MSU 'family' again helping new members move into campus halls

Contact: Robbie Ward

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State faculty, administration and staff volunteers again will be on hand to assist new students with fall campus move-ins.

As university residence halls open for occupancy on the morning of Aug. 11, members of the university community will "roll out the red carpet" for students--and accompanying family members--as they arrive for the semester. The annual event dubbed "MVNU2MSU" is designed to help make the transition from home less stressful for first-time freshmen and transfer students, said Ann Bailey, director of housing and residence life.

"This also gives us an opportunity to give everyone a big, warm Mississippi State welcome," Bailey said.

As part of their greeting and moving assistance duties, volunteers will distribute bottled water and provide information on the approximately 850-acre central campus area and its numerous facilities. The move-in program takes place from 8 a.m. until the late afternoon, Bailey added.

Mississippi State officials are expecting one of the largest freshman classes in the land-grant university's 129-year history. The 2007 fall semester also will mark the final year of housing choice for those entering higher education for the first time.

Beginning next year, MSU freshmen will be required to reside on campus.

For more information on move-in day activities, contact Mary Claire Cadenhead at 662-325-2867 or mcc71@msstate.edu.

For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.