Volunteers asked to help students with move-in amid Oak Hall crisis

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief

Augusta University is asking for volunteers to help displaced students due to issues at the Oak Hall residence on Aug. 19. 

AU reported that there was a leak in the building that uncovered additional concerns, resulting in the need for repairs before students would be allowed to move in. As a result, housing at Oak Hall is unavailable for the fall semester to ensure students’ health and safety.  

There had been flooding that affected Oak Hall back in April.

According to a statement sent by Kristina Baggott, AU associate vice president for the Volunteer Services and Community Engagement, hundreds have been impacted by the situation. 

“In response to this unfortunate development, alternate housing arrangements have been secured at seven different off-campus residential locations to accommodate 400 students,” Baggott wrote.

AU President Brooks Keel addressed the problem at the annual fall faculty kickoff Aug. 14. 

“We have had to place our incoming freshman into four hotels and three apartment complexes across the community because our dorm is basically under renovation,” he said.  

Keel said that despite the issue, he appreciated the response from faculty and staff to remedy the problem. 

“This entire campus has come together, and I mean that sincerely. To not only to address this issue, but to try to help us find places for these students to go and I want to thank every single one of you who that had been involved in that process,” he said.  

He added, “It’s about coming together to support our students.” 

Susan Davies, vice president for enrollment and student affairs at AU, said it was upsetting to hear that Oak Hall would not be open this semester. 

“We were all heartbroken; this is not what we wanted for our new, first-year students,” she said. “We know that this was an abrupt transition for them.” 

She continued, “I am optimistic that we are going to be able provide an excellent experience for them, an experience that really allows them to enjoy their first year, get to their classes on time and be excellent students.” 

Professors and instructors were also asked to show compassion toward students who are affected by the situation, noting that they could potentially face challenges with transportation. 

This is not the first time the dorms have had issues with students moving in. Last year, move-in was delayed for some students because of mold clean up.  

According to the university, Corvias, its facilities service provider, was responsible for making repairs and paying for the damages.  

For those who would like to volunteer, here is a link with sign-up details: https://augusta.givepulse.com/event/382870-2023-AU-Move-In-2.0 . 

Help is needed at the following times and places: 

·         The Crowne Plaza (12:15 p.m. - 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. shifts) 

·         Holiday Inn Express (2 p.m. - 4 p.m. shifts) 

·         The Row (10 a.m. - noon shift) 

Those who volunteer will receive a free t-shirt. (image by Augusta University)

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.