By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Roughly 2,200 students have begun checking in for the year at Illinois State University – and that’s just at Watterson Towers.
Despite the numbers, the move-in process runs smoothly seemingly every year. It’s an effort that takes a small army made of ISU officials and student volunteers. Then there are the Normal police officers who help control traffic around the residence halls.
University Housing Services Director Stacy Mwilambwe said a lot of time is put into logistics to make sure no one is frustrated when they arrive.
“We have a move-in app that we encourage students, when they come for preview, to download on their phones,” said Mwilambwe. “We also send a paper newsletter for some students, or parents, who don’t want to use as much technology so they know exactly where to go; directions, maps, what to bring.”
Association of Residence Halls Vice President and ISU sophomore Magalie Baker called the event “organized chaos.” She said Wednesday morning the process was “going really, really well,” but it’s nerve racking when the day first gets going.
“You want to make sure that the freshmen are having a great first impression. You don’t want the parents that being upset. You don’t want the younger kids going out of control. You don’t want the students going out of control, things like that,” Baker said.
ISU Vice President for Student Affairs Levester Johnson brought a unique perspective. He’s only been working at the university for six weeks.
“I’ve worked on several different college campuses and worked in University Housing myself, so it’s been amazing to watch the operation here,” said Johnson. “The sheer number of people that we’re moving in today is phenomenal.
“I’ve seen operations out of Southern Illinois, I’ve seen operations out of Butler University and I’ll tell you, this works like clockwork.”
While move in continues, North Street will be one-way east from School Street to Fell Avenue; Fell Avenue will be one-way south from Mulberry Street to College Avenue (only move-in traffic allowed); Fell Avenue will be closed between College Avenue and North Street; and Fell Avenue will be closed for all northbound traffic. Those traffic patterns will remain in effect through Friday.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
