MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Whether new to the True Blue community or returning for more learning, students at Middle Tennessee State University can make new connections with their peers all week as they settle in on campus.

The start of a new academic year means new opportunities to form friendships, build bonds and strengthen the campus community one student connection at a time — and MTSU’s “Week of Welcome” events and other events throughout the fall semester provide numerous opportunities for Blue Raider students to do so as the first day of fall semester approaches on Monday, Aug. 24.

“We are really excited about this year’s Connection Point,” said Maigan Wipfli, director of First-Year and Nontraditional Student Engagement. “Inside this months-long slate of events, we have Week of Welcome — your first week introduction to MTSU.”

The week includes longstanding traditions, such as Convocation and the President’s Party, as well as new events, such as Freshman Fun Day.

“It is strictly for the Class of 2030,” said Wipfli of the Fun Day, “where our new freshmen can meet others and get exclusive Class of 2030 swag. This Week of Welcome and the broader Connection Point events are here to help students connect with each other, MTSU and the surrounding area.”

Get ‘glowing’ with President McPhee

• Students can celebrate the start of a new fall semester at this year’s President’s Party in the Corridor on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5-7:30 p.m. outside the Keathley University Center. Kick things off with a mix of games, activities and line dancing lessons with MTSU Performing Arts Company while the DJ spins, then break out the glowsticks for a dance party after sunset. Author Edward J. Larson, whose book “Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters,” was selected as this summer’s reading, will be available to discuss the text and sign copies.

Honor a beloved tradition

• On Saturday, Aug. 22, from 4-5:30 p.m., honor the traditional start of the academic year at Convocation. Edward J. Larson, author of this year’s summer reading “Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters,” will encourage the Class of 2030 and incoming transfer students and their families in his keynote message. Held in Murphy Center and hosted by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, this annual event formally welcomes all new students to the university.

Pi-curious? Greek out with Fraternity and Sorority Life

• After Convocation on Saturday, students can learn more about Greek life at Fraternity and Sorority Life’s Meet and Greet from 6-8 p.m. in Floyd Stadium. MTSU is home to a variety of different councils, chapters and opportunities to get involved in leadership, service, scholarship, philanthropy and more through fraternity and sorority life.

Connecting the Class of 2030

• Freshman Fun Day has everything — exclusive class of 2030 swag, games, and an activity called Playfair designed to help people make connections. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, the front lawn of MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center belongs to the class of 2030 as freshman embark on the grand adventure of higher education.

Welcome Back Movie on the Commons

• Students can kick back and relax with a movie under the stars from 8-10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, when Student Programming and Raider Entertainment, or SPARE, will screen “Monsters University” on the Student Union Commons. Grab a blanket, grab a snack, grab a friend — or maybe even make a new one. (Screening will move to the KUC Theater in case of rain.)

Campus carnival kicks off classes

• Blue Raider mascot Lightning is kicking off the first day of class with a campus carnival. Featuring a zip line, giant swings, carnival games, raffle prizes, music, free food, crafts, and more, Lightning’s Back to School Bonanza will take place from 1-5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, on the Student Union Commons.

Best of the ‘Boro

• At Meet Murfreesboro, local businesses showcase the best of what the city has to offer. From noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, discover local restaurants, retail establishments, thrift stores and more on the Student Union Commons. Explore exciting opportunities and discover what’s available right here in our community.

Meet the Provost

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., students can meet academic leadership at the Provost’s Picnic on the Student Union Commons. Get to know MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes and other decision makers and bring your questions about the inner workings of higher education.

Grab some swag on the Quad

• Students can pick up a free T-shirt outside of James E. Walker Library at the Future Alumni Pop-Up from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. “Future Alumni” T-shirts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Game, set, match

• Crash the Commons is back on from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, on the Student Union Commons. Students can square up and get loud alongside friends and classmates in a series of yard games designed to test strength, dexterity and will. Whether competing in cornhole or cheering on ladder toss, bring the energy outside.

— Cat Curtis Murphy ([email protected])