A Warm Welcome Starts at Move-In: Volunteers Needed in August

Thousands of new students will arrive on campus in August to begin their Razorback journey, and the U of A community plays a vital role in shaping their very first impression.

University Housing is inviting faculty, staff and others across campus to help welcome the Class of 2030 during Move-In Week. By signing up as a move-in Welcome Hog, volunteers will help create a supportive, friendly environment as students settle into campus housing.

Specifically, move-in volunteers are needed for Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 5-8. Volunteers can sign up at https://givepul.se/08u82n.

Move‑In is a meaningful tradition for new students and their families at U of A. From the moment students arrive at the Hill, small gestures such as offering directions, sharing a smile or lending a helping hand can ease nerves and build excitement for the year ahead.

Welcome Hog volunteers support a range of onsite roles based on need, including greeting students and families, providing directions, assisting with room key distribution, helping manage parking and traffic flow, supporting equipment check‑out and coordinating elevator use in residence halls across campus.

Each year, students and families consistently praise the friendliness and hospitality they experience during move-in, often citing their interactions with volunteers as a highlight of their arrival on campus.

"Students may not remember every detail of their first days on campus, but they'll always remember how they were welcomed," said Billy Blount, director for administrative services at University Housing. "That's what makes move-in such a meaningful — and personally fulfilling — tradition. It's often the very first chance we have to say, face-to-face: 'You belong here.'"

Volunteer shifts are scheduled in three-hour blocks across four days. Volunteers may sign up for more than one shift by completing separate registrations. Assignments will be made based on where support is needed most.

The final deadline to register is July 27.

As a small token of appreciation, each volunteer will receive a complimentary meal ticket redeemable at one of the university's dining halls on Aug. 5-8.

Volunteering as a Welcome Hog also offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow faculty, staff, student organizations and community members - all working together to create a memorable start for new Razorbacks.

Volunteers don't just help with logistics; they help set the tone for student success and belonging from day one.

Join the effort to make Move‑In 2026 a standout experience. Sign up to become a Welcome Hog today.

About University Housing. University Housing is a department within the Division of Student Affairs serving a residential community of around 7,200 students. More than 200 students find employment opportunities with University Housing each year. We offer educational programs that support student success and services that help students focus on academics at the University of Arkansas. For more information, visit housing.uark.edu. 

About the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs supports the whole student by cultivating transformative experiences and environments that promote student well-being, sense of community, and success. We prioritize student access, well-being and belonging, post-graduation success, and building a strong organizational culture. For more information, visit studentaffairs.uark.edu.