Communications

Date: August 10, 2011

To: Parents of all First-Year Students

From: Patricia M. Lampkin, Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer

Re: Move-In Days

Dear Parents of New First-Year Students:

Move-In Days are fast approaching, and we are all looking forward to the arrival of the University's newest students. As you prepare for this long-waited day, I am writing with several last-minute reminders.

Please remember, your student received an assigned move-in day - either Friday, Aug. 19, or Saturday, Aug. 20, based on her or his room assignment. The Friday move-in only applies to certain residence halls along Alderman Road or to certain areas of Gooch-Dillard. Other first-year students - those living in McCormick Road residence halls or in one of the residential colleges - should plan to move in on Saturday.

Complete details about move-in weekend are available on the University Housing website:
www.virginia.edu/housing

Several highlights and reminders:

Welcome Address: President Teresa A. Sullivan will be speaking to parents and students on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1 to 2 p.m. in Old Cabell Hall auditorium. We hope you will take a break to enjoy this official welcome from President Sullivan, followed by time for Q&A.

Beginning at 2:15, the deans of the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Nursing also will welcome parents and students. For locations of these talks and other details, please see:
http://www.virginia.edu/orientation/fallorientation/index.html

Driving Directions: To ensure the best traffic flow and access to your student's residence hall, please use the directions found on the Housing website, using the pull-down menu for "Move-in Information by Residence Area."
http://www.virginia.edu/housing/opening.php?loc=ald

Checking-in: On Friday, new students can begin checking in at 10 a.m., and on Saturday at 8 a.m. Students will need to show a photo ID to pick up their room keys (only students can pick up the key).

Look for the Student Greeters, dressed in brightly colored T-shirts, who will help you unpack your car and carry items into the residence halls. A number of other University officials will be circulating throughout the Grounds to provide help and answer questions. The University Police and Parking and Transportation officials also will be providing assistance.

Residence Hall Meetings: Students must attend a meeting with their resident advisers on the day they move in - Friday from 8 to 9:30 p.m., or Saturday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., so please plan your day accordingly.

Tips:  A dolly or handcart will make moving in easier. Also remember that a tape measure and tool box may come in handy, to wear comfortable shoes, and to pack water in a cooler to stay hydrated on what is always a hot day. Another suggestion, especially for non-air-conditioned areas: pack the fan last so you can set it up as soon as you enter the room.

Conveniences: Several retail dining locations will be open on both Friday and Saturday for your convenience if you would like to grab lunch or dinner on the Grounds. If you forgot a computer cable or need an extra extension cord, the U.Va. Bookstore will be set up in the first-year area selling commonly needed dorm room items.

Alcohol-Wise Course: Last week, you and your student received separate e-mails from Dean of Students Allen Groves regarding the online Alcohol-Wise course. The course takes about an hour to complete, and your student is expected to complete it before Aug. 19. Parents are also invited to take the course; the e-mail from Dean Groves provided log-in instructions.

Move-In Day Evaluation: In our efforts to provide the best possible move-in experience, please take a few moments to let us know how your day went. When you get back home, please complete the Opening Survey for Parents, available via a link from the Housing home page http://www.virginia.edu/housing. Your comments and time are appreciated.

Orientation Evaluation: We are also interested in your feedback regarding Summer Orientation. If you attended one of the sessions for parents, please share your comments and any suggestions via an online evaluation form. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UVAOrientation2011Parent. An evaluation form also is available for students.  Again, we appreciate you and your student taking the time to help us in reviewing and enhancing this program. 
 
We look forward to your arrival on Aug. 19 or 20 (or even sooner if you will be coming for Orientation Session H), and we wish you well as you pack and prepare for this transition in the life of your family.

Safe travels and warm regards,

Patricia M. Lampkin
Vice President and Chief Student Affairs Officer