The First Welcome: What Move-In Day Feels Like at University of the Cumberlands

Cars rolled onto campus. Volunteers directed families to residence halls. Faculty and staff carried boxes, unloaded trunks, handed out water, and helped students settle into their new homes.

For Chance Schlauch, a freshman from Perry, Ohio, it was the beginning of his college experience at University of the Cumberlands.

For his family, it was also an early glimpse of what that experience would look like.

When the Schlauchs pulled up to Chance’s residence hall, they expected to make several trips up the stairs themselves. Instead, after Chance received his room key, faculty and staff members wearing red “Welcome Committee” T-shirts followed him back to the car, ready to help.

“To be honest, this is amazing. And we didn't actually expect any of this,” said Chance’s mother, Jo Schlauch. “And the amount of people that are willing to help—I mean, grabbing everything we packed in one trip is amazing!”

For families leaving a student at college for the first time, Move-In Day can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For Jo, Cumberlands made the transition easier by showing her family from the beginning that Chance would be surrounded by people invested in his success.

“Everyone has been super nice and helpful. It's been a really great experience,” she said. “We've been here three times now, and every time it’s been amazing.”

What Is Move-In Day Like at Cumberlands?

At Cumberlands, Move-In Day is more than getting students into their residence halls. It is an opportunity for students and families to experience the university community before classes even begin.

For Chance, moving from Ohio to Williamsburg marked a significant transition. But with faculty, staff, and volunteers helping him get settled, he felt increasingly confident about his decision to attend Cumberlands.

“It’s all been pretty exciting,” he said. “Cumberlands is definitely living up to my expectations.”

That sense of welcome extended across campus.

One of the staff members helping Chance settle in was Jessica Shearer, executive vice president for information technology and CIO. For Shearer, volunteering during Move-In Day was about more than carrying boxes. It was about helping students feel at home from the moment they arrived.

“These students will call Cumberlands ‘home,’ so I wanted to welcome them and ensure they feel like a valued part of our community,” Shearer said.

How Does Cumberlands Support Students on Move-In Day?

Shearer was one of many faculty and staff members who volunteered across campus during two days of Move-In Day activities.

Their roles went well beyond unloading cars. Volunteers directed traffic, handed out water, provided directions, held doors, and helped families navigate the first moments of life on campus.

“I think our Welcome Committee demonstrates the University’s student-first approach because everyone has come together to help,” Shearer said. “Volunteering was not a requirement, yet so many folks signed up to assist. It shows our heart for service.”

That spirit reflects something students can experience throughout their time at Cumberlands: a community where faculty and staff are invested not only in what students accomplish academically, but also in helping them feel supported along the way.

Mason Smith, residence hall director for Mahan Hall, saw Move-In Day as an early introduction to that support.

“We support the mission of Cumberlands on day one. As soon as students show up, we want to show them that we're here for them and that we care,” he said. “Seeing faculty and staff come together in a big way, it just brings so much joy to me. And I hope that it brings joy to the residents.”

What Does Move-In Day Mean for New Students?

For students like Chance, support arrived before the first class, assignment, or exam.

The Schlauchs had pulled onto campus expecting to carry Chance’s belongings into his new home themselves. Instead, they found a community ready to carry the load with them.

The boxes were only the beginning.

Before Chance ever attended his first class, Cumberlands had already begun showing him what it means to belong.

Start Your Cumberlands Experience

Move-In Day is just one part of the student experience at University of the Cumberlands. From residence life and campus traditions to supportive faculty and opportunities to grow beyond the classroom, students begin building their Cumberlands experience from the moment they arrive.

Learn more about student life at University of the Cumberlands and discover what it could feel like to make Cumberlands your home.