A new energy filled the William Peace University campus on Thursday.
The main parking lot was packed with new families helping their students transition to the next phase of their lives.
As students and families made their way through the residence halls with boxes, suitcases, and keepsakes, the new group of Peace students brought with them a fresh excitement.
“Move-in Day is one of the most exciting traditions on campus because this is the day that our new students get to start their journey here at Peace,” said Cody Greene, Director of Residence Life & Housing. “Getting to meet all of the students, their families, guests, and seeing them start this chapter is what makes it so special. Also, seeing the Peace community come together to make this day magical is what makes Peace such a special place. You see just how committed Peace is to the student experience.”
At 9 a.m., the doors to the residence halls opened, marking the official kickoff to the 2025-26 school year. The move-in crew is made up of upperclass students who volunteer to help the newest members of the Peace community.
Students were greeted by Greene and his team at the check-in tables, as well as in the residence halls, where they assisted families in taking their belongings into their rooms. Greene’s team is dedicated to ensuring that the move-in process is a smooth experience from start to finish.
“I think students are most excited about making their residence hall rooms feel like home,” Greene said. “We want students to feel like their room is a space where they can relax, spend time with friends, and build community. They look forward to meeting their roommates and hallmates and forming those bonds that will last a lifetime.”
A Chance To Connect
Talise Fullner ‘11 has been volunteering to help with Move-in Day for the past six years.
Fullner, the new alumni board president, thinks parents find it reassuring to see alumni helping with Move-In Day.
“They are excited to see people engaged from that perspective,” Fullner said. “They are like, ‘Oh, you care this much about Peace to still invest in it.’”
Fullner and other graduates use this time to share their stories with new families.
“It allows me to connect with those who may be nervous,” Fullner said.
During the busy day, volunteers take time to answer questions, not only about Move-In Day, but also about the overall Peace experience. Fullner is more than happy to make them feel at ease about their decision to join the Peace community.
“We get a chance to tell our story,” Fullner explained. “We let them see that this a lifelong commitment and not just a four-year degree.”
New Pacers Dive Into Orientation Week
During the first days on campus, students settle into their residence halls and participate in New Student Orientation.
New students have their days scheduled down to the hour, with everything from meeting with advisors and academic leaders to a social hour for the families on the itinerary.
“Students’ first weekend is full of opportunities,” said Kristin Koch, Director of Student Involvement. “New students can sign up for a Downtown Raleigh experience. We have fun events like Movie on the Lawn, goat yoga, and a trip to North Hills to pick up any last-minute items from Target.”
During Orientation, new Pacers have the opportunity to meet their peers and orientation leaders. They can also meet new friends at the Find Your People session and connect with their academic advisor. Koch and her staff sent out forms to incoming students asking what they wanted out of their orientation experience. They used those responses to determine the breakout sessions and student panels.
“This is a new format for Orientation, but we hope it meets the needs of our students better than the information sessions we offered in the past,” Koch said. “They get to tailor their experience to match their own needs and interests.”
Koch enjoys how Move-In Day and the energy around it sets the tone for the entire school year.
“The first few days show new students who we are as a community,” Koch said. “They get to set expectations for each other and how they want to support each other throughout the year. We also give them a taste of all the fun, exciting experiences that are ahead of them. The first few days are when we hope they engage and connect so they can excel.”
