Florida A&M University (FAMU) welcomed one of its highest achieving classes in recent history as move-in days kicked off Thursday.
“Along with commencement, move-in day is one of the highlights of the school year,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We’re excited over the talented students that have joined us. We’re going to do our best to ensure they graduate in four years and go on to successful careers.”
The average GPA for the 1,000 freshmen enrolled thus far is 3.58 compared to 3.08 a year ago. FAMU also saw an unprecedented number of applications this year – 11,912, including undergrad, professional and transfer applications. Of the 8,538 First Time in College (FTIC) applicants, 2,898 FTICs were admitted.
To accommodate students still trying to enroll, a one-stop shop for Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Admission, Transfer Student Services, Student Health Services, Veteran’s Affairs, Parking and other services are being operated at the Al Lawson Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Thursday, August 29. Fall semester classes begin Monday, Aug. 26. Enrollment ends on Aug. 30.
Move-in day began 7 a.m. Thursday and continues through 7 p.m. Friday. All nine residence halls were open as hundreds of freshmen accompanied by parents and relatives moved into the Villages, Sampson and Young and other student housing.
Gibbs Hall was completely painted, bathrooms renovated, and the lounge was refurbished and decorated by HomeGoods in collaboration with “Queer Eye” star and FAMU alumnus Karamo Brown. New furniture was purchased for many facilities.
Student housing includes six traditional residence halls and three on-campus apartment complexes providing 2,520 beds. As of Thursday, housing was at 97 percent capacity with a waiting list, said FAMU Vice President of Student Affairs William Hudson, Jr. Ph.D.
“I love this time of year! The transition of new students and parents to the FAMULY always invigorates the campus,” Hudson said. “The faculty, staff and current students are assisting with move-in and are welcoming everyone to the campus. It is a great time for FAMU and the City of Tallahassee.”
Students are moving in at a time when the campus is taking on a new look with three major construction projects going on simultaneously. A stone’s throw from Gibbs Hall, construction is proceeding on the Center for Access and Student Success (CASS), which when completed in 2020 will place many key student services such as advisement, financial aid, and health services under one roof.
On South Martin Luther King Boulevard, across the street from “The Set,” an amphitheater for outdoor performances is taking shape. While a short distance away, a 700-bed student housing and dining facility is under construction.
Among the other events planned to welcome students this weekend, at 3 p.m. Friday, President Robinson will host the President’s Ice Cream Social at the Lawson Center. On Saturday, the Annual Grape Harvest Festival will be held at the FAMU Center for Viticulture and Small Fruit Research, 6361 Mahan Drive. A Freshman Pinning Ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday on campus in the Grand Ballroom.