Golden Panthers move into their habitat


  • » More than 3,000 students move back onto FIU campuses
  • » Faculty invited to participate in ‘Food for Thought’ program

Packs of FIU students with parents in tow returned to University Park’s residence halls Friday, Aug. 22, traveling in vehicles crammed with everything from clothes and bedding to stereos and television sets. Volunteers greeted their fellow Golden Panthers curbside and helped guide them through the check-in process.

“I wanted to come and welcome students so that they feel less apprehensive about living on campus,” said Andrea Valenzuela, secretary of Student Organizations Council. “They should feel like they’re surrounded by family.”

By noon, cars were parked bumper-to-bumper on all the roads leading to the dorms. Plastic crates lined the sidewalks. With the blistering South Florida sun beating down, student-athletes got their day’s workout carrying heavy boxes up narrow stairs and down long halls.

More than 3,000 students will make FIU their home this year. Nearly 40 percent of them are freshmen.

Vanessa Yepes, a member of the freshmen class of 2012 majoring in psychology and English, moved into Lakeview Hall with three of her best friends.

“I hope living on campus will help me make lasting friendships,” Yepes said. “I also hope that I will be more active in the FIU community than if I commuted.”

Faculty members who want to reach out to student-residents like Yepes can join the Office of Residential Life’s ongoing program, “Food for Thought”. The program aims to help students connect with faculty members outside of the classroom.

The names of faculty members participating in “Food for Thought” will be placed on a list that will be made available to resident assistants (RAs). Participants will share a meal and informal conversations with up to four residents at an on-campus dining facility.

Faculty members who are interested in this worthwhile program should call the Office of Residential Life at 305-348-3661 or send an email to Joe Mattachione, mattachi@fiu.edu.

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