We are proud and excited to host the First Lady on our campus. Please note, however, that this is NOT a UMD event. Approximately 14,000 guests are expected to participate in the Commencement, therefore we should all prepare for significant traffic delays. This event will increase campus traffic during an already busy day. Friday, May 17 is both the last day of final exams and the final move-out day for students.
To try and reduce the traffic impact on that Friday, we are asking students to move their belongings out of their residence hall space by 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, if at all possible. Students with finals on this day should allow extra time for travelling to and from their exams.
According to UMD, at least, the issue isn't 0bama's security, it's the fact that three large events, traffic-wise (Bowie's commencement, UMD's last day of finals and UMD's last move-out day) are happening on the same day. Also, it doesn't look like people are being forced to move out - they're asking people who can do so to move out a day early. If someone has a final on the last day (or the day before), they're not going to leave until after their last exam.
Horse Hockey - I live 10 miles from UMCP. Local news reported it, interviewed students affected. They showed the reporter the notice posted in their dorm that they had to be out by the end of the day on the 16th.