More than 150 volunteers assisted during Stephen F. Austin State University’s fall 2024 move-in weekend as the university implemented a new, streamlined check-in process centralized in the commuter parking lot.
SFA’s residence hall capacity for fall 2024 increased to 4,153 beds, up from 3,911 beds in fall 2023, with current occupancy reaching 92.7% compared to last year’s 88.7%. This growth underscores the university’s commitment to accommodating an evolving student population and fostering a vibrant campus community.
The most notable change was the centralization of the check-in process to the commuter lot on both Friday and Saturday. This strategic adjustment alleviated the burden on the Residence Life team, allowing them to focus on greeting students and troubleshooting any issues that arose. This resulted in an average check-in rate of nearly two students per minute on Friday and over one student per minute on Saturday.
“The new process was a wild success,” said Dr. Andrew Dies, interim director of SFA’s Residence Life. “It not only helped streamline our check-in process but also significantly reduced traffic and congestion around the residence halls.”
More than 4,100 Stephen F. Austin State University students moved into residence halls Aug. 23-25, putting the university’s fall 2024 occupancy rate at 92.7%, which is 4% higher than last year.
“Our volunteers went above and beyond this year,” Dies said. “Having dedicated teams for check-in and support in the parking lots allowed us to provide a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone.”
Move-in weekend highlights included special appearances from notable figures such as SFA President Neal Weaver, who assisted students in moving their belongings, and head football coach Colby Carthel, who greeted students at check-in. Additionally, teams from Student Affairs, Athletics, and Enrollment Management worked tirelessly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days to ensure a seamless transition for all incoming residents.
“As a two-time SFA grad, I was ecstatic when our son chose SFA. However, being six hours from home now, we were nervous and anxious as the move-in date approached,” said Sarah Kleinwachter, parent to an incoming Lumberjack. “The moment we arrived at SFA, we were greeted by friendly faces who went above and beyond to provide a smooth check-in process. We arrived at 7:45 a.m., and our son was completely unloaded by 8:30 a.m. His and our nerves immediately disappeared as we knew this was only the start to a great year ahead as he was now at his home away from home!”
Looking beyond move-in, SFA is excited to continue supporting new and returning students through Weeks of Welcome, a two-week series of events and programs designed to help students acclimate to campus life and build lasting connections within the community. More information can be found at sfasu.edu/orientation.
“We are thrilled with how move-in weekend turned out,” Dies said. “Our focus on improving the check-in process and the incredible support from our volunteers and staff made this one of our most successful move-ins yet. We look forward to continue to welcome our new students and helping them thrive at SFA.”
ABOUT STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE UNIVERSITY
Stephen F. Austin State University, the newest member of The University of Texas System, began a century ago as a teachers’ college in Texas’ oldest town, Nacogdoches. Today, it has grown into a regional institution comprising six colleges — business, education, fine arts, forestry and agriculture, liberal and applied arts, and sciences and mathematics. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, SFA enrolls approximately 11,000 students while providing the academic breadth of a state university with the personalized attention of a private school. The main campus encompasses 421 acres that include 40 academic facilities, nine residence halls, and 68 acres of recreational trails that wind through its six gardens. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s degrees, more than 40 master’s degrees and four doctoral degrees covering more than 120 areas of study. Learn more at sfasu.edu.
By Christine Broussard, assistant director for strategic communications at Stephen F. Austin State University
