More than 2,200 students will move Thursday, Aug. 13 into the Georgia College residence halls, primarily located on Green Street. Some surrounding streets will be closed part of the move-in day.

The street closings will impact parts of Clarke, Greene, Columbia, and Jackson streets from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13. Georgia College police officers will notify Individual residences impacted by the closures.

“We work with the GCSU police department who coordinates with the city to close certain streets and help facilitate the flow of traffic,” said Larry Christenson, Executive Director of University Housing. “We work hard to make the entire move in process as smooth as possible for both the students and the community.”

Traditionally, Georgia College opens on a Saturday, which has a less impact on community traffic. A change in the academic schedule for the institution prompted the opening day change.

“With the addition of a fall break, the first day of classes changed from a Wednesday to a Monday and the university had to adjust key dates in our calendar,” said Bruce Harshbarger, Vice President for Student Affairs. “That means that in 2009 and 2010, the university will open for fall on a weekday instead of a weekend.”

The GCSU Housing office hopes to find 300 volunteers to join the Cat Crew and assist these incoming freshmen as they move in. The Cat Crew, comprised of community volunteers, is a group that helps students move their belongings from the cars to their new rooms.

“Thanks to the Cat Crew, opening day 2008 was a great success,” said Cindy McClanahan, Housing Marketing Coordinator. “With the help of the Cat Crew, most were able to unload their cars in about 10 minutes. These volunteers are a huge help to our incoming residents.”

Last year, more than 250 community members volunteered for the Cat Crew – many through church organizations.

“This year we’re hoping for an additional 50 volunteers,” said McClanahan.

Volunteers can sign up for the Cat Crew online at www.gcsu.edu/housing. Morning and afternoon shifts are available.

“You can volunteer as a group or an individual,” McClanahan said. “Each volunteer receives a free shirt and a great opportunity to meet the newest members of the Milledgeville community.”

Classes begin on Aug. 17. Between move in and the start of classes, students participate in the Week of Welcome.

Tom Miles, Director of Campus Life, coordinates the Week of Welcome program.

“The first few days are really important to a student’s success in college,” Miles said. “The Week of Welcome program orients the students to campus, indentifies key university resources, and provides students with the opportunity to make the connections that will see them through graduation.”