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Posted on Sat, Sep 1, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.

Thousands pour in to Ypsilanti as EMU moving day commences

By Lisa Carolin

This is a day of transition for thousands of students arriving on the campus of Eastern Michigan University: move-in day. This year will see 3,237 students sign housing contracts — an increase of more than 12 percent from Fall of 2011 according to Pamela Young, director of media relations for EMU.

Several hundred student orientation assistants, volunteers from fraternities and sororities and student athletes are helping new students move into their residence halls today. At Putnam Phelps dormitory there were numerous volunteers available for every family as they unpacked items near and dear to their departing students.

"It was hard to decide what to bring," said freshman Nikayla Williams from Lansing.

Freshman Abigail Cowell from Menominee, Mich., called the move a good experience.

"I'm excited and a little nervous," she said right after meeting her roommate. "I'm most looking forward to meeting new people."

Freshman Robert Lodge, who'd just arrived from his hometown of Upper Sandusky, Ohio with his dad.

"I'm really proud he got to this point but it will be hard saying goodbye," said his dad Chris Lodge.

Parent Valerie Bell from Detroit had mixed feelings about dropping off her son Charles, a freshman.

"It's sort of exciting, but he's moving away from home and that's harder for me than for him," she said.

09012012_NEWS_EMU_Move_In_DJB_02.JPG

Stefan (left), 12, and Sidney (right) Weems help move in their sister to Seller Hall on Saturday.

Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

Parents Leigh and Jeff Hollmann of Ann Arbor called the experience of helping daughter Jessica, a freshman, pack and move "an emotional roller coaster."

"Everyone is feeling the stress," said Jeff Hollmann.

"We're glad she'll have the dorm life but still be close to home," said Leigh Hollman. "It's a good first step."

This fall, there will be 2,467 first-time freshmen at EMU — an increase of 21 percent from last year said Young.

Young also said there are a number of changes on campus awaiting students.The Hoyt residence hall on Oakwood Street near the student center has been redone and is reopening. In addition, the Mark Jefferson portion of the new science complex has been renovated and will be open for classes.

"This is part of the $90 million self-funded science complex," said Young. "We've also expanded wireless through the classrooms as part of our three-year improvement plan for major classrooms."

For EMU football fans, the home opener is next Saturday, Sept. 8, against Illinois State. Later this fall, Tony Verdi will be debuting as the women's basketball head coach.

The Fitzwilliams family from Trenton, Michigan said they were excited to be dropping freshman Cady at EMU. But Cady was the most enthusiastic in the family.

"I was nervous on the ride coming here, but feel better now that I've seen some friends here," said Cady Fitzwilliams. "I look forward to branching out my experiences of life." EMU families are invited to a picnic at Bowen Field House in the early part of the afternoon today, and EMU President Susan Martin will lead a convocation ceremony at EMU's Convocation Center from 4-5 p.m. For the complete schedule of this weekend's events at EMU, click here.

Comments

Geoff Larcom

Tue, Sep 4, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.

Note: In response to the previous comments, here are several important clarifications about EMU's residence hall policies. • The policy in question was developed in the 1970s, and last updated in 2003. • The practice is indeed prevalent at most public universities, but also many private institutions. • A key reason for the policy is that statistics have demonstrated that living on campus or with a parent strongly enhances a freshman student's chances of returning to school as a sophomore. Those at greatest risk of dropping out are those living off campus as apartment-dwelling, 18-year-old students. A key purpose of the policy is to enhance the chance of university success. Exceptions may be granted to students who are commuting from the permanent home of their parents/guardian, 21 years of age or older; or veterans who have served on active duty. Here is a link to the policy: http://www.emich.edu/policies/policy.php?id=61

Jim

Wed, Sep 5, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.

I thought so. This policy has, in fact, been around for decades...and is also pretty much the standard at most universities. Thanks for providing the link, Geoff. I hope it clears up some misinformation.

Geoff Larcom

Tue, Sep 4, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.

One other request: Can you change "East Michigan" to "Eastern Michigan" in the moving truck photo. Thanks!

Cindy Heflin

Wed, Sep 5, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.

That's been corrected. Thank you.

Geoff Larcom

Tue, Sep 4, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.

Editing the above comment: There is now a neat assortment of move-in photos with this story. Either I didn't notice the other options at first, or it's been added. At any rate, thanks for these photos that help convey the mood of move-in day. Classes start at EMU tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 5!

Geoff Larcom

Tue, Sep 4, 2012 : 2:11 p.m.

Thanks to Lisa Carolin and AnnArbor.com for coverage of this special day at EMU. One question: I am betting there is a better way to illustrate college move-in day, with all of its fun family moments, than with somebody putting an item in the dumpster. Agreed? Note: Geoff Larcom, a former reporter and editor with The Ann Arbor News for 25 years, is executive director of media relations at EMU.

Jim

Sun, Sep 2, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.

jns131 - That doesn't make any sense. EMU has required non-commuter freshman to live on campus for decades. If they had just instituted this rule for 2012-2013, your argument might hold water.

Jim

Wed, Sep 5, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.

When I started at EMU in 1997, I was required to live on campus. To my knowledge, that policy hasn't changed.

jns131

Mon, Sep 3, 2012 : 12:07 a.m.

This policy was mandated 2 years ago. I don't remember ever having to be forced to live on campus, ever. i did because I wanted to. Big mistake. Wish I stayed off campus. O well live and learn. Dorms should be voluntary not forced. IMO

jns131

Sun, Sep 2, 2012 : 2:49 p.m.

The only reason for the increase is because EMU makes it mandatory for freshman to spend one year on campus. Gee, I guess EMU needs the money? Glad mine can take a bus to an from. I did.

cmadler

Tue, Sep 4, 2012 : 9:38 a.m.

Right, I'm sure the 12% increase in students living on campus is in no way related to the 21% increase in new enrollments. /sarcasm More students enrolled -> more students on campus. Makes sense, no?

Cash

Sat, Sep 1, 2012 : 11:55 p.m.

I love the picture of Stefan and Sidney Weems helping their big sister! So cute! Nice article. Good luck to EMU students!

ypsiswimmer

Sat, Sep 1, 2012 : 11:30 p.m.

Looks like the top part of the dumpster has items that could be recycled. I hope that is the plan.

jns131

Sun, Sep 2, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.

I was thinking the same thing.

jsell57

Sat, Sep 1, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.

Is it so very difficult to find and use the correct names and spellings of the dorms you are writing about? Phelps-Sellers, Walton-Putnam.

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