Each year on new student move-in day, volunteer teams of University of Delaware faculty, staff, students and community members help new students move into residence halls. These energetic volunteers are known as the Blue Hen Helpers (BHH).  

The BHH are the first to extend a warm welcome to new students and their families, and assist with moving luggage and other belongings into residence hall rooms. The helpers can relieve some of the stress felt by families during a day of high emotions.

“Move in day is an important day for our new Blue Hens and the exciting start of a new academic year,” said Kathleen Kerr, associate vice president for Student Life. “When faculty and staff volunteer to be Blue Hen Helpers they are demonstrating to these new members of our community what it means to be a Blue Hen…I encourage everyone to volunteer and be a part of this fun and rewarding experience.”  

New student move-in day is on Saturday, Aug. 25. Helpers can volunteer for three-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Volunteering as a BHH is a great way to help students start to build the strong and positive community that enhances their living and learning experiences.

Volunteers can indicate their availability, preferred location and group affiliation (if applicable) on the signup form.

Residence Life and Housing has offered Blue Hen Helpers campus wide to incoming first year students since 1994, after assuming responsibility from Sigma Chi fraternity. BHH initially developed as a service project to assist first-year students in the former Dickinson Complex.