Fall Welcome, Move-in Update

Aug 26, 2011

Friday, August 26, 2011

10:15 a.m. 

Dear Students and Parents,

Forecasts of the track for Hurricane Irene continue to point to the potential for serious weather issues in the Eastern United States beginning sometime on Sunday and lasting until at least Monday.

We are writing to update you on how these forecasts are influencing our plans for Move-In weekend and to share with you the ways in which the University is prepared for the weather issues that we could face in Scranton on Sunday and Monday.

Welcome Weekend and Move-In for the Class of 2015

Forecasts suggest that the weather should not be a factor for Saturday’s events. All of Saturday’s events for Welcome Weekend, including the Convocation at 4 p.m., remain on schedule. We understand if parents elect not attend Convocation because of the weather. We will provide additional information to students about Sunday events throughout the weekend.

Nevertheless, families may wish to arrive before their scheduled time slot for move-in so that they can return home earlier than they might have previously planned. Move-in begins at 8 a.m. and is planned carefully to maintain a steady and manageable flow throughout the morning and early afternoon. Families impacted by the storm who wish to arrive earlier may do so, but please be patient as this may cause some delays in the move-in process.

Move-In Instructions for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors

We know that upperclassmen living in University housing are scheduled to return to Scranton on Sunday and that students living in off-campus residences likewise have similar plans. Because of the pending storm, the University has decided to allow upperclassmen living in residence halls to move in today (Friday) until 10 p.m. and Saturday between 3 and 10 p.m. We anticipate severe weather conditions in Scranton on Sunday that can make move-in challenging. We will, however, continue to accommodate students who choose to arrive on Sunday.

In order to avoid a negative impact on the move-in process for freshmen, it is essential that upperclassmen wishing to arrive early do the following: 

1.  Complete the Request Form for Early Arrival. All requests will be approved, however, completing the form ensures that we know your plans and can prepare for your arrival. Instructions for requesting early arrival are:

Go to my.scranton.edu

Log in using your username and password

Click on the Student tab

On the left-hand side, click Self Service (UIS)

Click on the Student Services/Financial Aid tab

Click on Residence Life

Go to Early Arrival Request

2.  Arrive on campus on Friday until 10 p.m. We can accommodate upperclassmen who wish to arrive today (Friday).

3.  Arrive on campus after 3 p.m. on Saturday. We will not accommodate upperclassmen arriving before 3 p.m. on Saturday. We appreciate your cooperation as we focus our attention on the incoming freshmen.

4.  Plan Accordingly for the Move. Because of the potential number of students who might be returning Saturday evening, it is essential that we keep traffic flow moving around the residence halls. We encourage you to pack only essential items for the start of the semester, and you cannot leave your vehicle unattended.

5.  Be Patient. We are all responding to an unusual circumstance. Please be patient throughout the move-in process.

Key Pick Up Locations for Friday will be:

            Residence Life Office in Condron Hall: All campus residence halls.

Key Pick Up Locations for Saturday and Sunday will be:

First Floor of the DeNaples Center by the Bookstore: Herold House, Madison Square, Mulberry Plaza and New Apartments – East and West.

Residence Life Office in Condron Hall: Blair House, Condron, Fayette, Gavigan, Linden St. Apts. (Elizabeth Ann Seton, Dorothy Day, and Katharine Drexel) and Redington.

Emergency Preparedness on Campus

The University’s Critical Incident Response Team is carefully monitoring forecasts for Hurricane Irene and will continue to do so throughout the storm. We have response protocols in place to address serious weather conditions (including hurricanes), flooding and electrical power failures. The campus is equipped with emergency generators that serve essential functions in the DeNaples Center and other critical campus facilities. Dining Services is prepared to provide meals to students on University meal plans throughout the weekend, even if we experience a temporary loss of power because of the storm. Should it be necessary, the University will use its emergency communications system to share information and instructions.

Please be attentive to weather forecasts over the coming days, and use your best judgment in making your travel plans. Should it be necessary to move in on Monday or Tuesday, then the University will accommodate you.

We will post additional information as it is available on the news section of University’s homepage (www.scranton.edu). Once again, I appreciate your patience and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Vincent Carilli, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Affairs

Back to Top