UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 31, Page 10
May 9, 1996
Arrival Survival Team seeking 350 enthusiastic volunteers

     The Arrival Survival Team is looking for staff and faculty
volunteers to meet and greet incoming freshmen and transfer students
and their families on Sunday, Sept. 1, to give them a helping hand in
moving into residence halls, according to Chuck Shermeyer, residence
life, who coordinates the program.
     "The Arrival Survival Team is a community effort-with students,
alumni, faculty and staff joining in to welcome new students to the
University. The team provides a real service to the new students and
their families, and team members have fun while helping out,"
Shermeyer said.
     Volunteers are asked to sign up for eight hours, four hours or as
much time as they can give, with the shifts beginning at 7:45 or 11:45
a.m. In addition to the luggage luggers, there also is a need for
lobby greeters, who direct parents and students to check-in tables and
rooms and answer questions.
     "We try to accommodate our volunteers' schedules and assign them
to the locations they wish, although we have to make sure all areas
are covered. Group assignments can be made as well. We also are
promoting a "Get One" program, where last year's volunteers ask
friends to sign up for the team," Shermeyer said.
     New students and their parents appreciate the welcome and the
helping hands.
     One father took the time to write that he had delivered students
to other schools, and Delaware's moving in day was the smoothest
operation with the most help that he had experienced.
     "Team members have told us that they enjoy the day-they not only
meet new students and families as they help them get settled, they
renew acquaintances and make connections with others in the campus
community," Shermeyer said.
     There are other perks for team members-T-shirts with the Arrival
Survival logo and a thank-you reception and get-together for the team.
     The Arrival Survival Team was initiated by Sigma Chi fraternity
as a service project five years ago, with 30 members participating.
Now coordinated by residence life, the program had 300 volunteers last
year and hopes to have 350 team members in 1996.
     The sign-up period continues until Aug. 2. Sign-up forms and
information are available and are being distributed in May for
volunteers.
     To volunteer or for further information, send e-mail to
Chuck.Shermeyer@mvs.udel.edu or call him at 831-2417.
                                                   -Sue Swyers Moncure