More than 3,000 Ferris State University students are preparing to move into campus residence halls and apartments beginning Thursday, Aug. 24, with many staff members and volunteers ready to help students feel welcome.

Students coming to campus for move-in days will pass through Jim Wink Arena and Information Alley in the Ewigleben Sports Complex, 210 Sports Drive, before heading to their assigned halls and apartments before the 2023-24 academic year.

Director of Housing and Residence Life Lisa Ortiz said university halls and apartments are at 96 percent occupancy.

Ortiz said students have signed up for an arrival time through Ferris State’s MyHousing program. That allows staff and volunteers to be helpful and supportive in a system that works well in controlling campus congestion during move-in days.

The check-in process begins at Wink Arena and includes an opportunity to check out Information Alley, where university departments welcome new and returning students and their families.

“Some important conversations we have in that area involve parents engaging with the departments and organizations available on campus,” Ortiz said. “Staff who comprise our ‘Care Squad’ will be in Information Alley, wearing pink shirts. Anyone who needs added assistance during Move-In Days is encouraged to seek out this group.”

Getting personal items into the appropriate suite, apartment or residence hall room can be a collaborative effort, Ortiz said. Bulldogs in Action volunteers will offer assistance each Move-In Day.

“These students are very excited about welcoming fellow Bulldogs, which includes several Ferris athletic teams and a variety of student organizations,” Ortiz said. “We will have faculty and staff with golf carts to easily move larger items from designated parking lots to the proper location for each student they serve.”

Ortiz said the department is ready to support students new to campus or those familiar with Ferris State through years of residing in the system.

“We have six professional hall directors and more than 100 resident advisors, or community advisors in our facilities on campus,” Ortiz said. “Their training began on Thursday, Aug. 10, and all of our Residence Hall Association staff understand their role in creating a fun, welcoming environment throughout the year.”

Move-in for South and North Campus students, along with West Campus Apartment residents, continues Friday, Aug. 25, and a more freeform assistance pattern is set for the weekend of Saturday, Aug. 26, and Sunday, Aug. 27. The first day of the Fall 2023 semester is Monday, Aug. 28.