Explore the 2021 Welcome Week schedule. We'll add more events as we finalize details.
Events are free and open to all students. No registration is required unless stated otherwise.
All week
The Great Bear Hunt
Outside, everywhere on campus while supplies last
The Great Bear Hunt is ON. A total of 1,000 miniature Bears are hiding on campus, just waiting for you to find them. Grab a Bear and crack it open for a chance to win prizes, including gift cards, dining dollars, electronics and more!
If you find one, tag us in a photo on Instagram.
Wednesday, Aug. 18
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
8 p.m.
North Mall (Rain location: Plaster Student Union Theater)
Marvel in the award-winning animated superhero movie outside under the stars. Miles Morales uses his newfound skills to battle the evil Kingpin, a hulking madman who can open portals to other universes and pull different versions of Spider-Man into our world.
Because anyone can wear the mask.
Thursday, Aug. 19
Scrapbooking
9-11 a.m.
Plaster Student Union 315
This come-and-go crafting event is for students who want to channel their creativity. You can learn how to scrapbook, make a greeting card for your friends and family, and more.
Chalk Obstacle Course Races
6 p.m.
Courtyard between Foster Recreation Center and Blair-Shannon Dining Hall
Test your speed and agility, challenge your friends to an unconventional race and compete for a prize.
Traditions Tour
6 and 6:30 p.m.
PSU Bear Statue
Missouri State is 116 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 and 6:30 p.m.
Shrek 2
8 p.m.
North Mall (Rain location: Plaster Student Union Theater)
Fall accidentally in love all over again outside under the stars.
After returning from their honeymoon and showing home movies to their friends, Shrek and Fiona learn that her parents know she's married her true love and invite him to their kingdom, Far Far Away. Fiona's parents are unaware of the curse that struck their daughter and have assumed she married Prince Charming, not a 700-pound ogre with horrible hygiene and a talking donkey pal.
Friday, Aug. 20
Scrapbooking
9-11 a.m.
Plaster Student Union 315
This come-and-go crafting event is for students who want to channel their creativity. You can learn how to scrapbook, make a greeting card for your friends and family, and more.
Road Trip Trivia
10:30 a.m.
Plaster Student Union Club (On the fourth floor)
Do you love to travel? Join an hour of fun trivia related to United States travel and tourism. We'll journey virtually across the country, highlight theme parks, cities, national parks, attractions and much more.
When we arrive back home, we'll award prizes to the top winners.
Snow Glad to See You
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
North Mall (Rain location: Plaster Student Union second floor)
Very simple: We're giving away snow cones!
President's Reception for New Family Members
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Davis-Harrington Welcome Center
Join President Clif Smart and wife Gail for a lovely reception.
Relax after a day of moving, meet faculty, staff and administrators, enjoy delicious desserts, and mingle with other families of the Class of 2025 while your student enjoys Playfair and other activities. Casual dress/BearWear.
RSVP is not required to attend, but helps us plan for the event. The RSVP deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 11.
RSVP for the President's Reception
Playfair
7 p.m.
Plaster Stadium (Rain location: Hammons Student Center)
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 follows at about 8:30 p.m.
Plus, be part of history as we take a group photo of the class of 2025.
Party at the Bear
8:30 p.m.
North Mall
Relax with your friends ... and make some new ones! Enjoy live music, yard games, good food and henna.
Saturday, Aug. 21
Fraternity and Sorority Life 101
10 a.m. - Noon
North Mall
Meet representatives from all 38 campus fraternities and sororities that form the FSL community.
See Ya Later Brunch
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Garst and Blair-Shannon Dining Halls
Sponsored by Dining Services
Families and students are invited to attend this full brunch before families leave campus. Free to students and two family members with a meal plan. Additional students and family members without a meal plan can attend for a charge, payable at the cash register.
Transfer and Commuter Student Ice Cream Social
2-3 p.m.
Plaster Student Union Patio
Enjoy delicious ice cream, meet other transfer and commuter students, and get advice on the best parking spots for your class schedule.
Mindfulness and Meditation
3-4 p.m.
Foster Recreation Center Studio
Relax and unwind with some meditative breathing and stretching exercises, a great way to clear your mind as you prepare for classes on Monday.
Boulder Blast
6-8 p.m.
Boulder east of Foster Recreation Center
Stop by the outdoor boulder wall to learn about all Campus Recreation has to offer, enjoy music and get a free bag of popcorn.
Bear Bash
8-11 p.m.
North Mall and Plaster Student Union
The biggest event of the weekend returns, and you don’t want to miss it! You'll enjoy comedy, crafts, food, games, prizes and more!
Sunday, Aug. 22
Outdoor Worship
9:30 a.m.
North Mall
Enjoy breakfast and a chance to meet new friends, followed by worship.
New Student Convocation
2-3 p.m.
JQH Arena
Join administrators, faculty, staff and students as we mark the official start of the 2021-22 school year.
Student Organization Festival
3-5 p.m.
BearFest Village (Between Plaster Stadium and McDonald Arena)
We have more than 250 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
5-7 p.m.
Freddy House Courtyard
Meet reps from student organizations, watch talent shows and meet staff members from Multicultural Student Services.