Move-in Day helps new students begin life on campus

For many new students, Move-in Day marks the first day of campus life at Southwestern Seminary. Approximately 50 new students moved into Fort Worth Hall and Barnard Hall, the men’s and women’s dormitories, on Aug. 19. As excited students arrived on campus with moving trucks loaded with boxes, Student Housing and Student Life teams worked hard to facilitate the move-in process and create a welcoming environment.

“Move-in Day is one of the most exciting times of the semester at Southwestern,” says Garrison Griffith, resident director and dorm parent in Fort Worth Hall. “As a resident director, seeing new students fill the dorms fills me with excitement not only for the new friends that will be here, but for the callings and future service for the Kingdom each of these new students represents.”

Griffith notes that resident staff at Southwestern, from directors to resident assistants, strive to create an environment that helps new students fulfill their goals at the seminary. “Our hope as resident leaders is to create a place where these guys can thrive and grow in their callings,” he says. “Move-in Day is our first introduction to them and their first introduction to our mission, which is their success.”

Student Life also hosted several events to help new students learn more about campus and connect with the Southwestern family. From 12-1 p.m., new tenants in Fort Worth and Barnard Halls were invited to a free lunch at the Student Center. Later in the evening, from 6-8 p.m., Student Life hosted a move-in fiesta in the Barnard Hall plaza.

“We really encourage our students to get plugged into those events, meet new people, and have fun before school starts and they have to do all the reading and writing,” says Erin Wright, administrative assistant in the Student Housing office. “They usually have a lot of fun.”

Upcoming Welcome Week events:

Saturday, August 20: Ice Cream Social, 7-9 p.m.

Monday, August 22: College Orientation, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

                                                Women’s Dinner, 6-8 p.m.

                                                Men’s Dinner, 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, August 23: New Student Orientation, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

                                                Capture the Flag, 8:15-10 p.m.

Wednesday, August 24: Library Palooza, 1-3 p.m.

Thursday, August 25: Fall Kickoff: Dodgeball, Student Organization & Job Fair, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, August 26: Block Party & Church Fair, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

For additional information on these events, visit swbts.edu/welcome.