When residence halls open at Denton’s two universities this week, an army of volunteers will be waiting to help students move in.

In keeping with longstanding traditions at Texas Woman’s University and the University of North Texas, administrators and employees will stand ready to help students check in and carry their belongings to their rooms.

At UNT, more than 500 volunteers, including Provost Wendy Wilkins, are slated to help an estimated 3,000 students move into residence halls today, said Eugene Frier, UNT’s residence life coordinator. Bonita Jacobs, vice president for student development, and Celia Williamson, deputy provost and dean of undergraduate studies, are also among upper administrators who are planning to help.

Many UNT employees have even signed up their family members to offer a hand, Frier said, and many former students who aren’t affiliated with the school have applied to assist the newcomers.

“People want to come out and help,” he said. “Whether you’ve been to college or not, you’ve been new somewhere in life. People want to make that go smoothly for students.”

UNT’s Sunday Fun Day began in 1997.

At Texas Woman’s University, up to 900 students could move in when those residence halls open Wednesday.

Nancy Murphy-Chadwick, TWU’s housing director, said 50 to 60 volunteers, including Richard Nicholas, vice president for student life, are expected to help settle students on that campus.

She said a large group from the information technology services department also is planning to drive golf carts for students who aren’t able to park very close to their buildings. That will especially help, as many of them need to cross Bell Avenue, she said.

TWU’s Pioneer Welcome Day has been a tradition for at least 10 years, Murphy-Chadwick said.

“This is a way to have students see that this is a university that cares, that we do more than work in classrooms and offices,” Murphy-Chadwick said.

Classes at both universities begin Aug. 25.

MATTHEW ZABEL can be reached at 940-566-6884. His e-mail address is mzabel@dentonrc.com.