romeroj3@lopers.unk.edu

UNK is returning its fall move-in process to normal after it expanded its safety measurements and move-in period last fall to ease the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The change was welcomed this fall, when it allowed some students to experience campus before the semester started.

The elimination of these extra early move-in days has disappointed some returning UNK students. 

“[UNK] should still offer those extra move-in days as an option, even a limited option would work,” said Luxie West, a UNK student, “It would give the ability for people who still have worries about COVID to be able to move into their dorms early and safely.”

Concerns about the large move-in crowd have also risen.

“My parents were more willing to help me move in since UNK had those extra move-in days and they also had social distancing rules,” said Stephanie Vielmas, a UNK student.

Early move-in days for certain organizations, like Greek Life and marching band, are still going to be in place, but regular incoming UNK students will be able to move into their dorms starting on August 20, 2021, which is just three days before the semester starts.

With the vaccine rollout increasing every day in the United States and President Joe Biden announcing that every adult in the United States over the age of 18 will be eligible for the vaccine on April 19, the case numbers continue to decrease every day.

UNK is currently in Phase 2 of its pandemic plan and restrictions are expected to continue to be relaxed since the state of Nebraska has already pulled back its social distancing restrictions.

With the expected increase in upcoming freshmen coming this fall, the move-in-day experience remains in question for both the incoming and returning UNK students.

UNK has not announced any further plans for their move-in day so far but more information is expected to come late summer — closer to the start of the term.