With classes for the university’s 100th year set to begin Monday, Aug. 23, the first of the more than 1,000 students who will live on campus arrived at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, as move-in began at the campus dorms.

Move-in continues through 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 20, with orientation and ice-breaking activities scheduled Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22.

University Courtyard is home to three community-style halls and six residence suites. Applications are still being accepted.

For those who started unpacking Thursday, there was a slate of activities for new and returning residents and their parents.

The highlight was a barbecue outside the University Dining Hall, where university President John D. Welty, Dr. Paul Oliaro, vice president for student affairs, and other top Fresno State officials spoke and the Bulldog Marching Band played after a rousing march across campus.

Scheduled Friday:

  • An Information fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the University Dining Hall, where clubs and organizations around campus and student services vendors will be on hand to give students a glimpse of what’s available to them on campus.
  • A workshop at 4 p.m. in the Atrium Lobby to provide ideas about furniture arrangements and creative décor for dorm rooms.
  • At 1 p.m. in the Graves Hall lobby, an opportunity for parents to ask questions of University Courtyard senior staff members.
  • Friday Night Fever: 8 p.m. (karaoke, improv comedy and dancing).

Weekend activities include:

  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Greek Community Tour begins in front of Baker Hall; 2 p.m. Watermelon Games at Aspen Lawn; 9 p.m. Casino Game Night at the pool area.
  • Sunday: 1 p.m. Water Games at the pool area; 9 p.m. ice cream sundaes at the Atrium Patio.

New this year for students: free Internet access and basic cable TV in all rooms; free, eco-friendly reusable food container for all residents.

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April Kelly (in photo above right) a freshman environmental science major from Long Beach and her parents unload their vehicle Thursday, Aug. 19, morning at California State University, Fresno. She was the first among more than 1,000 students checking in for the fall semester at the University Courtyard as Fresno State begins its 100th year. Kelly hopes to join the Bulldog equestrian team. Move-in will continue through the weekend with activities ranging from parent-answer sessions to a barbecue, swimming party and welcome from university President John Welty and other top campus officials. Classes will begin Monday, Aug. 23.