New SEMO students move into dorms

Hundreds of students descended upon Cape Girardeau on Thursday for move-in day at Southeast Missouri State University.

Most students and parents described the scene as organized chaos, as minivans jammed roads and emotions spiked. But overall the day ran smoothly, they said, especially after the fear of rain subsided by midmorning. There were sporadic showers in the afternoon.

A record 2,727 students are expected to live in residence halls this year, an increase of about 192 from last year. The increase has left university officials scrambling to alleviate a housing crunch.

"We're full. We are especially full in the residence halls, and that's a good thing. For every 100 more students, that puts $1 million a year into the economy," said university president Dr. Ken Dobbins.

Some students will temporarily be assigned to live with resident advisers, and the university is using two off-campus houses as temporary housing for 37 international students.

One of the houses, on Pacific Street, came with the $3.5 million purchase of the First Baptist Church property in 2003. The land now houses the alumni center, a recreation center and an innovation center. The second house, purchased for $180,900 this spring, was originally obtained with the intent of tearing it down in the future for parking. It is at 293 N. Henderson Ave.

Housing is expected to be sufficient next July with the completion of a 306-bed, $23.2 million residence hall under construction near Vandiver Hall.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.com Incoming freshman Candace DeClue, 18, of Imperial, Mo., installed light bulbs in her lamp Thursday while arranging her shared room at Dearmont Hall at Southeast Missouri State University.

Corey Byais, a junior transfer student from Blytheville, Ark., moved into Henderson Hall on Thursday. Over the spring and summer the university converted the former apartment complex into an 80-bed residence hall, complete with private bathrooms.

"It's bigger than I thought it would be," he said of his room. As his mother and sister helped him unpack, he wondered about his new roommate. "It's been changed three or four times for some reason," he said.

He laughed about the biggest challenge of living on his own: washing his own clothes. "I usually have someone to help clean," he said.

More than 600 athletes, Greeks, church volunteers and campus leaders rolled up their sleeves to assist new students with move-in. They hoisted microwaves, carried comforters and schlepped mini-fridges, relieved that temperatures didn't hit the upper 90s like last year.

Residence Life director Bruce Skinner runs move-in day. "It's not perfect, but we've become pretty proficient at it," he said.

Police directed traffic, kiddie pools brimming with ice and water bottles were stationed around campus, and a shuttle bus transported families between the check-in location and dorms.

By 5:45 a.m., 10 families were waiting for early-bird check-in, which began at 6 a.m. By 10:30 a.m., the campus was swarming with people unloading vehicles, buying books and locating the site of classes, which begin Monday.

Vehicles inched along Sprigg Street near the Show Me Center, as the route to Towers Complex became congested.

Of the anticipated 2,727 students living in dorms, 1,214 of them are new students. Their emotions Thursday ran the gamut from excitement to apprehension.

"I've never had to share a room with anybody, ever," said Courtney Cunningham, a political science major from Farmington, Mo. She plans to outfit her room in pink and lime green, but "probably won't use half" of the supplies she bought in preparation.

"I just want it all to fit," said Lauren Hummel, contemplating placing her bed as a loft in Dearmont Hall. She said she's most looking forward to meeting new people.

"I'm excited about Rush Week. I'm not really nervous about anything. Maybe just having to buy my own shampoo."

Her mother, Sandye, smiled. "Next time you go to Wal-Mart, I won't be there," she said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123

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Opening week activities at Southeast Missouri State University

• Welcoming convocation, 10 a.m. today at the Show Me Center
• The Great Ice Cream Pig Out, 7 p.m. today at the Student Rec Center
• Sailesh, a comedic hypnotist, performs at 8:15 p.m. today at the Student Rec Center
• Recreation activities, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Student Aquatic Center
• Tours of campus, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Saturday in front of Kent Library
• Showing of the movie "Stomp the Yard," 9 p.m. Saturday on the academic terraces
• Chamber of Commerce Welcome Back Picnic, 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday
• Classes begin, 8 a.m. Monday

Move-in day at Southeast

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