University Of Missouri-St. Louis: Back To School: Scenes From Move-In Day 2021

Press release from the University of Missouri-St. Louis:

August 23, 2021

Move-In Day at the University of Missouri–St. Louis once again looked a bit different due to safety measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the previous year, students, parents and staff wore masks, and measures were taken to limit the number of people moving through the halls at one time.

However, the energy of the school year was palpable Friday as new Tritons eagerly checked-in to Oak Hall on South Campus with luggage, Target bags and family members in tow.

Luckily, an overcast sky and water stations, like the one set up by Alpha Xi Delta sorority members Olivia Crowell (left) and Jennifer Lopez, provided some respite from the afternoon heat.

“Not all the organizations can help move people in with COVID, so we thought a nice way to show appreciation for the first-years moving in would be handing out some cold water,” said Crowell, a senior electrical engineering major.

Upon arriving at Oak Hall, students checked-in with Residential Life and Housing staff members and picked up their room keys and a welcome packet.

Jalen Walker-Wright (center), a residential advisor, and his Residential Life and Housing co-workers helped new students check-in, find their rooms and answered questions. Walker-Wright said the day ran smoothly, and the staff was able to get people “up and out” quickly.

“We’re moving a lot of students in,” he said. “People are excited to be back because they’ve been at home most of the past year.”

Succeed Program staff members were also present to welcome Succeed students and acclimate them to the campus. The postsecondary program is designed to teach students with intellectual and developmental disabilities independent living, academic and job skills as they work toward a Chancellor’s Certificate or potentially matriculate to a degree program.

Jonathan Lidgus, director of the program, said staff members moved in the largest Succeed cohort in 10 years.

“We spent the last two days transitioning our students, giving tours,” Lidgus said. “We’ve been doing Triton technology stuff with them. We’ve been practicing MetroLink stuff. Today, we’re finding classrooms, learning the meal plan and going through classroom etiquette. It’s been a wonderful time, and we’re really excited.”

This press release was produced by the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.