ANN ARBOR—If a village raises one child, it takes multiple villages—departments, services, organizations, faculty, administrators and staff—to prepare for 6,000 students entering the University of Michigan community at one time.

Here are some story ideas for fall move-in and the new semester:

• Transportation : What does it take to move thousands of students across campus all day? Expanded service on bus routes, especially in the evenings between North and Central campuses.

• Diversity : The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs sponsors many events for freshmen and incoming students with heritage that includes Asian Pacific, Pakistani, Indian, Native American, Vietnamese, African American, Taiwanese, Persian, Latino, and Korean.

• Welcome: What’s it like to be a new student? New Student Convocation will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 2 in Crisler Arena. This is the official kick-off to “Welcome to Michigan” and introduction to the academic community. President Mary Sue Coleman speaks to students.

• Recycling: The recycling program during move-in is one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive. Last year during move-in, the University recycled 1,938 cubic yards of corrugated cardboard, 838 large bags of polyfoam block and 52 large bags of foam peanuts.

• Socializing : Keeping with the theme, “Traditions Begin with You,” more than 200 events offer something for everyone. The Michigan Union comes alive with food, music, dancing, comedy and more in the Escapade at 8 p.m. Sept. 2. There’s also the outdoor pep rally Maize Craze, Recreational Sports Expo, Artscapade, and Community Plunge, to name a few.

For dates, times and more information about many events, visit: http://www.umich.edu/news/index.html?Releases/2004/Aug04/week