Operation Move-In Boasts Record Year of Volunteers, Provides a Catalyst to Serve

August 16, 2013

Operation Move-In Boasts Record Year of Volunteers, Provides a Catalyst to Serve

“I’ve not seen a move-in experience that runs as smoothly as it does here,” says Chris MacDonald, executive director of University Housing. Today marks the 20th college campus Operation Move-In that MacDonald has managed, and this is his third year leading the event at Georgia Southern.  

A tradition since 2004, Operation Move-In provides faculty, staff and students an opportunity to volunteer to help new students make a seamless transition as they begin their college career. Volunteers greet family members and friends, hold doors, help unload suitcases and furniture, provide campus directions and serve as a friendly face to first time and returning visitors.

Though he says, “you can never dispute Southern hospitality,” MacDonald attributes the smooth flow of Operation Move-In, in the Eagle Nation, to three things: the foundation that was laid before he came, the campus-wide cooperation of departments from Auxiliary Services and Information Technology to Eagle Dining Services, and the tremendous turnout of volunteers. Planning for Operation Move-In begins nearly a year in advance each October, and takes everyone–including MacDonald’s entire office staff–to coordinate all the pieces and people to successfully move thousands of students into housing in one day.

This year, a record 1,200 volunteers pre-registered to participate! That’s up 480 from 2012.

“I’m here to help out and welcome the new and returning students back to campus, and make it a little bit easier for them as they transition to college. It’s really fun to see the excitement that new students bring. Our growing population will only enhance Georgia Southern’s ever-changing campus,” said Heather Scarboro, coordinator of Career Programs and Events in the Office of Career Services.

Felicia Dunn, a Senior General Studies major from North Carolina and returning Operation Move-In volunteer says, “It’s nice to help people and see all the smiling faces. I want to show the new students that we’re a loving college and we’re here to help.”

First time volunteer, Tajh Oates, a sophomore, said he likes helping the students get settled, but also recognizes that starting life in a new environment can be intimidating. “I’m volunteering today to help take away the scare factor,” he said.

With more than 20,000 students enrolled this fall, it might seem challenging to maintain the large-scale, small feel of Georgia Southern’s community, but MacDonald isn’t worried.

“Despite Georgia Southern University’s growth, one thing it holds on to with tenacity is its welcome–the ability to help friends and family and continue to support one another,” he said. “Operation Move-In provides a catalyst to serve. I can’t imagine something better.” -Rebekah Faulk