Robert Gordon poses with Move-in Day student volunteersUWindsor president Robert Gordon (centre) poses with student volunteers helping to welcome newcomers to campus residences, Sunday in Cartier Hall.

Volunteer movers welcome students to campus residences

Dozens of volunteers welcomed hundreds of UWindsor students to campus life on Residence Move-in Day, Sunday, Sept. 1.

In his first day in his new position, president Robert Gordon said he enjoyed the chance to meet with students, both new and returning.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with our student leaders, and of course with a new class of students coming into residence on what is a really significant date for them,” he said. “And to make connections with some of their parents.”

He praised the crews hauling clothing, electronics, and school supplies from the curbs into residence rooms, and noted it marks just the entry into a welcoming campus community.

“We will provide support and assistance through their UWindsor student experience,” Dr. Gordon said. “Like them, I am looking forward to the coming year and a lot of exciting developments underway.”

More than 850 students will live on campus this year, with about three-quarters from Canada and the rest representing 43 different countries.

Fourth-year science student Herman Dayal was one of the volunteers on hand to help settle the newcomers.

“Move-in Day is always super exciting,” he said during a break from carrying boxes and bins into Cartier Hall. “It’s nice to put a smile on and make them know they’re home.”

One of the new students is Emily Fletcher of St. Thomas, Ont., who will begin studies this week in concurrent education and psychology.

Volunteers finished unloading her parents’ car just before a rain shower threatened to dampen her clothes, if not her spirits.

“It went pretty smoothly,” Fletcher said. “They did a really great job of being efficient.”

UWindsor Welcome Week activities continue today — Tuesday, Sept. 3 — with the Involvement Fair from noon to 2 p.m. in the David Wilson Commons. Dozens of campus services and student associations will offer games and swag along with information on their activities. Participants will earn points toward the Battle of the Faculties competition.

Orientation takes a serious turn on Wednesday, Sept. 4, with sessions for academic programs starting at 9 a.m. in locations across campus. First-year students will gather for the Welcoming Celebration at 3 p.m. in the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse. Highlights include the draw for a free semester’s tuition, sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Find more information on UWindsor Welcome Week activities on the program website.