Each year, UMSL faculty, staff and student volunteers help first-year residents move in to Oak Hall ahead of the fall semester. (Photo by Derik Holtmann)

The fall semester officially kicks off on Monday, Aug. 19, and the University of Missouri–St. Louis is ready to welcome new and returning students back to campus with multiple events. From Aug. 15 through 30, UMSL’s combined orientation and welcome is designed to help students navigate campus and connect with fellow Tritons through activities such as academic college sessions, movies, games, excursions around St. Louis and more.

“Orientation is a time to kick off the new academic year with excitement and to connect new and returning students, faculty and staff to embrace the UMSL traditions and provide a renewed sense of community,” said Director of New Student Programs & Campus Visit Experience Megan Green Simonds. “This year, we are ecstatic to celebrate this growing new cohort of students, and to showcase the wide range of campus projects that many of these new students will eventually enjoy during their UMSL journey. They will literally be watching our campus transform for the future.”

UMSL’s New Student Convocation, which was held for the first time last year, will once again be take place in the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center from 4-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, after students have attended their academic orientation sessions. Hosted by Chancellor Kristin Sobolik and Provost Steven J. Berberich, the event serves as a way to kick off the new academic year and formally welcome the new class of students and their family members to campus.

New students will be presented with a lapel pin that can be worn at graduation and will recite the Triton Creed to commemorate their induction into the UMSL community. After the ceremony, a class photo will be taken, followed by a Welcome Bash in the Millennium Student Center directly after with free food and activities sponsored by different departments across campus.

“I hope our students joining us for orientation can take time to meet someone new, to engage in great conversations, and to have fun,” said Assistant Director of New Student Programs & Campus Visit Experience Erin Sullivan. “College is a great time to make memories and they are so lucky their adventure is beginning here at UMSL, to join our Triton community.”

Other events include:

New Student Move-In, Orientation Kickoff and Move-In Meltdown
Thursday, Aug. 15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m., 6 to 8 p.m.
Oak Residence Hall  

Triton Take-Off kicks off on Aug. 15 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, students can participate in UMSL traditions including adding a wish to the Wishing Wall and rubbing Wayne Goode’s book for good luck before enjoying ice cream and yard games outside the MSC from 6-8 p.m.

UMSL Student Legacy Pinning Ceremony
Thursday, Aug. 15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Millennium Student 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 parents and families are asked to RSVP in TritonConnect.

First Generation College Student Welcome + Breakfast
Saturday, Aug. 17, 9 to 11 a.m.
Millennium Student Center, 3rd Floor Rotunda
Join the campus community to welcome all new first-generation students (students whose parents have not completed a four-year degree). You will meet and hear from other first-generation students, faculty and staff while being able to share your own story about your first-generation experience. Space is limited; RSVP here.

Explore St. Louis Excursions
Sunday, Aug. 18, 1 to 5 p.m.
Meet at South Campus Metro Stop

UMSL students are invited to explore St. Louis through excursions to popular attractions around the city, including the City Museum, Gateway Arch, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, Union Station and more. These excursions are only open to UMSL students, and sign-ups are required at tritonconnect.umsl.edu.

Paint by Number Mural
Monday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Millennium Student Center Fireside Lounge

Drop by the Fireside Lounge inside MSC to help the Office of Student Involvement create its first mural of the semester.

Petting Zoo
Wednesday, Aug. 21, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
East Lawn by Recreation & Wellness Center

Are you an animal lover and want to show them some love? Come on out to the RWC East Lawn to pet our furry friends!

Download the full calendar of events here.