New Students Arrive for 2007-08 School Year at VCU

By Tom Gresham

Incoming freshmen will start moving into their dormitory rooms this weekend at Virginia Commonwealth University, marking the opening of a new school year.

The more than 31,000 students expected to enroll this school year at VCU will form the largest student body in school history. Among the students are 3,850 freshmen – also the largest total ever at VCU. Approximately 78 percent of the freshmen will live on campus. Overall, 4,849 students have been assigned to university housing.

Freshmen will move into their dorm rooms on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Students are assigned move-in times based on alphabetical order. Significant traffic congestion is expected in the areas near VCU's student dormitories on both days and street parking will be blocked in the vicinity of the residence halls. Also, "Welcome to VCU" activities will also be held in Monroe Park and on the MCV Campus lawn for the students and their families.

Heavy traffic areas include the 700 and 800 blocks of West Franklin Street, near Brandt, Johnson and Rhoads halls; the 700 block of West Main Street, near Gladding Residence Center and the 700 block of West Grace Street near West Grace Street Housing. Congestion is also expected on the MCV Campus near Cabaniss Hall, 615 N. Eighth Street.

Reuban Rodriguez, Ph.D., associate vice provost and dean of student affairs, will be available for media interviews regarding move-in days at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 18 in front of Brandt Hall, at the corner of Laurel and Franklin streets.