‘Move-in Day' moving, adding a day to Hawk Week

LAWRENCE — “Move-in Day” represents a big change for new University of Kansas students, and in August it will be a change for the Lawrence campus as well. Incoming students living in student housing will move into their residence and scholarship halls Thursday, Aug. 21, which is one day earlier than previous years. By allowing new students on campus that day, the goal is to better connect them to campus resources through an expanded Hawk Week. 

Hawk Week is the university’s official welcome for new students and a campuswide initiative. The week’s activities are designed to provide opportunities for students to learn about campus involvement, prepare for the start of classes and build connections. Hawk Week consists of a variety of programs, including longtime activities like Traditions Night and Convocation, and new programs like KU Common Book discussions.

Sarah Crawford-Parker, assistant vice provost and director of the Office of First-Year Experience, said the decision to adjust the Hawk Week schedule was collaborative and would have numerous benefits for students, faculty and staff.

“We appreciate KU Student Housing and KU Dining Services’ contributions that make a Thursday move-in possible,” she said. “This change will provide students a full day to take the opportunity to more fully experience campus prior to the start of classes and to access a variety of resources to promote campus involvement and academic success.”

On Friday, Aug. 22, students will participate in new first-year programming that builds on their summer orientation. The goal is to provide a smooth academic and social transition through activities that foster greater connections between new students and experienced student leaders, faculty and staff. Friday activities will also include building tours between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Students will have the opportunity to tour campus buildings and classrooms, access academic and student support resources, and learn to navigate the campus bus system. The day will also be an opportunity for programs and departments to visit with new students informally before classes begin on Monday, Aug. 25.

This year’s Hawk Week is scheduled for Aug. 21 through Sept. 1. A full schedule of events will be available in May.