[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mary_keyes_new.jpg” caption=”Mary Keyes Residence”]Students are packing their belongings this week and moving out of McMaster's residences.

More than 3,000 students will move out between April 19-27, with almost 1,554 of these residents departing either April 26 or 27. As a result, it will be busier than usual on the roadways near residences in the north and west quads, particularly during the peak periods between 2-7 p.m.

University staff who travel the roadway and/or park in Zone 2 opposite McKay Hall, the Commons Building and Woodstock Hall will find this area particularly busy over the next few days. To avoid the bustle of cars pulling in and out of parking spots and the general increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic in this area, staff are encouraged to park in Zone 2 south or east of the tennis courts for the next few days.

Attendants wearing safety vests will be working shifts in both the north and west quads starting Tuesday, April 19. These student attendants will ensure visiting cars do not block roadways, fire lanes or pedestrian walkways. Pedestrians in the west quad should note that cars will be allowed to drive to Moulton, Matthews and Wallingford Halls along the emergency roadway north and east of Mary Keyes Residence to stop in designated areas to load students and their belongings. Again, student attendants will ensure that cars move safely in one direction only and do not block access for emergency vehicles. Parking and Security Services have assisted in the preparation of the move-out plan to ensure the residence move-out runs smoothly.

“The main objective with our move-out operations is to provide an organized and efficient exiting experience to our resident students and their parents,” says Kevin Beatty, manager of training & development with Housing & Conference Services. “We consider the last impression students leave with to be just as important as the first impression they are greeted with. Through seven days of operation with approximately 20-30 people helping plan and execute the move out process, we hope that our students depart from their residence experience on a high note.”

As part of move-out, students are co-ordinating Swap-O-Rama, a joint project of MACgreen and the City of Hamilton, Waste Reduction Division.

From Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, students and residents surrounding McMaster are encouraged to put out on their curb reusable furniture or utensils that they no longer use. The annual program is aimed at reducing the amount of garbage left by students during move in/out.

Acceptable items include furniture, small household items, TVs/electronics, bicycles. Unacceptable items include garbage, hazardous waste, appliances. Items that are not swapped during the event will be collected by the City on Monday, May 2, 2005.