Chat Notes from the Preparing for Move-In and Starting Classes - Fall 2026
The transcript below has been edited so the answers are directly under the questions and answers are added to questions that we were not able to answer during the live chat.
If you have questions after reading the chat, please email parents@charleston.edu
00:22:02 ehark: we can't wait to get to orientation next week!
00:22:13 genevieveinnes: Thank you Mindy for your warm and welcoming spirit and the great info! Thanks to all.
00:25:07 Diana Jaffe: Should our student be here?
00:25:38 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Should our student be here?"
It is OK if they aren't on the webinar. They can watch the recording
00:25:59 ehark: Replying to "Should our student be here?"
where can they find the recording?
00:26:15 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Should our student be here?"
It will be on the CofC orientation youtube web page - https://youtu.be/Tc9279nipL0
00:26:48 Kristin Barnard: If we can't fit underbed storage in our car on our trip to school to checkin/movein can we make a second trip within the move-in window to drop it off?
00:27:11 Mindy Miley: check out our website at College of Charleston | Parents & Families and select the new student tile - you can find all the info in one place
00:27:21 Cheri Belski: Will there be move in wheeled bins for us to use? Or bring our own
00:27:29 Mindy Miley: be sure your student is checking their cofc email!
00:27:54 Nicole Lenez: Reacted to "If we can't fit underbed storage in our car on our trip to school to checkin/movein can we make a second trip within the move-in window to drop it off?" with 👍
00:28:14 Sarah Solomon: If you aren't driving to drop off, but walking from a nearby hotel with bags - is that a big issue?
00:28:58 Mindy Miley: no big issue if you are walking from a hotel -
00:28:37 Stephanie Auwaerter: Move in video https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/move-in.php
00:28:38 monicascandlen: Can we have two cars for move-in?
00:29:26 monicascandlen: For example, my husband will be driving his truck and I’ll have my SUV.
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: I believe one parking pass will be issued per student so the other car would need to park and unload from the parking space. Please check with campus housing at housing@cofc.edu for confirmation.
00:28:54 genevieveinnes: Does the average car with a Thule cargo box fit in the garage?
00:40:00 Megan Rowe: Replying to "Does the average car with a Thule cargo box fit in the garage?"
it really depends on the car.
00:40:20 Cheri Belski: Replying to "Does the average car with a Thule cargo box fit in the garage?"
What was height max again - 8’6”?
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: The parking services office may be able to let you know the garage heights. You can contact them at campusservices@cofc.edu.
00:30:20 Diane Carpentier Shrader: When we unload items, is that when we pick up keys? And how long do we have to unload, park and move in and unpack?
Post Chat response from Stephanie Auwaerter: Keys are picked up at the check in location your student will receive an email about, you have an hour to unload and park. You have as long as you need to unpack and set up the room.
00:32:04 Terry Babilla: are there any different move in rules for students participating in the Cougar Excursion and moving in early
Post chat response from Stephanie Auwaerter: no
00:32:56 Kimberly DiTeresi: Are there dolly trucks available for use?
00:34:06 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Are there dolly trucks available for use?"
We use large laundry carts.
00:32:58 Cheri Belski: If on a very early move in time (730am) do i stand a decent chance at getting one?
00:41:27 Megan Rowe: Replying to "If on a very early move in time (730am) do i stand a decent chance at getting one?"
probably but if not should be pretty quick to get one.
Post Chat response from stephanie: It will depend on how many other people are moving in at that time.
00:33:28 Michelle Quirk: where is the checkin area for keys? At each dorm?
00:33:45 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "where is the checkin area for keys? At each dorm?"
Yes. Your student will have an email with location of key pick up
00:34:23 Nicole Lenez: The move in video Megan mentioned: https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/move-in.php
00:35:01 cherylsucato: We will be walking from the hotel. Can we go in and out and back in again?
00:35:42 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "We will be walking from the hotel. Can we go in and out and back in again?"
Yes
00:35:12 ehark: Will all of this (tables, bins) be there on the 12th for early move-in too?
00:35:20 Nicole Lenez: Reacted to "Will all of this (tables, bins) be there on the 12th for early move-in too?" with 👍
00:35:50 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Will all of this (tables, bins) be there on the 12th for early move-in too?"
Yes
00:36:02 Katherine Baker: Will there be volunteers to help with move in on Aug 12th for early move in?
00:41:56 Megan Rowe: Replying to "Will there be volunteers to help with move in on Aug 12th for early move in?"
yes!
00:36:28 WILLIAM MOSS: are the students sleeping in the dorm move-in day?
00:37:00 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "are the students sleeping in the dorm move-in day?"
They can if they would like
00:36:34 Zoom user: If we have 2 automobiles, may both pull up and unload and where does the second vehicle park?
00:37:29 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "If we have 2 automobiles, may both pull up and unload and where does the second vehicle park?"
The second vehicle can park at a local parking garage.
00:36:42 Elizabeth Snider: Can you recommend a storage facility nearby?
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: You can do a google search for storage facilities close to 66 George Street to find a list.
00:36:46 Todd W: So unload on sidewalk?
00:37:32 Mindy Miley: Replying to "So unload on sidewalk?"
yes
00:37:02 Ashley: If bins aren't available during our time slot, where do we leave our items as we take shifts up and down?
00:37:41 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "If bins aren't available during our time slot, where do we leave our items as we take shifts up and down?"
Yes
00:37:11 Heather Leventni: What are the hours of move in? Start and finish?
Post chat notes from Stephanie Auwaerter: The hours differ per residence hall. Students sign up for a specific date and move in time. The move in time is the time period where you pull up to the street, unload and park the card. You can take as long as you need to set up the room.
00:37:18 mankosm: where do we pick up our parking pass?
00:38:10 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "where do we pick up our parking pass?"
at check in
00:38:29 Megan Rowe: Replying to "where do we pick up our parking pass?"
it will be given to you when you arrive either on street or at check in desk.
00:38:32 cherylsucato: Will the cookout take place if it’s raining?
00:38:52 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Will the cookout take place if it’s raining?"
Are you referring to the University Honors cookout?
00:39:01 cherylsucato: Replying to "Will the cookout tak..."
Yes
00:40:29 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Will the cookout take place if it’s raining?"
It will occur if it rains.
00:39:00 David M.: Does the student pick up their keys before the car arrives to unload into the bins
00:39:21 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Does the student pick up their keys before the car arrives to unload into the bins"
Yes. they can come in at the scheduled move in time while the car is in the line to come up to the curb
00:39:44 Ashley: Will RA's schedule floor meetings around rush schedule?
Comments from Residence life during webinar: If a student is unable to make their floor meeting, the RA will send out the information that is covered at the meeting and will be happy to meet with the student if they have any follow up questions.
00:39:50 David M.: Reacted to "Yes. they can com..." with 👍
00:39:56 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "where do we pick up our parking pass?"
The student would have selected their time and can see it in the myhousing and mydining part of Myportal
00:40:47 Megan Rowe: Replying to "When we unload items, is that when we pick up keys? And how long do we have to unload, park and move in and unpack?"
when you arrive, students goes to get key, family can start to unload.
00:41:27 Kathy Vezina: Are roommates staggered for move in?
00:41:37 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Are roommates staggered for move in?"
yes
00:41:29 Stephanie Auwaerter: If we don't get to one of your questions, please feel free to email parents@charleston.edu
00:42:00 Stephanie Auwaerter: Campus Housing questions can be sent to housing@cofc.edu
00:42:20 Kathy Vezina: What’s the earliest move in time on August 12th?
00:43:30 Megan Rowe: Replying to "What’s the earliest move in time on August 12th?"
it depends on the building, we stagger the buildings.
00:43:46 Kathy Vezina: Replying to "What’s the earliest move in time on August 12th?"
Berry Hall?
00:45:12 Megan Rowe: Replying to "What’s the earliest move in time on August 12th?"
7:00 AM
00:42:53 Scott: i missed location of check in?
00:43:11 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "i missed location of check in?"
Your student will receive an email with the key pick up location.
00:43:40 Alicia Hooper: Replying to "i missed location of..."
Did that email already go out?
00:42:42 Mannie’s IPhone: What is the laundry situation?
00:43:39 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
Students who live on campus have access to free laundry
00:43:57 Mindy Miley: College of Charleston | Laundry - Laundry info
00:44:01 Mannie’s IPhone: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
Is there one location or multiple
00:44:08 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
multiple locations
00:44:15 Mannie’s IPhone: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
Gotcha! Thank you
00:44:15 Kathy Vezina: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
On each floor?
00:44:44 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "What is the laundry situation?"
It differs per residence hall
00:45:00 emily zarbatany: Are there toilet plungers available in the dorms/halls or do they need to have their own in each suite/bathroom. Thx
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: If a student has an issue with their room, they would put in a work order to have the issue fixed. You can view more information about work orders at https://charleston.edu/housing/current-residents/index.php
00:43:40 Alicia Hooper: Replying to "i missed location of..."
Did that email already go out?
Campus Housing: @Alicia Hooper no, will be out this week
00:46:25 Zoom user: Will they have another tour for classes if it fall during his move time?
00:47:56 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Will they have another tour for classes if it fall during his move time?"
Are you referring to classroom tours?
00:52:05 Zoom user: Replying to "Will they have another tour for classes if it fall during his move time?"
Yes
00:53:05 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Will they have another tour for classes if it fall during his move time?"
We will have classroom tours on Saturday and Sunday. Check out the weeks of welcome https://charleston.edu/office-student-life/weeks-of-welcome/index.php
00:47:02 Susan’s iPhone 17 Air: Are there any shared cleaning items like vacuums/mops etc
00:47:19 cherylsucato: Do the cleaning supplies stay in their rooms?
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: students should bring their own cleaning supplies. They will want to talk to their roommates and suitemates about who is bringing which cleaning supply, who will do what part of cleaning and how often it will happen.
00:47:49 Philip Thornton: Is traffic in town so terrible getting TO campus that I need to allow extra time to sit in line in the streets, waiting for our curb-side drop-off?
Post Chat note: Campus Housing comment during live chat - I would not arrive until your move-in time, we normally get folks thought very quickly!
00:48:14 Elizabeth Snider: Is there a secure room in Berry my son can store his hockey (goalie) gear until the season starts?
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: I’m sorry but we don’t have a space like that on campus. Your student would need to put their equipment in their room
00:48:18 Diane Carpentier Shrader: What parts of the dorms do the cleaning services tend to?
00:48:40 Meghan Smith: I understand that there is a minifridge for the suites (Berry Hall) and that yall discourage students bringing their own minifridge. But is that big enough for 7 kids?
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: It depends on the which floor your student is in in Berry. Some of the floors have full size fridges now. If there is a mini fridge, it would be OK to have one or two more mini fridges in the space. You can view which floors have full size fridges at the bottom of the page in the amenities section https://charleston.edu/housing/residence-halls/berry-hall.php
00:49:18 Susan’s iPhone 17 Air: Is a hand vac enough instead of large vacuum?;)
00:49:37 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Is a hand vac enough instead of large vacuum?;)"
It depends on the size of the rug that the student has brought in the room
00:49:20 Cheri Belski: What about in suites - do they clean the common areas inside the suite? Or only commons areas in the hall itself outside of the suites
00:49:53 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "What about in suites - do they clean the common areas inside the suite? Or only commons areas in the hall itself outside of the suites"
common areas in the residence hall - not in the rooms
00:50:12 Zoom user: Best laundry detergent? I’ve read online about sheets and pods and different places recommend different things.
00:50:34 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Best laundry detergent? I’ve read online about sheets and pods and different places recommend different things."
I haven't heard students mention any preferred types at CofC
00:50:29 Kathleen Flanagan: You mentioned TP, is that just as move-in or for suites will the school provide tp daily to rooms, or do student request it, or do they need to buy it on their own?
00:50:51 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "You mentioned TP, is that just as move-in or for suites will the school provide tp daily to rooms, or do student request it, or do they need to buy it on their own?"
toilet paper can be picked up at the front desk
00:50:31 Cheri Belski: What isn’t allowed in the halls? I’ve heard mixed things about air fryers, shower water purifiers, and ice makers that plug in
00:51:14 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "What isn’t allowed in the halls? I’ve heard mixed things about air fryers, shower water purifiers, and ice makers that plug in"
Check out the great list at https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/what-to-bring.php
01:02:58 emily zarbatany: Replying to "What isn’t allowed in the halls? I’ve heard mixed things about air fryers, shower water purifiers, and ice makers that plug in"
Toaster? Toaster oven? What does “exposed elements” mean?
01:05:06 Nicole Lenez: Replying to "What isn’t allowed in the halls? I’ve heard mixed things about air fryers, shower water purifiers, and ice makers that plug in"
the toasters with the open tops are exposed heating elements. toaster ovens are okay in spaces with kitchens. most important piece is that anything that gets hot has an auto shut off
Post chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: if you have questions about specific items in specific residence halls, please email housing@cofc.edu.
00:51:03 Nadia Avendaño (she/her): Do they have access to filtered water?
00:52:02 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Do they have access to filtered water?"
They do in the dining halls and some of the drinking fountains on campus
00:52:25 Sarah Solomon: What size is the shower if we want to send extra liners to switch out
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: You can view detailed information about the residence halls on https://charleston.edu/housing/residence-halls/index.php. If you go to the residence hall and scroll down to the amenities section at the bottom you can find details about room size and I saw a number of them have shower liner sizes in the descriptions.
00:53:27 Alicia Cohen: Can we bring ice trays to use in McAlister?
00:53:34 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Can we bring ice trays to use in McAlister?"
yes
00:53:36 Katherine Baker: Do the dorms have water bottle fillers available to the students (Berry Hall)?
00:54:22 Megan Rowe: Replying to "Do the dorms have water bottle fillers available to the students (Berry Hall)?"
many do if they don't have a kitchen sink.
00:54:02 Edi Cooper: Rutledge can have air fryers?
Post chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: The campus housing office would be able to answer that question. You can email them at housing@cofc.edu.
00:54:28 Susan’s iPhone 17 Air: Did I read that you all are collecting canned food at orientation?
00:54:55 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Did I read that you all are collecting canned food at orientation?"
Yes. For our cougar food pantry
00:56:05 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Did I read that you all are collecting canned food at orientation?"
The cougar food pantry is open for all CofC students
00:54:53 Mindy Miley: You can find all the websites mentioned here on our parents page College of Charleston | Parents & Families
00:56:03 iPad: Are the events on Saturday and Sunday mandatory for new students?
00:56:33 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Are the events on Saturday and Sunday mandatory for new students?"
We highly encourage students to attend and meet other new students
00:56:12 Jennifer Machat: When does the meal plan start if you participate in early move in ?
00:57:03 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "When does the meal plan start if you participate in early move in ?"
The meal plan starts on Thursday
00:56:45 Alicia Cohen: The events on aug 15 and 16th; will recruitment impact attending these?
00:57:28 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "The events on aug 15 and 16th; will recruitment impact attending these?"
They will be able to attend events and recruitment activities
00:57:24 kathryngerleit: Do parents attend New Student Convocation?
00:57:43 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Do parents attend New Student Convocation?"
Convocation is just for students.
00:58:05 Stephanie Auwaerter: Best Fest is September 2nd
00:59:06 Mindy Miley: Be sure you are subscribed to our parent platform - I'll put all this info and events there https://cofc.campusesp.com/
01:00:52 Stephanie Auwaerter: Family Weekend and homecoming https://homecoming.charleston.edu/
01:01:23 Naomi Simmons (she/her): https://charleston.edu/office-student-life/weeks-of-welcome/index.php
01:01:59 Stephanie Auwaerter: https://charleston.edu/parents/
01:02:27 Stephanie Auwaerter: CofC parent platform https://cofc.campusesp.com/users/sign_in
01:02:38 Sarah Solomon: Is the contact info for the parents of the suitemates available somewhere? Or, just get it from my student?
01:03:05 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Is the contact info for the parents of the suitemates available somewhere? Or, just get it from my student?"
Your student can access it in their MyPortal in the myhousing and dining section
01:02:50 Jennifer Machat: Do students still have classes Family week ? I.e., Nov 5 & 6? Debating on flying into Charleston and don't want to book flights if our student won't be available 😂
Stephanie Auwaerter Post Chat Note: students do have classes on November 5 and 6. Once they have their class schedule, you can make plans about when to come down.
01:02:57 Lisa Ricci: unrelated here maybe but we are having a hard time figuring where to have our student add us as a proxy for access to schedule and grades via registrar
Stephanie Auwaerter Post Chat Note: You can view information about proxy access at https://charleston.edu/registrar/parents-families/index.php. Students set it up in their MyPortal under the Personal Information tile.
01:02:39 Diane Carpentier Shrader: when do the kids purchase their textbooks? Are most of the materials online or hard copy?
01:03:15 ehark: when do the kids purchase their textbooks? Are most of the materials online or hard copy?
01:03:27 smt: BOOKS: new or used, rent or buy?
01:04:29 Mindy Miley: Check out Cougar Complete for bookstore for information about buying or renting books. Students should have books during the first week of classes.
01:04:48 Cheri Belski: If rent assume that means that cannot write/highlight in books right?
01:05:20 Mindy Miley: you can write and highlight in the books
01:05:07 Diane Carpentier Shrader: where do they pick up the books?
01:05:47 Mindy Miley: books picked up from the bookstore on Calhoun Street
01:06:08 Alicia Hooper: Will the books arrive before we leave home for early move in for recruitment? We will leave home early morning on 8/11
Post Chat Note from Stephanie Auwaerter: You may want to contact the bookstore to see if you can change the book delivery method to pick up at the bookstore. Their phone number is 843.953.5518.
01:06:13 Cheri Belski: Replying to "you can write and highlight in the books"
Even if rented books? Just double checking
Post Chat response from Stephanie Auwaerter: Rented books may already come highlighted so your student can add their own highlights.
01:06:22 Mindy Miley: College of Charleston | Cougar Complete
01:06:26 Susan’s iPhone 17 Air: Where do we go for this form:
FERPA Authorization (for students)
If your child is in college, this allows the school to share educational records, grades, financial aid information, and disciplinary matters with you.
Once a student turns 18 or attends a postsecondary institution, these records are generally protected by privacy law.
Post Chat response from Stephanie Auwaerter: You can view information about proxy access management and FERPA forms at https://charleston.edu/registrar/parents-families/index.php
01:03:20 Jenn Trunk: I don’t see anything info regarding Saturday and Sunday activities you described on the CofC events app
Post Chat note from Stephanie Auwaerter: You may need to have the app update to see new postings.
01:06:43 Elizabeth Snider: is there a link for that events app?
Post Chat response from Stephanie Auwaerter: You can view the link download the app at https://charleston.edu/office-student-life/weeks-of-welcome/index.php
01:06:50 Naomi Simmons (she/her): Feel free to send me a message at simmonsn1@cofc.edu if you're having trouble seeing our events!
01:06:55 Kristin Barnard: Can we pickup books on 8/10 or 8/11 when we arrive for early move-in?
01:09:20 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Can we pickup books on 8/10 or 8/11 when we arrive for early move-in?"
Students will receive an email when their books are ready to pick up
01:06:56 Kathleen Flanagan: I just downloaded the app, went to Weeks of Welcome, and it’s coming up with a 404 page not found error,
01:06:50 Naomi Simmons (she/her): Feel free to send me a message at simmonsn1@cofc.edu if you're having trouble seeing our events!
01:07:15 Katherine Baker: How long before our scheduled move-in time would you recommend getting in the car line?
01:09:05 Megan Rowe: Replying to "How long before our scheduled move-in time would you recommend getting in the car line?"
I would not arrive until your move-in time, we normally get folks thought very quickly!
01:07:32 Nicole Lenez: Replying to "I don’t see anything info regarding Saturday and Sunday activities you described on the CofC events app"
make sure you are in schedule and not "my schedule".. nothing comes up in my schedule until they add the things from the big schedule
01:08:14 ehark: Do you recommend getting Damp Rid?
01:09:16 Nicole Lenez: Replying to "Do you recommend getting Damp Rid?"
typically its not needed. if their room feels damp, they should put in a work order
01:09:07 Mindy Miley: parents@charleston.edu
01:09:08 Meghan Smith: Thank you all! This helps me feel better and a little less stressed!
01:09:15 Shanie Gundy: Thank you ladies! See you on the bricks! Go Cougars!
01:09:25 Mannie’s IPhone: Is convocation just for students
01:09:30 Stephanie Auwaerter: Replying to "Is convocation just for students"
Yes
01:09:25 Elizabeth Snider: Thanks all!
01:09:25 smt: THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! See you next week!
01:09:30 Nicole Lenez: Reacted to "Thank you ladies! See you on the bricks! Go Cougars!" with ❤️
01:09:32 Nicole Lenez: Reacted to "Thank you all! This helps me feel better and a little less stressed!" with ❤️
01:09:42 Diane Carpentier Shrader: Thank you
01:09:45 Abbe's iPhone: 💜
01:09:46 genevieveinnes: Thanks so much! Well done!!