"The goal of the Move-In Project is to move in 50 percent of the on-campus residents without causing parents and students to become exhausted, which will, in turn, give them a better attitude toward their first college encounter," Bernice Hughes, Assistant Dean, Student Life and Housing, said. "The event is also an opportunity for students to see faculty and staff members in a different setting--other than a professional setting."
Hughes said many other colleges have participated in similar programs on their campuses and have had great success.
"The original idea to have a Move-In Project at ABAC was suggested at a Mandala Movement training session," Hughes said. "The thirteen members of the recent movement were given a task to conduct a project to put the mission of the Mandala Program into motion. This is how the ABAC Move-In Project was conceived."
The mission of the Mandala Program is to positively modify ABAC's environment in order to display friendliness toward others, respect for others, wholesome living for everyone, an ideal learning experience for everyone, and a congenial working atmosphere.
"We asked for volunteers by sending out e-mails informing faculty and staff that these students will be selecting their classes, visiting their offices, contributing to campus, and recommending ABAC to others," Hughes said. "As an added incentive, we are offering free T-shirts to be worn on the move-in day that will identify the volunteers for our new students and their families."
Seventy faculty and staff members have volunteered to help with the event, including President Mike Vollmer and his wife, Lennie. ABAC houses about 750 students on an annual basis. Fall semester classes begin Aug. 15.
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