COOKEVILLE – Tennessee Tech University came alive on Thursday as students returned to campus for “Great Move-In Day.”
Cars, trucks and vans lined Dixie Ave. as students moved into residence halls, kicking off a “Week of Welcome” to begin the 2018-2019 academic school year.
“It has taken all hands on deck,” said Charlie Macke, Tech’s director of residential life. “We have worked since Aug. 1 to get everything ready for today. Everything has gone very smoothly.”
More than 1,500 students were expected to move into the residential halls with more than 400, mostly student-athletes, already on campus.
Volunteers from all across campus helped incoming students get nestled into the dorms. Several hundred parents lent a hand, including Terry and Sharon Nichols, who made the drive from Rogersville to help their son Isaac move into New Hall North.
“It’s good in one way, but it’s going to be sad when we leave him,” said Terry.
“He’s our baby,” said Sharon. “I’m proud of him and proud that he is going to start a new adventure and figure out what he is going to do for the rest of his life.”
A general studies major from Cherokee High School, Isaac was a little unsure what to expect or feel when he arrived on campus to start his college career.
“I’m kind of nervous and excited,” Isaac said. “You just don’t know what to feel as an incoming freshman. It’s kind of fun and nerve-racking all at the same time.”
Approximately 400 more students are expected to be moved in over the weekend. A bevy of activities are scheduled for students to enjoy themselves the last weekend before classes officially begin on Monday.
“We will try to do some things over the weekend to connect students with each other and with the university and their building,” said Macke. “The weekend is about them meeting each other and getting to know folks so they feel more comfortable on campus.”
Activities for students over the weekend include:
Friday, Aug. 24
Noon – Multicultural Affairs Welcome
2 p.m. – Freshmen! Meet Your First-Year Connections Peer Mentor
2:45 p.m. – Freshman Convocation
4 p.m. – Class of 2022 Photo
5 p.m. – Student Organization Mix & Mingle
6 p.m. – Dancin’ on Dixie
7 p.m. – Women’s soccer vs. East Tennessee State
Saturday, Aug. 25
11 a.m. – Religious Organizations & Churches Fair
7 p.m. – Movie on the Quad (Avengers: Infinity Wars
Sunday, Aug. 26
1 p.m. – Freshman Fall Classes Guided Tour
6 p.m. – Trivia Night
6 p.m. – Women’s Soccer vs. University of North Alabama
Monday, Aug. 27
8 a.m. – First day of Fall Classes
10 a.m. – Day of Service: Fighting Food Insecurity
11 a.m. – T-Shirt Trade-In Day
8 p.m. – Hypnotism with Dr. Jim Ward
For more information on “Week of Welcome,” go to https://www.tntech.edu/nsfp/fye/weekofwelcome.
