MTSU Week of Welcome breaks ice for new, returning students

Thousands of MTSU students have returned to campus for the fall semester. The mix of new freshmen and transfers will join returning students in their quest for academic success.

To help break the ice, New Student and Family Programs once again is offering Week of Welcome activities that will run from the Aug. 22 We-Haul move-in into campus housing and Dinner and Carnival to the Tuesday, Sept. 4, Crash the Commons event.

Magician, actor, comedian and television personality Justin Willman performs during the 6 and 9 p.m. Comedy Showcase Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom. (Photo from justinwillman.com gallery)

In between, there are many events, including the Comedy Showcase featuring headliner Justin Willman at 6 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the Student Union Ballroom; the College of Mass Communication’s Match Records lineup of performers at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, in the Student Union Commons; and the MTSU Blue Raiders season-opening football game against Savannah State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

The Office of New Student and Family Programs holds Week of Welcome to not only welcome new students to campus but also returning students. To see the complete list of Week of Welcome activities, visit www.mtsu.edu/nsfp/welcome_nsfp.php.

Ongoing Murphy Center renovations required changes to this year’s Convocation. The less formal President’s Opening Night Ceremonies featuring Summer Reading Program author Jay Allison will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, in Floyd Stadium. The annual President’s Picnic follows.

“It’s an exciting time for everyone — new students meeting new friends and returning students being reunited with their classmates after summer break,” said Mark Murphy, coordinator in New Student and Family Programs. “Students look forward to Week of Welcome year after year.”

The Aug. 27 Comedy Showcase will feature two performances by Willman, a magician, actor, comedian and television personality. Lindsey Benner opens both shows. Admission is free for MTSU students with their ID, but ballroom seating is limited.

There are opportunities for students to “Meet Murfreesboro” (businesses and restaurants in town) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 26-27, in the Student Union Commons. They can then meet the university at the MTSU Department Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, also in the Student Union Commons, followed by a fight song competition that night.

“Week of Welcome provides the perfect opportunity for new students to get their MTSU experience off on the right foot,” Murphy said. “There are events for new students to have fun and meet new people, but there are also events like the Student Organization Fair (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the Student Union Commons) and Volunteer Fair (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, in the Student Union Commons) that encourage new students to connect to MTSU and the Murfreesboro community.”

Artist Luke Caccetta will be one of the performers at the 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, Match Records Week of Welcome Concert. (Submitted photo)

New this year is Match Records’ involvement, with performers scheduled to include Luke Caccetta, Steven Nix, Ashley Stephens, RyLund Exum, I Know Nic West, Brittney Spencer, Maybe April, Clay Cages, Jimmy Landfair and The Best of the Beats.

“It is an even mix of solo acts, bands and DJs, and should offer a large variety of entertainment,” said Murphy, who added that Mass Comm assistant professor Stacy Merida heads up the event.

Activities will also be held throughout the entire Labor Day weekend.

Game Day at the Rec Sunday, Aug. 31, features many activities for students, who will also have a Zombie of a good time during Night of the Walker Dead from 6 to 9 p.m. on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, in the James E. Walker Library. Highlights include miniature golf, bowling, food, music and more.

The Sept. 4 Crash the Commons, hosted by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, features students competing against each other in classic field day and yard games, Murphy said.

To view the “Raider Nation … Welcome to the Big Leagues” poster with event listings, visit www.mtsu.edu/nsfp/PDFs/2014-WOW-Poster.pdf.

For more information, visit www.mtsu.edu/nsfp/ or call 615-898-2454.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)