With carloads of clothes, computer equipment, TVs, CDs, bedding and everything else needed to turn a dorm room into home, the Class of 2009 arrived on campus on August 25 ready to start the new year.

Administrators, faculty, staff, upperclassmen and President McMillan continued an Albright tradition by helping the new students move into their residence halls. Other move-in day activities included a picnic hosted by the Alumni Association and Convocation featuring a freshman pinning ceremony.

To make the arrival – and return to school for upperclassmen – the best experience possible for all students, an Opening Day Task Force (ODTF) led by Greg Eichhorn, vice president of enrollment management and dean of admission, and Barbara Marshall, associate vice president of college relations and marketing, spent the summer anticipating issues and tightening systems from ID cards to check-in and move-in. The ODTF was made up of staff from all areas of the College.

“It was great to see the entire campus community rally around this cause,” said Eichhorn. “It truly was a group effort that enabled the campus to be better prepared than ever for the arrival of our newest Albrightians.”

Each room in every residence hall was inspected three times before students arrived. A “red glove” inspection was conducted to make sure each room was left in a suitable manor after summer conference participants checked out. The IT department followed with a “blue glove” assessment of all technology in the rooms, testing each phone jack and Internet connection.

The final inspection came at the hands of 38 volunteers from across campus who gave each room a “white glove” test, noting anything from dirt and dust to missing towel bars and burnt out light bulbs. These reports were then given to facilities staff who had the daunting task of making sure each room was ready for occupancy in just a few short weeks.

The four-day freshman orientation was led by the Albright POPS (Peer Orientation Persons). Orientation activities included programs such as: Sex and the Law, Albright Pursuit, DUI–A Powerful Lesson and Way Off Broadway.

Students also toured the city of Reading, stopping at venues such as the Reading Public Museum, Historical Society, Pagoda, Sovereign Performing Arts Center, First Energy Stadium and Goggleworks.

Finally, about two weeks after the new students were settled in, campus volunteers went back into the residence halls once again to see how the students were doing, answer questions and solve any problems they might have. The program, called “House Call,” began last year and received tremendous praise from both students and parents.

Eichhorn added, “We will continue our efforts throughout the year to help make our future students’ transition to college even smoother.”

Photos by Terry Scott Reed:

(top) Faculty present members of the Class of 2009 with pins during opening Convocation.

(middle) Continuing an Albright tradition started eight years ago, students, administrators and faculty helped the incoming class move into residence halls.

(bottom) President McMillan lends a hand on move-in day. Mrs. McMillan also participated.