The University of Kentucky is a wildly powerful and supportive community. Our people are what make this institution such an incredible place. We invite you to be part of welcoming the Class of 2028 to their new Kentucky home during Big Blue Move-In August 18-21. Our faculty and staff are vital in making our students feel welcome from the moment they arrive on campus.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
As members of the university’s faculty and staff, you know what it means to put students first because you do it every day. Big Blue Move-In is an opportunity for the university to leave a lasting first impression on our newest Wildcats and their families. A warm Wildcat welcome paired with the best of Bluegrass hospitality can significantly impact a student’s overall experience and reaffirm their decision to attend the University of Kentucky. Volunteering during move-in is a great way to get energized for the new academic year ahead and be reminded of the purpose behind what we do at UK everyday – our students.
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. All volunteers will be expected 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 main point person for the area, including communication with EOC.
- Area Leaders are expected to work a full day.
- Serves as 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.
- Building Leaders are expected to work at least a half day.
- Ensures operations are set up at least one hour prior to 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, provide a quick overview of responsibilities.
- Ensures volunteer needs are in appropriate locations, completing tasks and have any needs met.
- Troubleshoots 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 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.
