NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University is preparing to welcome students back to campus for the Fall 2021 semester with athletes, spirit groups and student leaders already arriving prior to the university’s official move-in days Aug. 12-14.

University Housing and Residential Life staff have notified residential students that move-in days will be similar to the past two semesters with drive-thru check-in. Students should arrive for their registered time through NSU’s Jefferson Street entrance and go to Collins Pavilion where they will begin the check-in process and pick up keys without leaving their vehicle. Students will need to show their student ID or driver’s license to check in and will then proceed to their residential community.

Prior to arrival, students should check their email to print out and complete the Missing Student Policy and Resident Declaration Form required for move-in to decrease the amount of time spent filling out the paperwork.

Health and safety will remain a top priority. Earlier this week, Northwestern announced that the school will comply with state mandates requiring all individuals on all campuses to wear facial coverings while inside buildings, regardless of whether they have been vaccinated or not.

“The move-in process we created last fall was efficient, both time-wise and in regards to social distancing,” said Housing and Residential Life Director Stephanie Dyjack. “It was convenient for students to stay in their cars and be handed their move-in packets before heading to their residence halls.”

Students are allowed two people to assist them with moving in and will be provide with two parking passes for two vehicles to be permitted in the unloading and parking areas.  Elevators will be limited to two people or members of the same household.  In order to promote social distancing in hallways, stairwells and apartments, families are asked to leave when their move-in time is over.

Some offices in the Student Services Center will be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 to assist students with last-minute questions. These include Admissions, Financial Aid, One Card, Registrar’s, Student Accounting and Cashier’s and University Recruiting.  The University Post Office will also be open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“As a reminder, some procedures may be subject to change based on CDC, state and university policy,” Dyjack said.

NSU administrators strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated if they have not done so already. The university will offer free vaccinations at several locations on campus Aug. 12-Sept. 1.  Students can sign up for a vaccine appointment at nsu.la/GetVaxxed and be entered for a grand prize drawing if first shot is received by Aug. 20.

Move-In Day is NSU’s kick off to Demon Days, 42 days of fun and free events and activities that provide students opportunities to get involved and make the most of their college experience. Move-In Day weekend events include First Night Fest on the Green, Destination Demons and the BCM Meet and Greet for all students and New Student Convocation, the President’s Picnic and Class Photo for the Class of 2025.

“We are very excited for the start of the semester and thrilled that our students will be returning to our residential communities,” Dyjack said.  “Our entire team is prepared and ready.”

For more information on Move In Day, visit https://www.nsula.edu/campushousing/ or call (318) 214-5400.