Help Ducks Move
Every year, hundreds of students, faculty, and staff of the University of Oregon volunteer to help the incoming class move into the residence halls as a part of Unpack the Quack (UPQ). We are excited to continue this tradition in fall 2026, and are hoping for record numbers of volunteers to help us get all our new Ducks on campus. Volunteer sign-up coming soon.
Volunteering
This valuable UO tradition will be open to all students, staff, faculty, and community members. If you are available longer, you can volunteer for more than one shift when you register. UO staff members should check with their supervisors to determine whether departmental operations will allow time away from work and whether it will qualify as paid or unpaid release time. All volunteers may discuss their role on campus in conversation when asked by a student, but absolutely no recruitment, solicitation, or advertising (e.g., distributing fliers) is permitted during the event. The purpose of UPQ is to welcome students to the UO community and to help them navigate the transition to campus.
Once you have signed up, please continue to check your email for updates and other important information.
If you need to change any of your information or shift preferences after you register, you can contact our office at housing@uoregon.edu or 541-346-4277.
Information for Volunteers
All UPQ volunteers will receive a UPQ t-shirt upon check-in. Once the UPQ volunteer checks in they will be given a nametag and an assignment for their shift. Please wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. We recommend that you do not bring any bags, purses or valuables, as we will not be able to securely store them for you.
In order to have space for unloading zones, we’re asking all members of campus to consider alternative modes of transportation to campus on move-in day. However, if you need to drive, we recommend parking west of University Street. UPQ volunteer headquarters is located in Global Scholars Hall (GSH) room 123. Volunteers should access UPQ headquarters from the exterior doors to room 123, off the fire lane on the west side of GSH. Your confirmation email will provide your shift location. There will be snacks and drinks at UPQ headquarters.
Duties
Volunteer movers will be assisting incoming Ducks by moving belongings out of their vehicles and into their rooms. Volunteer movers may be students, faculty, staff, or community members.
UPQ volunteers who sign up for at least one shift will receive a meal voucher at the end of their shift. This meal voucher can be used at any University Dining venue on items valued up to five points. The voucher will expire within a few days after UPQ so we recommend using it after your shift. Student volunteers who live on campus and move in earlier than September 24 will receive credit for one night of their early arrival fee.
Volunteer greeters will assist students and families with wayfinding on campus. During their shift, they may be asked to hold signs, stand, or sit. There will be a limited number of greeters, who will be either faculty or staff members.