Now that you’ve moved into your permanent housing and settled into campus life following New International Student Orientation, it’s time to party! Missouri State has so many great activities planned for Welcome Weekend, August 19-21. We’ll give you a breakdown of activities happening this weekend and what you can expect to find when you attend.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Playfair
7 p.m. | Allison Recreation Fields
The name seems confusing, but… it’s just a Playfair. The Allison Recreation Fields are on the northeast side of campus near National Avenue. Friday night this big open soccer space will be full of students playing all kinds of games. The games are meant to help you meet new friends and get to know the people you’ll be going to classes with in a fun, interactive environment.
Men’s Soccer vs Missouri S&T
7 p.m. | Betty and Bobby Allison South Stadium
#BearUp and #GoMaroon and cheer on the Missouri State Soccer Bears as they face our neighbor in Rolla, Missouri, Missouri Science and Technology. There are a few #InternationalBears on the team, so this is a great way to support your international friends. #BearUp is a phrase from our Missouri State football coach that we started using to describe anyone who is working hard, hustling, or winning. Using the #GoMaroon hashtag is a good way to join any conversation about Missouri State on social media. And we like #InternationalBears to give our international students a voice (plus we use it a lot on our social media).
Outdoor Games and Movie Night
10 p.m. | North Mall
Have you seen those inflatable jump houses? They’ll have those. We’re guessing you’ll be able to run bungee races,* wrestle in sumo suits,* and just jump around* in general. The North Mall is that area in front of Plaster Student Union between Taylor Health and Wellness and Blair-Shannon. When you’re tired of the inflatables, watch “Captain America: Civil War” on an inflatable screen outside. It might be a good idea to bring a blanket to sit on for that part.
*Videos not affiliated with Missouri State, just examples of what we think may be there. Please don’t be mad at us if those aren’t at the party.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
“See you later” Brunch
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Campus Dining Centers
For anyone who brought your family with you this week, this is a good time to enjoy a meal with them before they go back home. Up to two family members can eat free with students (everyone else has to pay). Even if you didn’t bring your family, this is a great opportunity to meet other students and enjoy a nice brunch. Visit the dining center in Blair-Shannon, Garst, or Kentwood.
Swag Stations
12-5 p.m. | Baker Bookstore, Boomer’s at Hammons House and John Q. Hammons Fountain
Swag = Free stuff. This one is sponsored by the Missouri State Bookstore and Coca-Cola, so you’ll have a chance to grab free hats, bags, and t-shirts from them. We hear there is also a chance to win a Coca-Cola branded bicycle valued at $400, so make sure you visit all the stations for a chance to win the bike.
Fan Fest and Bear Bash
7:30 p.m. | North Mall and Plaster Student Union
This is, in our opinion, the biggest and best back-to-school party in the world.* At the North Mall again, the open space in front of Plaster Student Union, and this time you’ll find games, music, and all kinds of free stuff. We love this event. Look forward to free food, games, hypnotists, karaoke, bowling, and fun.
*Just our opinion. We have no facts to back this up.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Fraternity & Sorority Life 101
12 p.m. | Hammons Student Center
Have you wondered if being in a fraternity or sorority is really like it seems in the movies? Learn the basics of what it means to be a member of “Greek life” on campus and how to join. Even if you don’t plan on rushing (the process of joining a fraternity or sorority) this is a great way to learn about this piece of U.S. university culture.
New Student Convocation
2 p.m. | JQH Arena
This is THE official welcome ceremony for new students. Our male a capella group, the Beartones, will perform, as well as the Pride Band, the Missouri State marching band. This year’s guest speaker is Jeff Houghton, a local celebrity who’s claim to fame was the viral YouTube video “Instagram Husband,” a bit first shown at Springfield, Missouri’s only late night talk show, The Mystery Hour. You’ll also hear from our university president, Clif Smart. We highly recommend attending this event.
Bear Path
Following New Student Convocation | Sidewalk between JQH Arena and Plaster Student Union
This is an annual tradition following New Student Convocation. Missouri State faculty, staff, and student groups line the sidewalk between JQH Arena and Plaster Student Union to cheer you on as you walk by. It’s like being in a parade, and new students are the biggest stars. We suggest taking photos and video to send to your adoring fans back home.
New Student Festival
3 p.m. | North Mall and Plaster Student Union
More than 150 student organizations and campus resources will be at the North Mall or inside Plaster Student Union. Getting involved on campus is important, and this is the best time to check out what Missouri State offers for students. All you have to do is find something that looks interesting and start talking to people at the booth. Oh – this is another event where you’ll find lots of free stuff.
Commuter Reception
4 p.m. | Plaster Student Union Club (Room 400)
If you live in an off-campus apartment or house, you’ll want to attend this event. Free pizza for attendees, plus you’ll learn about resources for students who plan on commuting to campus every day.
Belong-B-Q
5 p.m. | Freudenberger House Courtyard
This is a fun play on words – BBQ is a type of food that’s pretty popular around here, and we hope you’ll find that you “belong” here at Missouri State by meeting new people and enjoying a warm welcome from faculty and staff. Free food, fun activities, and, you guessed it, more free stuff.
Concert-on-the-Green
7 p.m. | Plaster Stadium
Check out a full-scale marching band performance from the Pride Band at Plaster Stadium (the football field). They’re pretty impressive.
Feel at Home at Missouri State
All of these events are planned with you in mind! We want you to feel welcomed and excited about the school year so you can start thinking of Missouri State as home. Every one of these events are free, too. Free events, free food, free stuff, games, cheering, music, parades… Welcome Weekend at Missouri State has it all.
