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WHY VOLUNTEER?

Move-in is a huge transition in the lives of our first-time, returning students and their families. Students from every Kentucky county, all 50 states and many countries will be joining the Big Blue Nation this fall. Many of them are arriving on campus for the very first time and may know little about Lexington and the beautiful Bluegrass region we call home. We encourage alumni to volunteer during the Big Blue Move-In.  

Join us and share your success stories and favorite UK memories with the Class of 2028. Community volunteers will direct the newest Wildcats and their families toward the best places to eat and the must-do local activities. Your knowledge of the area and affection for the university are assets during move-in and can help alleviate any anxieties our incoming students might be feeling. 

WHAT WILL I BE DOING AS A VOLUNTEER?

As a member of the Wildcat Welcome Team, your primary task will be offering a friendly face to students and their families as they arrive on campus. Your job is to smile, provide warm greetings and offer directions to anyone who appears lost or uncertain. Shifts will be available for the following positions: 

Move-In Volunteer Roles 

Area Leader (North, Central & South)

  • Serves as the main point person for the area, including communication with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). 
  • Serves as the main point of contact for Building Leaders in their areas. 
  • Ensures operations are set up and torn down, and operations are moving efficiently in their area. 
  • Consistently checks in with traffic control and building leaders in their area. 
  • Assists with any distribution for volunteers. 

Building Leader (1 per building)

  • Manages the operations for an individual residence hall. 
  • Ensure operations are set up at least one hour prior to the first move-in appointment. 
  • Coordinates with Area Leader regarding notification from EOC about changes in operations at end of day. 
  • Serves as main point of contact for building staff and volunteers. 
  • Meets and checks-in volunteers, provides a quick overview of responsibilities. 
  • Ensures volunteer needs are in appropriate locations, completing tasks and have any needs met. 
  • Trouble shoots any issues in the building in conjunction with Residence Life staff and Area Leader. 

Traffic Coordinator (1 per building)

  • Ensures cars are moving to appropriate locations when unloaded. 
  • Assists with flow of traffic if needed by UKPD and PPD. 
  • Knowledgeable about traffic flow coming in/out of the building, along with parking locations and shuttle options. 

Unloaders

  • Assists with unloading cars into carts or tables. 
  • Connects with Traffic Coordinator regarding any car/transportation issues. 

Cart Management

  • Each volunteer will be assigned a cart at the beginning of their volunteer shift. 
  • Volunteer will accompany the student with their belongings throughout the check-in process and will unload in the  appropriate room. 

Join the Wildcat Welcome Team

If you are interested in volunteering during the Big Blue Move-In, you can sign up here. Questions about volunteering for Big Blue Move-In? Feel free to email the UK Campus Housing team at ukmovein@uky.edu for more details. 

 

Sign up now

MOVE-IN