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Weeks of Welcome

Welcome to CMU! Check out all the events planned for you during Weeks of Welcome!

A crowd of CMU students, faculty and staff gathered on Franklin street at MainStage

Wednesday Aug. 26

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. New Graduate Student Orientation, Park Library Auditorium

  • The Office of Graduate Studies invites new graduate students to attend this orientation that will cover a variety of non-academic department information, Graduate Studies policies and procedures, and helpful information to get you off on the right foot at CMU. No registration needed.

Thursday Aug. 27

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Paint the Pavement, Preston Street (front of the Bovee UC)

  • Leave your mark on CMU by helping paint a giant Flying C on the pavement! Join fellow CMU Chippewas for this annual tradition as we add maroon and gold spirit to campus before the semester gets into full swing.

1:00 - 5:00 p.m. University Recreation Welcome Showcase, Student Activity Center

  • Join the URec staff for an afternoon of FREE drop-in recreation and wellness experiences:
  • Work-It Circuit Fitness Demo (1:15–2:15 p.m.), Disc Golf Tournament (1:30–3:00 p.m. at CMU Disc Golf Course), Yard Games, Esports Open Play, Pickleball, Badminton, Indoor Soccer, Table Tennis, Wallyball, Tennis, Basketball, Volleyball, Fitness Challenges, Open Lift (Strength & Cardio), CloudFit Fitness Classes. No experience is necessary—just come ready to play, move, and have fun!

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. New Graduate Student Orientation, Park Library Auditorium

  • The Office of Graduate Studies invites new graduate students to attend this orientation that will cover a variety of non-academic department information, Graduate Studies policies and procedures, and helpful information to get you off on the right foot at CMU. No registration needed.

6:00 - 9:00 p.m. UESA New Student Welcome Carnival, Bioscience Field

  • Celebrate the start of your CMU journey at the UESA First-Year Welcome Carnival! Enjoy a Ferris wheel, carnival games, the ROTC rock wall, inflatables, free ice cream, a live DJ, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow CMU Chippewas.

Friday Aug. 28

10:00 - 11:30 a.m. College Life 101, McGuirk Arena (New Students)

  • Hear from campus partners like the Office of Student Conduct, CMUPD, CMU CARES, and the Counseling Center as they share important resources, expectations, and tips to help you thrive as a CMU student.

3:00 p.m. (Doors open at 2:00 p.m.) No Zebras Presentation, McGuirk Arena (New Students)

  • An interactive, high-impact program that empowers students to recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual aggression, dating violence, and bystander situations. Through real stories and dynamic performances, No Zebras inspires action and promotes a culture of consent, respect, and accountability. This program is for freshmen/first year students

10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. CMU Program Board Glow Foam Party

  • Light up the night at the CMU Program Board Glow Foam Party! Enjoy glowing foam, high-energy music, and an unforgettable evening as you celebrate the start of the semester

Saturday Aug. 29 

12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Bowling, Riverwood Bowling (Off-Campus)

  • Spend an afternoon knocking down pins and making new memories at Riverwood Bowling. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just along for the laughs, this off-campus outing is a fun way to unwind, connect with new friends, and enjoy one of Mount Pleasant's favorite hangout spots.

Free transportation is available from the EHS Parking Lot.

12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Putt-Putt Golf, Golf Center (Off-Campus)

  • Challenge your friends to a round of putt-putt golf at The Golf Center and enjoy a laid-back afternoon off campus. Wind your way through fun obstacles, share a few laughs, and make lasting memories while getting to know other CMU students.

Free transportation is available from the EHS Parking Lot.

12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Soaring Eagle Waterpark (Off-Campus)

  • Dive into an afternoon of fun at Soaring Eagle Waterpark! Race down thrilling water slides, float the lazy river, dance along with a live DJ, and enjoy snacks and drinks, available for purchase, while making unforgettable memories with new friends.

Free transportation is available from the EHS Parking Lot.

12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Ziibiwing Center (Off-Campus)

  • Explore the rich history and vibrant cultures of the Anishinaabe people with a visit to the Ziibiwing Center. Through engaging exhibits and storytelling, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions, resilience, and heritage of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and the Great Lakes region.

Free transportation is available from the EHS Parking Lot.

5:00 - 9:30 p.m. Downtown Mount Pleasant Concert/Festivities (Off-Campus)

  • Head downtown for an evening of fun, local flavor, and community! Explore the atmosphere of downtown Mount Pleasant, enjoy special activities, and experience everything this vibrant community has to offer.

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Lavender Orientation, Kulhavi 141/142

  • Lavender Orientation is a supplemental program, conceived and proposed by our LGBTQ+ students themselves, to help incoming first-years and transfers learn about the resources and supports available to them while attending CMU. This program will feature discussions of policy, people, RSOs, offices, and departments both on and off campus that help support students with diverse genders and sexualities.

Sunday Aug. 30

4:00 - 7:00 p.m. MainStage 2026, Bovee UC, Central Ave. (between UC and EHS), and Pearce/Anspach Courtyard

  • Come out and learn more about student organizations, fraternities and sororities, club sports, local businesses, and campus departments at our annual MainStage event! Not only will there be free swag, free food and a lot of fun events, but MainStage will help you find your home here at CMU! Whether that's joining Greek life or a club sport, MainStage is the bridge to finding an organization that is the perfect fit for you. Don't miss out!

Monday Aug. 31

8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Central Welcome Breakfast, Bovee UC Rotunda

  • Join us on the first day of the semester for a free ‘grab and go’ breakfast. Fuel your body and your mind with a kickstart to the new semester!  

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Welcome Back Week in the Idea Den, Grawn 166

  • Join us throughout the week for sweets, treats, coffee, and inspiration. Check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration. Come for Pizza Friday and check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration.

3D printing • Mentoring • Students • and more!

      Tuesday Sept. 1 

      1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Welcome Back Week in the Idea Den, Grawn 166

      • Join us throughout the week for sweets, treats, coffee, and inspiration. Check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration. Come for Pizza Friday and check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration.

      3D printing • Mentoring • Students • and more!

      6:00 - 7:30 p.m. CSE Student Welcome, Biosciences 1010 and 1015

      • Kick off the semester with the College of Science and Engineering. Stop by to meet your department, connect with STEM student organizations, grab free SWAG and find your CSE people! All STEM students are welcome.

      Wednesday Sept. 2

      9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Welcome Back Week in the Idea Den, Grawn 166

      • Join us throughout the week for sweets, treats, coffee, and inspiration. Check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration. Come for Pizza Friday and check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration.

      3D printing • Mentoring • Students • and more!

      11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Student Employment Job Fair, Bovee UC Rotunda 

      • Find your on-campus job at the Student Employment Services Job Fair Wednesday, September 2nd from 11 am – 1 pm in the UC Rotunda! Meet with departments from across campus, check your Work-Study eligibility and find a job that fits around your schedule!

        4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Get Acquainted Day, Pearce/Anspach Courtyard

        • Join us Wednesday, September 2, 2026, from 4-7pm at Anspach/Pearce Courtyard for the 48th Annual Get Acquainted Day. This welcome-back event helps our students from marginalized, underrepresented, and multicultural students kick off the start of an academic year by getting connected with offices and various registered student organizations, creating a sense of belonging, and building community on CMU's campus. 

        Come for the live DJ, free food, and performances from your favorite Greek organizations and RSOs!!

          Thursday Sept. 3

          9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Welcome Back Week in the Idea Den, Grawn 166

          • Join us throughout the week for sweets, treats, coffee, and inspiration. Check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration. Come for Pizza Friday and check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration.

          3D printing • Mentoring • Students • and more!

            Friday Sept. 4

            11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Welcome Back Week in the Idea Den, Grawn 166

            • Join us throughout the week for sweets, treats, coffee, and inspiration. Check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration. Come for Pizza Friday and check out the Idea Den — your campus hub for creativity and collaboration.

            3D printing • Mentoring • Students • and more!

            Monday Sept. 7

            10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Military Affiliated Student Library Orientation, CMU Park Library (North Entrance)

            • Join CMU Libraries for a library orientation developed in collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center and other military-affiliated student support offices. Designed for student veterans, military-connected students, and supporters, this event features a library tour, resource highlights, website navigation tips, a scavenger hunt, and gift bags. All are welcome to attend.
            • Registration is encouraged and can be completed here

            3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Span Student Welcome Back BBQ, Island Park - West Shelter (331 N Main St. Mount Pleasant, MI 48858)

            • The Span Student Welcome Back BBQ will be held on Labor Day 2026. Hosted by the Division of University Engagement and Student Affairs, the purpose of this event is to engage students from various communities who are new to campus as they acclimate to the CMU community with students who are involved, faculty, and staff who can be both a support and resource during their matriculation. This event will be filled with lots of food, games, music, and fun!
            • RSVP here for the Span Student Welcome Back BBQ

            Tuesday Sept. 8

            Start of Fall 2026 RecFest (Sept. 8-Sept. 13)

            • RecFest: “How Do U Rec?” is a six-day celebration of University Recreation designed to kick off the fall semester and showcase the many ways students can get involved. Throughout the week, students can participate in fitness classes, intramural sports, esports, outdoor recreation, aquatics, club sports, and special events. With a variety of free activities, challenges, competitions, and opportunities to connect, RecFest encourages every student to find their own way to recreate, stay active, build community, and enhance their college experience.

            1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Military Affiliated Student Library Orientation, CMU Park Library (North Entrance)

            • Join CMU Libraries for a library orientation developed in collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center and other military-affiliated student support offices. Designed for student veterans, military-connected students, and supporters, this event features a library tour, resource highlights, website navigation tips, a scavenger hunt, and gift bags. All are welcome to attend.
            • Registration is encouraged and can be completed here

            2:00 - 5:00 p.m. CBA Involvement Fair, Warriner Mall

            • Discover how to get involved in the 20+ student organizations in the College of Business Administration and learn more about study abroad opportunities in the CBA. CBA Graduate programs and academic advisors will also be there to answer any questions you have. Free t-shirts (first 200) and snacks provided.

                Wednesday Sept. 9

                2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Military Affiliated Student Library Orientation, CMU Park Library (North Entrance)

                • Join CMU Libraries for a library orientation developed in collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center and other military-affiliated student support offices. Designed for student veterans, military-connected students, and supporters, this event features a library tour, resource highlights, website navigation tips, a scavenger hunt, and gift bags. All are welcome to attend.
                • Registration is encouraged and can be completed here

                5:00 - 8:00 p.m. First-Gen Mixer and Gaystage, NIRSA Room, Student Activity Center

                • Join First-Gen Central and the Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs for our second year of combined mixers! The First-Generation Mixer is from 5-7pm and Gaystage is from 6-8pm, with an intentional overlap to allow students of multiple identities to find resources more effectively. Join us in the SAC for resources, snacks, and community!

                Thursday Sept. 10

                12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Military Affiliated Student Library Orientation, CMU Park Library (North Entrance)

                • Join CMU Libraries for a library orientation developed in collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center and other military-affiliated student support offices. Designed for student veterans, military-connected students, and supporters, this event features a library tour, resource highlights, website navigation tips, a scavenger hunt, and gift bags. All are welcome to attend.
                • Registration is encouraged and can be completed here

                Friday Sept. 11

                10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 9/11 Day of Service, Bovee UC 106

                • Join the Volunteer Center as we honor 9/11 with days of service. Starting Monday with valentines for veterans from 10am-3pm, Tuesday with Fleece blanket Making, Wednesday with First responder thank-yous from 10am-3pm, and Thursday with snack bag making all in the University Center room 106! Friday September 11th, we commemorate with Be My Neighbor Day!  Starting at 11am in the University Center room 106 multiple service events will take place around the University Center.

                3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Military Affiliated Student Library Orientation, CMU Park Library (North Entrance)

                • Join CMU Libraries for a library orientation developed in collaboration with the Veterans Resource Center and other military-affiliated student support offices. Designed for student veterans, military-connected students, and supporters, this event features a library tour, resource highlights, website navigation tips, a scavenger hunt, and gift bags. All are welcome to attend.
                • Registration is encouraged and can be completed here

                4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Fire Up Fest, Downtown Mount Pleasant

                • Join the City of Mount Pleasant and several others at Fire up Fest. Celebrate a new academic year AND the start of the 2026 CMU athletics season with food, live band, traditional tailgate games, volunteer project and give-a-ways to show your school spirit and support for the Chippewas in a healthy tailgate-like atmosphere.

                        Tuesday Sept. 15

                        10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Fire Up the Vote, Library Lawn

                        • Join the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Centers' Central Civics program and the Rho Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as we provide voter education and information on how to sign up for absentee ballots and more! 

                        Friday Sept. 18

                        1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Wellness Fair, Student Activity Center

                        • Take a break, have some fun, and discover new ways to make your well-being a priority! Stop by for interactive activities, helpful tips, and simple strategies you can put into practice throughout the semester.

                        Sunday Sept. 20

                        12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Carne Asada, Small Sports Forum - Student Activity Center

                        • Join us for a carne asada as we come together to warmly welcome back both returning and new Latino/a/x/e students to campus. This inclusive event promises a delightful array of activities, vibrant music, and the chance to connect with fellow students, including members of SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers), ELU (Empowered Latino Union), and many others. Let's celebrate our diverse community and create lasting connections in a fun and engaging environment.

                        Start of Interfraternity Council (IFC) Recruitment

                        • CMU's Interfraternity Council (IFC) will start recruitment, opening the door to connection, growth, and campus involvement. Throughout the recruitment period, you’ll have the chance to engage with members from each chapter, experience their traditions firsthand, and find the community that feels like home. From leadership opportunities to lifelong friendships, joining an IFC fraternity is a chance to be part of something bigger while making your CMU experience unforgettable.

                            Thursday Sept. 24

                            Start of Collegiate Panhellenic Council (CPC) Recruitment

                            • CMU's College Panhellenic Council (CPC) is kicking off recruitment, inviting students to explore the sisterhood, leadership, and service opportunities that come with joining a sorority. Recruitment is a chance to meet members from all CPC chapters, learn about their values and traditions, and find the organization where you feel most at home. Whether you’re looking for lifelong friendships, personal growth, or ways to get involved on campus, CPC recruitment is the perfect first step!

                            Monday Sept. 28 - Oct. 3

                            Homecoming Week 2026

                            • Get ready to show your CMU spirit during Homecoming Week! From campus traditions and exciting events to friendly competition and plenty of ways to celebrate, there’s something for everyone as we bring the CMU community together. End the week by attending the Homecoming Parade and the CMU Football Game vs. Akron!

                            Interested in volunteering at any of the Weeks of Welcome events? Email SAI@cmich.edu to inquire! 

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