuff in those tiny rooms or cramming in just one more trip to Walmart. Fathers were stoic. Mothers kept themselves busy so they wouldn't cry. Students brimmed with excitement.
"The move-in crew was awesome! They made the whole process so smooth and easy. What a great start to the school year," said Penny White, Grace's mom.
"I had actually made move-in way more stressful in my mind. I had the idea that we'd be moving in by ourselves. When we pulled in front of the residence hall, all these people unloaded the car and had everything in our room in about 10 minutes. The hardest part was putting everything together!" — Grace White
"One of the best parts about move-in is knowing you get to help support new students and their parents as the students make that last big transition out of the ‘home nest’ and begin to spread their Screagle wings to fly. Whether it is easing the stress of parents as you push in the rolling bins or hyping up the students as you carry their totes in the elevator: move-in is one of the most special times of the year!” — MaKayla Schirmer, RA
" A Welcome Week Leader acts as a support system for the students and their parents. The students, of course, are nervous about living on their own and thriving. But the parents are even more nervous. Being happy and positive calms their nerves, even if you are only interacting with them for a few minutes. I loved helping out. I can't wait to do it again." — Aden Gill
Welcome Week leaders trained for two days, learning how to help students and parents find the support they need to transition smoothly. Aden Gill also works as a Student Ambassador, giving families campus tours. He reported seeing new freshmen on campus who had been in his tour group.
New to Welcome Week was the Discover Evansville fair. Nathan Payne, Program Coordinator of the Center for Campus Life, organized the event for the students who did not know where to go for basic services such as hair cuts and car repairs. It's a win-win situation as far as relationship building with the students and the community.
There were 40 Evansville businesses at the event and five food trucks handing out free samples.
Carmen Stoen, Director of New Student and Transitional Programs, loves the tradition of Convocation. "It's moving to me when you think about the message of Convocation. It's all about giving students hopes and dreams and possibilities." (Right) International student Ashley Arauz's parents, who live in Panama, were able to live stream Convocation in real time. Watching their daughter receive the Outstanding Sophomore of Year Award was the only time they've been able to participate in their daughter's USI experience so far.
"Students who participate as Welcome Week leaders have a heart for helping others." — Carmen Stoen
Things may have been different than Welcome Weeks of years past, but the USI community still came out in force to greet the newest and returning Screaming Eagles to campus. As the Fall Semester gets into full swing, we wish all students, faculty and staff a wonderful semester!
Credits:
Barbara J. Goodwin