MANSFIELD, PA— Mansfield University welcomed its newest 
students to campus on Thursday.
A volunteer group of students, led by members of Greek organizations, ROTC, 101st Leadership Group, plus staff and others were on hand to help freshman and their parents carry luggage, boxes and other essentials to their campus homes in MU’s new residence halls.
The “Fast Track” program, implemented by the Student Affairs Division and Housing, Dining & Residence Life staff, greets students at entry ways and parking lots to help move personal items to their residence hall suite quickly, making for a much less stressful move-in day.
“This program provides a much more enjoyable move-in day experience for MU residents and their families,” Chuck Colby, associate vice president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, said. “It’s also important for our neighbors in the Borough as our Campus Police are on hand to direct traffic in special ‘Move-in Day’ traffic patterns that reduce street congestion so the impact to the campus and community is minimized.”
“Reaction to this program has been extremely positive,” Dusty Zehn, associate director of Housing, said. “This program makes a very positive impression on new students and families and eliminates significant family stress on our official freshmen move-in day. Parents are thrilled with the whirlwind of attention they receive upon arrival. We make it a truly welcoming program with identifiable staff on hand to answer all questions.”
The new students will go through three days of orientation activities and events to help prepare them for college life.
Returning students begin arriving Friday. Convocation will be held at noon in Straughn Hall.
The faculty and administration will process in full academic regalia with “The Spirit & The Pride of Pennsylvania” MU Marching Band providing musical accompaniment. President Fran Hendricks will make his welcoming address. Steven Stein, associate professor of Biology, will be the featured speaker. Convocation is presented by the University Senate.
Fall semester classes begin on Monday at 8:30 a.m.
To see more pictures of Move-In Day and the new student welcome activities, click here.