Staff and student volunteers needed for Pitt Arrival

The Ship2Pitt program that the University premiered last year to minimize move-in time is available again to students living in Pitt’s residence halls.

But, as always, student and staff volunteers are needed to help the process go smoothly on move-in days, beginning Aug. 19. Staff volunteers are needed to help monitor physical distancing, cart stations and parking, to pick and pack web orders at the University Store on Fifth, and to work as “Welcome to Pitt” greeters.

Volunteers are needed from Aug. 19 to 24. Staff can find the form to sign up here. Students can sign up to volunteer on the Pitt Arrival website.

To protect the health and safety of the entire Pitt community, students will be assigned specific days for arrival, and each student is allowed one helper at a time in the residence halls, according to Julie Bannister, assistant vice chancellor for Auxiliary Services. “This prevents overcrowding of indoor spaces and allows for an easier arrival experience.”

In June, Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner sent a message to students that said those moving into University housing for the fall 2021 term are required to submit proof of immunization to Student Health Service or request an exemption.

All unvaccinated and undisclosed first-year students are required to move in on Aug. 19, regardless of residence hall or floor. Sophomores (vaccinated or not) and all unvaccinated and undisclosed upper-class students are required to move in on Aug. 23 or 24.

Students living in residence halls can get pre-paid UPS Ground shipping labels for five boxes through Ship2Pitt. The parcels will be delivered directly to each student’s residence hall room if they ship before July 30. After that, the boxes will need to be picked up at each dorm’s mailing facility.

As a sign of a more normal start to the school year, the Division of Student Affairs is planning several in-person activities for Welcome Week, from Aug. 22 to 29, for first-year students as well as some activities for returning second-year students. Last year’s events were all virtual, as students were asked to quarantine for a week after coming to campus. Classes start on Aug. 27.

New student convocation will be at 3 p.m. Aug. 25 at Petersen Events Center, followed by a pep rally and chancellor’s picnic on the Petersen lawn. This year also will mark the return of the Welcome Back Bash at 10 p.m. Aug. 28 on Schenley Drive.

— Susan Jones

 

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