|
Wanted: faculty and staff with big smiles, strong backs and the ability to navigate a golf cart through the organized chaos of Move-In Day Thursday, Aug. 22.
The initial sign-up yielded 245 volunteers eager to help out — a record number. However, Student Hou
sing and Dining Services is looking to push that number to about 300 to ensure that it has enough drivers to handle all 140 golf carts for the duration of both four-hour shifts.
Those who volunteer will receive a t-shirt to help them standout in the crowd and a coupon good for half off an $8 ticket to the Great Huskie Bash to be held later in the evening. They also will get the opportunity to participate in what many past volunteers consider the highlight of the academic year.
"It is a blast, and you get the opportunity to meet some of the most wonderful people who you never get the chance to meet otherwise — parents, siblings and grandparents. The thing that really strikes me is the reaction we get when parents see us — they are so excited when they realize that we are there to help them," says Janaan Mickey of Intercollegiate Athletics.
"I have participated for the last three or four years, and it is one of the best experiences I have had on campus. I get such a kick out of it because you are dealing with students in such a positive environment. It is just great fun, and genuinely a good time," agrees Bruce Oates, assistant director of Registration and Records.
The deadline for sign-up is Friday, July 12. To register, complete the form below and send it to Phyllis Jones in Student Housing and Dining Services. |
|
Faculty and staff invited to attend the Great Huskie Bash Aug. 22
Consider this your formal invitation to the Great Huskie Bash.
The event, which caps off Move-In Day at 4 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 22, will not only be the official welcoming party for students and their friends, but will also be the official unveiling of the NIU Convocation Center.
"This event has always been open to faculty, staff and their families, and we have always wished for a bigger turnout," says Michael Coakley, executive director of Student Housing and Dining Services. "It is a wonderful opportunity to greet students, to meet their families and to help get the academic year off to a good start."
Such interaction helps students develop a more complete relationship with the university, Coakley says. "They get to see faculty and staff in a different setting and relate to them on a different level. It increases their chances of running into a familiar face as they navigate campus and it personalizes the institution."
In addition to that, it is just plain fun.
The bash this year will feature roving musicians, a climbing wall, carnival-type games, a band and tours of the new Convocation Center. There will also be food available from a wide array of local restaurants. Past participants have included Tom and Jerry's, Chesapeake Bagel, Papa John's and Mr. Crum's. This year there will be offerings from Student Housing and Dining Services and the Convocation Center concession stands as well.
Tickets for the event are $8 and can be purchased through the Huskie Athletics ticket office in the Chick Evans Field House. Each ticket provides an attendee with 10 coupons that can be spent with the vendors of their choice. New faculty and staff are entitled to one ticket at half price, as are any faculty and staff volunteering to assist with Move-In Day activities. | |
