McRobbie greets students, parents at residence halls

President Michael McRobbie toured residence halls during move-in Wednesday, much to the delight of the students and parents he greeted.\n“I think it’s important that we be seen to be part of the welcoming face of the University,” McRobbie said. “And that the senior administration understands just how important a day like this is.”\nAs the father of an IU graduate himself, McRobbie said he knows exactly what it’s like for parents on move in day.\n“For parents this is a very proud, but in some ways a slightly poignant, moment,” McRobbie said. “Their children are really leaving home for good in many ways.”\nMcRobbie spoke with Dick Frantz, who was helping his granddaughter move into her Briscoe dorm. He said seeing the president of the University on move-in day was unusual.\n“It was really impersonal when we brought our girls here,” Frantz said. “(My granddaughter) had so much help registering. We didn’t get that with our kids, so I’m pleased with the change in attitude.”\nFreshman Michael Baynes said it was fun to meet McRobbie while moving into Foster.\n“It was a nice welcome,” Baynes said. “I wasn’t really expecting that.”\nMcRobbie’s wife, Laurie Burns McRobbie, IU Provost Karen Hanson and other senior administrators also visited residence halls throughout campus. McRobbie said during visits to the dorms he heard nothing but praise from students and parents about freshman orientation.\n“I think that’s really part of making the students comfortable and parents comfortable,” McRobbie said. “This is the beginning of the real heart and soul of the university. The return of all the students.”