By Jon Merchant, associate director of Housing and Residence Life
As we prepare to welcome residents for the new school year, I cannot help but think how lively our campus becomes when students are moved in at NAU.
This past Sunday, I welcomed 160 resident assistants back to campus for their fall training. During my welcome address, I asked the staff to think about what it means to be a member of a community. Specifically, what does it mean to be a member of the Lumberjack family? I asked them to think about the role they play and how they help other students find their place here.
Each of the RAs plays a critical role in creating community for our residential students. They play a role in building community through their attitudes, through programs and events, policy enforcement, crisis situations and through conversations and interactions with residents.
Creating community isn’t always easy, but I reminded the RAs they have lots of support and many resources to forge a community that their residents will come to identify as their home.
NAU Move-in Day will begin at 9 a.m., Thursday Aug. 27. Students and families will be welcomed to campus by Housing and Residence Life staff and will receive move-in assistance from student volunteers known as Welcome Jacks. Students will also meet their new roommates and connect with others on their floor. They will also unpack – creating their space and creating their home.
From day one, we want our residential students to feel like they are part of a vibrant community that fosters personal growth and which enhances the student experience. Living on campus is truly an amazing opportunity.
More information about NAU Move-Day is online.