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Likins, other UA officials help freshmen move in

Randy Metcalf Arizona Summer Wildcat UA President Peter Likins helps students move into Arizona-Sonora Residence Hall Wednesday. Likins and other UA officials helped dorm dwellers move into halls throughout campus.

Students moving into residence halls last week got an unexpected surprise from campus administrators.

Dorm dwellers were greeted at the door by members of the UA administration - sleeves rolled up and ready to lend a hand. UA President Peter Likins, campus deans, members of the alumni office staff and other people from around the University of Arizona community could be seen mingling among students and parents, hefting boxes and suitcases in the late-summer heat.

According to Juliette Moore, director of campus recreation, who planned the activity, faculty and staff have always been welcome to assist with the moving-in process. This, however, was the first time the event was formally organized, she said.

"It's the first time we organized something of this nature," Moore said. "We actually made it a part of the program for the Wildcat Welcome."

Residence halls heavily populated with freshmen, such as Coronado, Arizona-Sonora and Manzanita-Mohave were targeted as part of an effort to make new Wildcats feel welcome, Moore said.

The desire to help students feel at home and be a part of a larger community was what motivated Saundra Taylor, vice president of campus life, to spend her Friday morning helping residents unpack at Yavapai Residence Hall.

"It's part of the Wildcat spirit, and we're trying to communicate to the students and parents that they are welcome," she said. "It's a community effort and that's good to see."

Taylor's morning also provided her with an inside glimpse of the student experience.

"It was a great morning for me, very educational," she added.

Moore agreed.

"It really gives us a perspective of what the students and parents are going through," she said.

Students moving in to the residence halls were surprised to see the involvement of administrators, Moore said.

"The response has just been tremendous," she said. "The students just thought it was wonderful, and the parents too."

After the success of this year's move-in, Moore plans to improve on the event and keep the activity on the Wildcat Welcome agenda in the future.

"We're hoping to make it bigger and better next year," she said.