By Mike Greife,
July 25, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – First year students entering the University of Central Missouri
this fall will receive a head start on learning about college life as they participate
in the UCM Experience Kickoff Aug. 10-13.
Sponsored and coordinated by the UCM Office of Student Experience and Engagement,
the program is designed to alleviate the apprehension that often accompanies the move
to college, easing the transition into the freshman year.
UCM Freshman Experience 2016
With assistance from faculty, staff and student volunteers, UCM freshmen moved into
UCM residence halls during the UCM Experience Kickoff in 2016.
"The move to college can be both exciting and daunting for students and their families
as they adjust to campus life," said Emily Bergsieker, assistant director of Student
Activities. "The UCM Experience Kickoff allows incoming freshmen students to arrive
on campus and move into the residence halls a few days before upperclassmen, giving
them time to learn about their new home away from home. They also will have multiple
opportunities to acquire the initial information and skills they will need for a successful
start to a rewarding college career at UCM."
Freshman students living in university housing will arrive with their families on
Thursday, Aug. 10, with move-in scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Mule Team, made
up of student volunteers, will be joined by faculty, staff and the executive board
of Spotlight, the student programming organization, in assisting with the move-in.
From 1-4 p.m., students will have the opportunity to take care of routine business
such as picking up textbooks, obtaining parking passes from UCM Public Safety, and
setting up their rooms.
Events for students and their parents begin at 4 p.m. with a welcome in UCM’s Student
Recreation and Wellness Center. At 4:30 p.m. parents and guardians will participate
in “Parenting a Collegian” while students will participate in team-building activities.
Following dinner, students will participate in floor meetings and social activities.
Commuting and non-traditional freshman students will join the group Friday morning,
Aug. 11, for Freshman Convocation, followed by meetings with academic departments.
Following lunch, the afternoon breakout sessions will cover a variety of topics, offering
important information for incoming college freshmen. Students will end the day with
a movie on the football field in Audrey Walton Stadium.
Saturday offers a variety breakout session conducted by faculty and staff volunteers
that will explore topics such as Responsible and Active Learning, Money Management,
TechCheck technology for students, Engaged Learning and Community Involvement, Career
Development and Healthy Living.
The UCM Experience participants will have an opportunity to attend worship services
on Sunday morning. Residence hall will open for occupancy by upperclassmen from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. as UCM’s annual Week of Welcome activities begin, and university offices
will be open from 1-3 p.m.
For more information about the UCM Experience Kickoff, visit ucmo.edu/kickoff.
