WHAT: Move-in Day for new students at Washington University in St. Louis. Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will lead university staff members and upperclass student volunteers in cheers — including his annual rendition of the “Peel the Banana” dance — at 7:30 a.m. The day concludes at 7:30 p.m. with Convocation, one the university’s most colorful traditions. Before Convocation, students will dress in the colors of their residential college and march from the South 40 to the Athletic Complex, where they will sing, chant and listen to speeches from Washington University leaders.
WHO: Some 1,730 first-year students will be arriving for the 2015-16 academic year that begins Monday, Aug. 24. A team of 300 students, faculty and staff volunteers will help haul everything from refrigerators and microwaves to laptops to bicycles. Trucks, vans, minivans and U-Hauls will line the South 40 driveways.
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 20, beginning with the pep rally at 7:30 a.m. New students and their families will begin arriving at 8:30 a.m. The heaviest move-in volume is mid-morning, around 10 a.m. By 3 p.m., most students will be settled into their dorms.
For great color and visuals, arrive at 6 p.m. to capture residential advisors and costumed mascots teaching new students campus chants.
All first-year students then will march together from the South 40 to the Athletic Complex for Convocation, which starts at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Washington University’s South 40
PARKING: Media parking is NOT available on the South 40. Free parking is available nearby in the Danforth University Center garage and throughout the Danforth Campus. No permit needed.
Live television trucks may park in the First Congresional Church lot at 6501 Wydown Blvd., directly east of the South 40. Enter lot from Wydown Boulevard at Wallace Drive. Call or text Diane Toroian Keaggy at 314-974-4238 in advance to secure space.
For more assistance: Call Keaggy 314-974-4238 or the University News Service team at 314-935-5230.