This year’s large incoming class of new students means more than a louder student section in Lane Stadium this fall. It also means a crazier move-in week this August, but Hokie Helpers are up for the challenge.

Move-in begins on Aug. 23 and ends Aug. 26. Throughout the week, volunteer Hokie Helpers will be all over campus, offering directions, bottles of cold water, and help moving into residence halls. And, because we know our campus will be overflowing with orange- and maroon-clad Hokies on those first exciting days in Blacksburg, Hokie Helpers wear a bright royal blue. You can’t miss them.

For the last seven years, the Hokie Helpers program has assisted new and returning Hokies as they move into residence halls. Hokie Helper volunteers come from all over the university and community to showcase the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). In addition to students, faculty, and staff, members of the university administration have been spotted carrying heavy loads up and down the stairs of residence halls. The Virginia Tech football team has even taken a break from preparing for the upcoming season to get their weight-lifting quota in by hefting boxes and bags of students’ belongings. 

Volunteers are needed for various shifts throughout move-in, and it’s not just those willing to get their sweat on who are essential to the Hokie Helpers program. Information tents are set up near parking lots to give assistance to students and families, and each tent is run by Hokie Helper volunteers. There truly is a job for any willing Hokie.

On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, three shifts are available for volunteers: morning from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., mid-day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and afternoon from 1:30-5:30 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 26, volunteers are needed for one shift, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers can register as an individual and be assigned to work with others who have volunteered. Groups can also register to volunteer together.

Volunteer registration is available on the Hokie Helpers website and closes Monday, Aug. 14. Location assignments with volunteer times and dates will be sent on Friday, Aug. 18.

For more information or to ask a question, email hokiehelpers@vt.edu.

Written by Holly Paulette

Share this story