Full Schedule of Events

Events are free and open to all students. No registration is required unless stated otherwise.

Wednesday, Aug. 16

Level 1 Game Center

12:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Room 124

Stop by our Level 1 Game Center and play a variety of different games from table tennis to competitive Esports computer games.

Button Making & Snacks

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Magers Health and Wellness Room 100

Join Magers Health and Wellness Center and the Counseling Center for button making and snacks. Use your creativity to make buttons, enjoy snacks and meet new Bears.

Game Night

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Foster Recreation Center

Very simple: play games and meet new Bears! Please note this is for on-campus students only.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Craft Time

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Food Court

Paint a picture for your room or make a sign to hang on your door. You can also learn how to marble paper and send a note to family and friends on cool stationery. Join us for this come-and-go event. 

Traditions Tour

6:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (in case of rain, tours are cancelled)
PSU Bear Statue

Missouri State is 118 years young, so you can bet we have a LOT of tradition on this campus. Meet at the PSU Bear Statue to take a guided tour and uncover the secrets and history of the university. Tours leave at 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Shrek 2

8:00 p.m.
North Mall (Rain location: Plaster Student Union Theater)

Join us for a movie under the stars, where we will play Shrek 2.

Friday, Aug. 18

Yoga at the Gardens

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
MSU Campus Garden 
(Park in lot 18 on south side)

Join us for a relaxing morning at the MSU campus garden. Bring water, yoga mat or blanket and comfortable clothes. Tours of the campus garden will start at 9 a.m.

Snow Glad to See You (rain or shine)

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
PSU North Patio

Very simple: We're giving away snow cones!

Crafting with String Art

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Room 313

We will be mastering thread and yarn art at these crafting stations. Make a geometric bear or create your own design. You will also have the opportunity to try your hand at the art of yarn canvas. Enjoy some crafting and meet other Bears that have just arrived on campus.

President’s Dessert Reception for Families 

6:30 p.m.
Davis-Harrington Welcome Center

Join President Smart and Gail Smart for a wonderful reception in the beautiful Welcome Center. After a day of moving, you'll have the opportunity to visit with campus administrators, faculty and staff while enjoying some delicious treats from Missouri State Catering.

RSVP requested but not required.

Playfair and Class Photo

7:00 p.m.
Plaster Sport Complex (Rain location: Hammons Student Center)

The best way to meet 1000 of your classmates in one hour. It's teambuilding, comedy and a lot of fun. You'll laugh, meet new friends and become part of the Missouri State community through games and activities in a positive and supportive environment. A pep rally (we call it Rally in the Valley) follows at 8:30 p.m.

Plus, be part of history as we take a group photo of the class of 2027.

Rally in the Valley 

8:00 p.m.
Plaster Sports Complex

Time to get that MoState spirit! Enjoy live music, yard games and free snacks!

Saturday, Aug. 19

See You Later Brunch

10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Campus Dining Centers

Brought your family with you? This is a good time to enjoy a meal with them before they go home. Up to two family members can eat free with students (everyone else must pay). 
Even if you didn’t bring your family, this is a great opportunity to meet other students and enjoy a nice brunch. 

Fraternity and Sorority Life 101

10:00 a.m. – Noon
North Mall

Meet representatives from all campus fraternities and sororities that form the FSL community.

Transfer and Commuter Student Ice Cream Social

2:00 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Room 127/Office of Student Engagement 

Not living on campus but want to meet more new students? Join us for a sweet treat and find new friends that are exploring campus just like you.

Bear Bash

8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
North Mall and Plaster Student Union

This is the biggest back to school party on campus each year. You’ll find games, live music, and all kinds of free stuff. This year, check out a hypnotist, ride a mechanical bull, race through an obstacle course and so much more.

Sunday, Aug. 20

New Student Convocation

2:00 p.m.
Great Southern Bank Arena

This is THE official welcome ceremony for new students. This year’s speaker is alumnus Dr. Jacob Swett. He is the Executive Director of Blueprint Biosecurity, an organization focused on advancing technological and policy interventions for pandemic prevention, and an Advisor to Open Philanthropy on biosecurity and pandemic preparedness.

You’ll also hear from our university president, Clif Smart.

Student Organization Festival

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (if rain, event is canceled)
BearFest Village (Between Plaster Stadium and McDonald Arena)

We have more than 325 student organizations. There's at least one that's right for you. Come meet representatives and find out how you can get involved right away on campus.

Belong-B-Q

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
North Mall (Rain location: Foster Recreation Center)

Meet reps from multicultural student organizations; including fraternity & sorority presentations, listen to music, make new friends and meet staff from Multicultural Services and the University at-large.