Whether a first-year student just dipping their toes in the water of higher education, a transfer making the leap to a large university, an international student joining Central Michigan University from half a world away or a non-traditional student returning to classes after some time in the working world, the transition onto a bustling campus can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know campus, its seemingly endless student-led organizations, and the different academic, social and support organizations that are here to help.
The following are some of the major welcome-back events designed to help you connect with peers, network and get more comfortable with your new academic home. Not all programs are necessarily listed.
IMPACT
No question, CMU's Multicultural Academic Student Services (MASS) office knows how to make an IMPACT. This annual event pairs minoritized and under-represented incoming students with peer mentors and leaders for an intensive, 2 1/2-day introduction to campus.
Students are divided into groups of 10-to-12 and partnered with a pair of peers, who guide them through presentations from CMU alumni, faculty and staff. The goal is to offer students insight on academic advising, campus life, student activities and succeeding at the college level, among others.
Source: cmich.edu/offices-departments/multicultural-academic-student-services/mentoring-initiatives/impact
Leadership Safari
Every year, the staff of the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute puts together a multi-day guided experience that partners incoming students with peer guides to help them learn the ins and outs of the campus experience.
Student Safari Guides, along with other staff members and campus leaders, take the safari groups through various experiences like team building and resource explorations in the hopes that the incoming students emerge with a greater understanding of the university, leadership and even themselves.
IMPACT and Leadership Safari both precede the academic year, so participating students should plan to move into their residence halls early.
Move-in Day
Speaking of making yourselves at home, the tentative move-in date for first-year and transfer students is Friday, Aug. 25. Returning, on-campus residents and apartment students could expect to move in on Saturday, Aug. 26, according to the Residence Life website.
Keep an eye on your campus email for updates as the date comes closer.
Source: cmich.edu/student-life/housing/about/move-in-move-out
MAINStage
If the whole world is a stage, this evening out is Central Michigan University's grand opening act. Appropriately named MAINStage, the event on Franklin Street outside of Finch Fieldhouse brings students together with Registered Student Organizations, fraternities and sororities, club sports, local businesses and campus departments for a bash that is part networking event, part party.
Hosted by the Office of Student Activities and Involvement, MAINStage is scheduled for 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27. With free swag, food and plenty of events, the evening is, according to its website, "the bridge to finding an organization that is the perfect fit for you."
Get Acquainted Day
For more than three decades, MASS has hosted Get Acquainted Day on the first Wednesday of the fall semester - this year, Aug. 30. This evening on the Warriner Mall gives students, faculty, staff and the community the chance to come together, network and celebrate the start of a new year.
It's also an opportunity to connect with organizations, programs and groups whose interests align with yours.