Tradition means more than just something being passed down from generation to generation. Each college has their own unique traditions that students, faculty and the community have kept alive through the years. These traditions below make MTSU special through the years, and everyone has their own favorite to participate in.
The wide variety of events brings fun to the community and keep the college experience worthwhile to students while connecting and engaging with others. Here’s a list of the most notable MTSU traditions that you might consider participating in if you haven’t already.
Blue Horseshoe
MTSU Blue horseshoe. Photo by Victoria Leuang
The Horseshoe was funded and created by the MTSU Student Ambassadors. A penny from 1911—when the university was founded—was buried into the ground under the statue. This historic piece brings good luck for those who touch the Blue Horseshoe before anything you need luck for.
It’s also one of the famous spots on campus to take pictures at either for graduation, a social media picture or even at football tailgates.
MTSU Campus Seal
Don’t walk on the campus seal. #BlueRaiderTip Photo by MTSU Customs
The Agriculture Seal is located in the Quad outside the James Walker Library, John Bragg Media Building, and Business and Aerospace Building. Many students, faculty and staff will avoid stepping on it because of the supposed curse of receiving bad luck or not being able to graduate on time. Although it’s technically not a tradition, it’s definitely something you should think twice about when passing by. Avoid at all cost to keep yourself in the clear from getting jinxed.
Kissing on the steps of KOM
Jenny wanted to make sure if kissing your love on the steps of KOM meant forever. Photo by JLB Nerdy.
The Kirksey Old Main building is the oldest building on the MTSU campus which means it has seen the most change and holds the most history. Beware of who you kiss on the steps of the KOM because you might end up marrying that person…so says the myth of the KOM.more of a myth than a tradition, but think about it and avoid breaking any hearts if you don’t see something long-term.
Convocation
University convocation is the official opening of the academic year that falls into the category known as a “rite of passage.” According to MTSU, this ritual marks the transition of an individual or an institution into a new stage of life. Our faculty and administrators welcome the new class and students into the MTSU community by showing them what it means to be True Blue.
This event usually starts the Sunday before classes in the Fall semester, and is typically followed by a traditional picnic at the President’s home on campus.
W.O.W (Week of Welcome)
The Week of Welcome welcomes back new and returning students the first two weeks of every fall semester with activities coordinated by the Office of New Student and Family programs each fall. The events include lots of FREE food, movies, entertainment, information and much more. (Crash of Commons, Volunteer Fair, Meet Murfreesboro, Student Organization fair and more)
Students take advantage of these two weeks because they’re always giving out free stuff like t-shirts, pizza, sunglasses, pens and much more. How can someone pass on free things?
Fight Song
The Fight song brings various and diverse groups from across campus to creatively think of ideas to sing the MTSU Fight Song with the Homecoming Theme. The purpose is to put it to song and dance to compete for the top awards.
Freshman Walk
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZZ2g27hOA5/
The Freshman Walk is an annual tradition where the incoming freshmen class runs across the Floyd Stadium field during halftime at one of the first home football games. They are joined by President Sidney A. McPhee who introduces and invites them to join him on the field. This gives freshmen an introduction to MTSU football and a free t-shirt designed specifically for their class (while supplies last, of course).
Raider Walk
The Raider Walk is one of the newest traditions at MTSU and it started in 2000. The football team walks through the Walnut Grove two hours before the kickoff, while fans, cheerleaders and members of the Band of Blue line up on the sides to wish the Blue Raiders good luck in their upcoming game. The band plays numerous tunes and everyone chants M-T-S-U x3 Go Raiders Go!
The blue lightning bolts on the sidewalk near the Peck Hall and by the Horseshoe gives a signal to players and coaches to know where to walk.
SGA Homecoming Week
The whole family representing True Blue Pride at Homecoming. Photo by Eric Sutton
The SGA plans out a week of events and activities for MTSU students, alumni and the MTSU community. For the whole entire week, there will be traditional events such as: Banner Competition, Chili Cook-off, wing eating contest, Bash the Rec, parade and pep rally.
Exam Jam
Students taking a break for a late-night breakfast at the Exam Jam at McCallie Dining Hall. Photo by MTSU
MTSU After Dark’s Exam Jam gives students a break from studying before exams. President McPhee, his vice presidents, and members of his cabinet and admissions team helps with serving late-night breakfast to students on the day before finals begin.
The Exam Jam is at McCallie’s Dining Hall from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. There are free pancakes, inflatables, games and free volleyball, but don’t forget your MTSU ID for admission.
Trunk or Treat on Greek Row
MTSU Panhellenic Council hosts trick-or-treat every year on Oct. 30 for a pre-Halloween experience. The event is free to the public for local youngsters from ages 12 and under. Trick or Treat on Greek Row takes place in front of the Panhellenic houses at the corner of Alumni Drive and North Rutherford Boulevard in Murfreesboro according to MTSU News.
Trick-or-Treaters on Greek Row for Trunk or Treat. Photo by MTSU News
Other games and activities are presented such as inflatable bounce houses and face painting. Kids 12 and under are encouraged to dress up and show off their best costumes.
Alternative Spring Break Program (ASB)
If you don’t have much plans on spring break, or you’re on a budget, the Office of Student Organizations and Service sponsors the Alternative Spring Break program. It’s a trip that a select group of students have an opportunity to volunteer and make a difference in the community on some social issues that may include: homelessness, hunger, environment and etc. If interested, there is an application for students to fill out.
Student spent their firs t Alternative Spring Break day at Feed American First preparing food for 1862 families in need. Photo by MTSU Student Organizations and Service
This is open to any student and it’s from March 5-10 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. daily unless noted otherwise. The cost is $15 registration fee for the week which includes lunch and a t-shirt.
Future Alumni Tailgate
Going on 5 years, the future Alumni tailgate is open to all students to celebrate with friends, classmates and roomates the first football game of the season. There’s always free food and music and it’ll be located in Walnut Grove.
This is sponsored by Office of Alumni Relations and it begins 3 hours before the kick-off. This event is a connection point event so don’t forget to pick up a Future Alum button and add it to your collections of buttons.
SGA Road Rallies
Want to support the Blue Raiders at an away football game but don’t want to drive or can’t afford the gas money? The student government association (SGA) started the road rallies for students to take trips to away football games that are offered at a discounted price. The package includes: transportation, hotel room, game ticket and a Road Rally t-shirt. The package price usually ranges between $50-$100.
For more traditions that aren’t listed click here.
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