New Students Move Into Southeast Residence Halls

CAPE GIRAREEAU, Mo., Aug. 19, 2010 -- More than 1,900 new students moved into the residence halls Aug. 19 at Southeast Missouri State University.

The University has more than 2,900 students living on campus this fall, up 240 housing contracts from this time last year.

“We are full everywhere,” said Dr. Bruce Skinner, director of Residence Life. “There are no floors we are holding. We have identified every traditional residence hall room and have assigned students into them.”

Because of the large freshman class, Residence Life is canceling all private rooms in Dearmont Hall and is converting the former offices of the Department of Public Safety in Dearmont Hall into residence hall rooms, he said. In addition, two floors in H and K buildings of Greek Housing will house non-Greek students.

Opening Week events are scheduled over the course of the next several days on campus. A Welcome Convention is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 20 in the Show Me Center for new students. Students will be welcomed by University President Kenneth W. Dobbins, Student Government President Katie Herring and Student Regent Brian Kelly. Students will also receive information about other Opening Week activities.

The annual “Great Ice Cream Pig Out” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Student Recreation Center-North. This all-you-can-eat Southeast tradition features ice cream served by Southeast students and administrators. After enjoying the ice cream, students may stay for the 8 p.m. show by comedy magician, Derek Hughes.

A free movie and popcorn will welcome students back to campus at 9 p.m. Aug. 21 on the Terraces. Students are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and enjoy a movie with their friends. In the event of rain, the movie will be shown in the University Center Ballroom.

On Aug. 22, students are encouraged to take part in the annual Welcome Back Picnic. Held from 4–6 p.m. at the Show Me Center, there will be food, activities, lots of freebies and live music by the Carter Twins. The picnic is sponsored by the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chartwells Educational Dining Services. Entertainment will be provided by Student Activities Council.

Classes for the fall 2010 semester will begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 23. Welcome Back tents will be located at various spots around campus on Aug. 23-24 to help students find their way around Southeast. Each tent will be staffed and will have water, cookies and maps available.