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'Helping Hand' volunteers needed during annual move-in

Each year, faculty and staff help new students as they move into university housing for the first time. Register now to extend your support and hospitality for students and their families on Aug. 20, 21 or 22

headshot of Adrienne Sedgwick By Adrienne Sedgwick
3 minute read July 3, 2019
Become a Helping Hands volunteer!
President Pinto welcomes students and parents while they move in

Help provide a warm welcome to new students and their families by volunteering as a Helping Hands ambassador. Make an impact on their first day and join the campus community in volunteering to help new Bearcats and their families move in Aug. 20-22.

We suggest at least two-hour shifts, but any amount of time is appreciated. In order to help with planning, please sign up by Monday, Aug. 5.

Move-in dates and locations:

  • TUESDAY, AUG. 20:
    Marian Spencer Hall, Turner + Schneider Halls, University Park Apartments, and U-Square Apartments
  • WEDNESDAY, AUG. 21:
    Calhoun Hall, Daniels Hall, Morgens Hall, and Stratford Heights buildings 6-15
  • THURSDAY, AUG. 22:
    Campus Rec Hall, Dabney Hall, Scioto Hall, Siddall Hall, and Stratford Heights buildings 1-5 and 17-21

If needed, on move-in days, we will provide sunscreen and rain ponchos!

Plan to attend the “All Hands” meeting from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 13, in the Nippert West Pavilion North Lounge. You'll meet coordinators and other volunteers, review the hall opening plans and receive your special edition Bicentennial Helping Hands polo shirt.

Helping Hands volunteers, comprised primarily of faculty and staff, have been assisting new Bearcats in this process for 18 years. This year, UC will welcome more than 7,000 students moving in over three days. While the student H.O.T. (Hall Opening Team) helps move carts full of students’ possessions into the halls, the university needs Helping Hands volunteers to: 

  • Welcome
  • Assist with directions
  • Answer questions
  • Provide water
  • Help unload vehicles. 

In appreciation, all volunteers and coordinators will receive:

  • FREE lunch at CenterCourt or MarketPointe Dining Centers on the day served
  • FREE entrance to the Campus Recreation Center during Welcome Week (Aug. 19-25)
  • 10 Be Well UC points will be added directly to your account through uc.edu/hr/bewelluc for participating in this on-campus volunteer activity.

Parent survey comment:
"Everyone we encountered was polite and eager to help. The entire process was far more efficient, easy and welcoming than I had anticipated. It made leaving my first born 15 hours away a very positive experience. Thank you!"

— UC parent

From a staff volunteer:
"What keeps me coming back is the opportunity to help students/parents in a very difficult time. For most, this is their first time away from home, and that in itself is stressful. I’ve got four young kids of my own, and just thinking about going through this years from now gets me anxious. I look forward to whatever I can do each year to help them during this time."

– Jayme Johnson, Coordinator of Facility Operations, Campus Recreation  

Visit the volunteer registration site for more information.

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