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Bobcat Move-In Crew
The Bobcat Move-In Crew is a volunteer group of dedicated returning students who help welcome our incoming first-year students during their move-in days.

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Welcome to the Bobcat Move-In Crew website, proudly presented by the Division of Student Affairs and Housing & Residence Life at Ohio University! 

As part of our longstanding tradition, we extend a warm invitation to returning students to join us in welcoming the next generation of Bobcats to the Athens campus this coming August. Assembling annually with enthusiasm and dedication, the Bobcat Move-In Crew embodies our commitment to fostering a welcoming community for all. 

Join us on Thursday and Friday of first-year move-in and be part of this exciting initiative. Sign up for shifts, lend a helping hand, and be a part of something special. And remember, it's not just about assisting others – you'll also earn volunteer hours, receive a complimentary t-shirt, and indulge in some tasty snacks. 

Ready to make a difference? Complete the Bobcat Move-In Crew application now on your Housing Self-Service page!

students standing in front of residence hall

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Some of the ROTC cadets who were also members of our 2023 Bobcat Move-In Crew

*It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

students posing with polaroid frame cutout

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Our team taking a small break to pose for a picture!

students helping unload cars at move-in

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Our team helping students and families unload their vehicles on South Green.

students unloading cars at move-in

Bobcat Move-In Crew

ROTC Bobcat Move-In Crew reporting for duty!

*It is not the intent of Ohio University to imply an endorsement by any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Bobcat Move In Crew at training session

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Our 2023 Bobcat Move-In Crew at training!

Charles Sanders holding move in sign

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Our 2023 Bobcat Move-In Crew supervisor, Charles Sanders, in the field with our team!

Bobcat Move In Crew members at training

Bobcat Move-In Crew

Our 2024 Bobcat Move-In Crew at training!

DO YOU STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Whether you're ready to apply or have already applied and need some clarification, please refer to the following. This guidance will ensure that you're fully prepared to join the upcoming Bobcat Move-In Crew!

What is the time commitment for Bobcat Move-In Crew?

By volunteering for Bobcat Move-In Crew, you are agreeing to the following:

  • Be physically able to assist students moving in for all scheduled shifts
  • Be available on the following dates:
     
    • Saturday, August 17 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to move-in (only if living on campus)
    • Tuesday, August 20 at 3:30 p.m. (Bobcat Move-In Crew training session)
    • Thursday, August 22 and Friday, August 23 (move-in shifts)

The training is hosted in-person and is required to be a part of the Bobcat Move-In Crew. Those who do not attend the training would not be scheduled for any move-in shifts. If the you have already checked-in to your on-campus assignment and do not attend the training and the entirety of the required shifts, you would be assessed the $125 early arrival housing charge, and no service hours would be recorded.

Do I have to have a shift on Thursday and Friday? Or can I just volunteer for one of the days?

While we will try to honor requests to have both shifts be on the same day, volunteers should be prepared to be scheduled on both the Thursday and Friday of move-in. 

Do I need to be able to lift and carry heavy items?

Bobcat Move-In crew members will need to be able to carry items for students and families from their vehicles to their room. This can include going up and down stairs. If you are unable, but still want to participate, please contact moveincrew@ohio.edu.

What is the compensation for Bobcat Move-In Crew?

Being a part of the Bobcat Move-In Crew is a volunteer opportunity. For those that volunteer, the following is the compensation you would receive:

  • Check-in prior to the traditional move-in days which means you beat the move-in day rush for returning student move-in
  • $125 early arrival housing charge is waived if all requirements are met
  • A letter from our department verifying you completed hours during move-in and/or your service hours can be reported to the Office of Experiential Learning for OHIO Guarantee + milestones credit

Additionally, Bobcat Move-In Crew members also get a Bobcat Move-In Crew t-shirt to wear during their shifts and the shirt is theirs to keep after! There will be snacks and water provided during scheduled shifts as well.

How do I apply?

To apply, log in to your Housing Self-Service page and click the Bobcat Move-In Crew Application.

This application will also serve as your request to arrive early if you are living on campus for the upcoming academic year. Students a part of the Bobcat Move-In Crew do not need to also complete the Early Arrival Application.

I no longer want to be on Bobcat Move-In Crew. How do I cancel my application?

To cancel, send an email to housing@ohio.edu or moveincrew@ohio.edu. If you need to also cancel your early arrival meal plan, include that in the cancellation request email.

I still want to arrive early, just not as a Bobcat Move-In Crew member. How do I do that?

If you already completed the Bobcat Move-In Crew Application and are requesting to arrive early to campus, but no longer as a Bobcat Move-In Crew member, you will need to email housing@ohio.edu or moveincrew@ohio.edu to cancel your Bobcat Move-In Crew Application, but then you will need to also log back into your Housing Self-Service page and complete the Early Arrival Application since you are requesting to arrive early and will be paying the associated $125 early arrival housing charge.

If you have not completed a Bobcat Move-In Crew Application then you just need to complete the Early Arrival Application on your Housing Self-Service to be able to request to arrive early.

As part of the Bobcat Move In Crew I get the $125 early arrival fee waived if I complete the training and both shifts, does that mean I can also get an early arrival meal plan at no cost?

Volunteering for Bobcat Move-In Crew will only cover the early arrival housing charge. If you would like to purchase an optional Block 4 or Block 8 dining plan (available from brunch on August 18 to breakfast August 22) you can do so by completing the Early Arrival Meal Plan Application on your Housing Self-Services page. The charge for a meal plan would be assessed to your student account by the first week of fall classes.

I cannot arrive during the Saturday early arrival check-in day. Can I check-in at another time?

If you reside on campus, check-in is Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you cannot make that time, the only other alternate times to move in are during staff office hours (8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.) on Saturday, August 17, Sunday, August 18 or Monday, August 19 as staff members are unavailable at any other time due to training.

Students living on campus should arrive on campus by Monday, August 19 since they are required to be at training Tuesday, August 20 at 3:30 p.m. and there is no check in time on Tuesday prior to the meeting.

Since I am arriving early, what am I agreeing to?

By being a part of the Bobcat Move-In Crew, you are granted access to arrive early. Please be aware that all other students, including roommates, requesting to arrive early or move in belongings, must also complete an Early Arrival Request Application or Bobcat Move-In Crew Application to arrive prior to traditional move-in.

As a student arriving early, you have agreed to the following conditions:

  • Any student found to be in the building without completing an Early Arrival Request Application/Bobcat Move-In Crew Application will be charged the unapproved rate of $200 per day.
  • Any approved student found to be permitting access to a student who has not been approved will be asked to check out. Charges for early arrival will be assessed.
  • The Student Code of Conduct and Student Housing Handbook will be enforced. Any behavioral concerns will result in a Community Standards referral as well as housing privileges being revoked until the traditional fall semester opens on Thursday, August 22 at 9 a.m. with all charges still being assessed.
  • There will be a no visitors policy beginning Saturday, August 17 until Thursday, August 22 at 9 a.m.
  • Students acknowledge and understand that any pre-ordered lofts or if they have any room accommodations that they may not be in place by Saturday, August 17.
  • Any student arriving early and is not associated with Bobcat Move-In Crew will be assessed a fee of $125 for early arrival for housing.