Triton Take-Off features 10 days of orientation and welcome activities, including UMSL’s first-ever New Student Convocation. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Just ahead of the start of the fall semester next Monday, the University of Missouri–St. Louis is welcoming new and returning students to campus during Triton Take-Off. Held over 10 days in August, the combined orientation and welcome is designed to help students navigate campus and connect with fellow Tritons through activities such as academic college sessions, classroom tours, games, parties, excursions around St. Louis and more.
One event new to the lineup this year is UMSL’s first New Student Convocation, which will be held this Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. after students have attended their academic orientation sessions. Designed to enhance the new student welcome experience and coincide with UMSL’s 60th anniversary celebrations, the ceremonial event will kick off the new academic year and formally welcome the newest class of students to campus.
Director of New Student Programs & Campus Visit Experience Megan Green Simonds said that convocation will be hosted in the Anheuser-Busch Performance Hall at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center to allow for a more formal ceremony, including academic representatives wearing formal regalia attire, UMSL leaders speaking and a Triton Creed that all new students will recite to commemorate their induction into the UMSL community.
Key speakers include Provost Steven J. Berberich, Vice Chancellor Reggie Hill, Vice Provost Jessica Long-Pease, SGA Student Body President Alex Orywall, alumnae Mona Sabau and student speaker Alexander Entwistle, an inaugural recipient of the Remington R. Williams Award. New students will also be presented with a commemorative Trident lapel pin that can be worn as a constant representation of their academic journey and, eventually, at graduation.
“During this special ceremony, I hope students will feel even more confident and excited about attending the University of Missouri–St. Louis, and that they will put these words into action by getting involved, seeking out support and wearing red and gold proudly,” Green Simonds said. “This event is for the new students, and I hope it pushes them to finish their degree as it will be a taste of what graduation will feel like and the supportive community that they are now a part of.”
Organizers expect an attendance of around 800 to 1,000 people, including new students, faculty, staff, parents and other family members. After the ceremony, a class photo will be taken, and a Welcome Bash will be held in the Millennium Student Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m., featuring free food and activities sponsored by different departments across campus.
Other Triton Take-Off events include:
New Student Move-In and Move-In Meltdown
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Triton Take-Off kicks off on Thursday with Move-In Day at Oak Hall, UMSL’s six-story, 130,000-square-foot residential hall that accommodates more than 400 students. After move-in wraps up, enjoy yard games and an ice cream truck on the front lawn from 5-7 p.m.
UMSL Student Legacy Pinning Ceremony
Friday, Aug. 18, 11 a.m.
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
UMSL alumni parents, grandparents and family members of new students are invited to an UMSL tradition, the Legacy Pinning Ceremony, which honors past and present. Dress is UMSL classy, and guests are encouraged to wear red and gold to show their Triton pride. The event is free to attend but registration is required.
Food Frenzy
Saturday, Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Millennium Student Center, Lower Level, The Nosh
Get a taste of all the Millennium Student Center has to offer with a showcase of all the dining options available in The Nosh. First-year students and transfer students have the opportunity to connect with fellow students over lunch, music, games and prizes.
Explore St. Louis Excursions
Sunday, Aug. 20, 1-5 p.m.
Meet at South Campus Metro Stop
UMSL students can explore their new home through excursions to popular attractions around St. Louis, including the City Museum, Delmar Loop, Forest Park, Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo, Union Station and more. These excursions are only open to UMSL students, and sign-ups are required at tritonconnect.umsl.edu.
Petting Zoo
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
East Lawn by Recreation & Wellness Center
Come say hello to your newest furry friends! A petting zoo on the East Lawn in the heart of UMSL’s campus will make for the cutest campus welcome you’ve ever seen, featuring a llama, a lamb and lots more.
Download the full calendar of events here.
