Campus welcomes students, volunteers help with move-in day

Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University will welcome students Saturday [Aug. 10] as thousands of new and returning students move into campus residence halls.

The eighth consecutive Movin' You to MSU, or "MVNU2MSU," day marks the opening of all residence halls for the fall semester.

More than 500 volunteers will mobilize across campus to assist new freshmen as they arrive. Students can view detailed information regarding the day, including where to go and what items to bring, online at www.housing.msstate.edu/mvnu2msu/.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum and his family plan to greet and help students and their families, as well. Faculty, staff and student volunteers will help freshmen as they check into rooms and unload clothes and other personal items into their new "homes."

Volunteers, who may be identified by their neon t-shirts, also will distribute bottled water and provide information on the 850-acre central campus area and its numerous facilities.

"We look forward to rolling out the maroon carpet and welcoming our students and their families to Mississippi State on-campus housing," said Ann Bailey, director of housing and residence life.

Bailey said MVNU2MSU is a major university event and an important tradition in the life of MSU, as it signals the beginning of a new academic year.

"It's always a hot day, but we will have plenty of complimentary water on hand to help our guests stay cool," Bailey said.

With several new residence halls constructed in recent years, the university now houses nearly 4,800 students on campus.

For more about Mississippi State, visit www.msstate.edu.