This semester, TCU hosted the biggest move-in day in its history. To be exact, 2,187 residents in a single day. It is an intensive
process with many working behind the scenes. One critical to that process is Mindy
Hollan, associate director of housing.
“Mindy began this year’s planning process for moving students in to our halls in fall 2020. She led a group that included TCU police, facilities and mail room staff to be sure we were ready for this class and the incredible volume of ‘stuff’ they bring as new students,” said Craig Allen, director of Housing and Residence Life. “Planning move-in meant meetings all year, coordinating with outside vendors, scheduling staff, checking technology needed to do a drive-thru process and many other details. In three days, we had more than 4,000 students drive through to get checked in, and our lines easily saw 7,000 to 8,000 cars. Add in three lightning delays and days that started before the sun was up and ended at nearly 8 p.m., that paints a little picture of the effort involved.”
Whew.
Hollan shares more in a Q&A with TCU News.
Describe your role at TCU.
I serve as part of our leadership team and oversee the administrative functions of our department, including assignments and occupancy management, billing processes, website/communications, technology management and customer service. I also plan the move-in and move-out events each semester. I represent our department at various campus events, such as orientation.
Building community and connection is such a critical part of the TCU experience. How does that inform your decision-making and communication with students and families?
With each family member or student I speak with, I want them to feel a part of the process and know they are making a great choice by sending their student (or attending) TCU. Our staff go extra lengths to make each resident feel included and part of a meaningful residential experience. To know I get to play a small part in that means so much to me and brings me a lot of joy.
What is your secret to staying upbeat and positive when faced with challenges?
I love to laugh and have a good time telling stories with my colleagues who have become friends and like family to me. Also, I am close with my family and community group through my church, so they help me keep things in perspective and support me when times are tough. I also have the cutest mini goldendoodle named Henley that helps brighten my day!
What advice do you have for future Horned Frogs when it coming to housing selection, assignments and roommates?
Be open to new people. Trust the process. Be patient. Communicate.
Anything else you would like to add about what went in behind-the-scenes to prepare and welcome one of TCU’s largest first-year classes?
This year was unlike any other in my career, given the size of the incoming first-year class, the ongoing impact that COVID has had on our work and not having a full staff in our office. We worked tirelessly to implement strategies that would accommodate as many students as possible in the residence halls and made the best of a tough situation. I am proud of the work we do, especially this year as we welcomed the class of 2025 and worked to overcome the challenges of 2021.
Explore housing.tcu.edu for more information about TCU Housing & Residence Life.