Final summer orientation sessions help incoming Choctaws get to know MC

Orientation leaders and student directors are the stars of MC's summer orientation sessions.

Incoming freshmen and transfer students can become familiar with their new university campus and meet their professors before fall classes officially begin during Mississippi Christian University’s final orientation sessions of the summer.

A one-day orientation session recommended for transfer students is set for Tuesday, July 21, and a two-day orientation session is slated for Wednesday and Thursday, July 22-23.

The two-day sessions include small-group meetings, large-group sessions, activities and academic registration. These sessions are the best way for new students to get the “big picture” of life as an MC student.

The single-day session is a condensed version of the two-day sessions. Students and guests will also have the opportunity to meet in small and large groups, learn about campus involvement and register for fall classes.

Jadi Foster, MC director of student engagement, said the immersive sessions help set the stage for a successful college experience.

“Orientation marks the first time these incoming students will have an opportunity to meet the people that will be in their classes and to get to know their professors,” Foster said. “Upperclassmen who serve as orientation leaders will lead them through the experience, so they’ll have an opportunity to jump in and get to know MC and start to build their community.”

Foster said the three-dozen orientation leaders and student directors are the stars of every orientation event.

“Their favorite thing about orientation is meeting the new students. They are passionate, hardworking and kind, and they are wonderful at welcoming the new Choctaws.” Foster said.

A highlight of summer orientation is the Orientation Marketplace, which features a “Meet MC” session to showcase opportunities for involvement on campus, and a “Meet the Community” fair that spotlights local businesses, churches and philanthropies.

“For the first time, students will have the opportunity to meet representatives from all of the clubs and tribes and all of the academic departments on campus at the Meet MC event,” Foster said.

One of the most popular events during two-day orientation is “Inside Scoop,” a satirical theatrical performance that shares information about campus life in a series of comedic skits.

“Our OLs give the new students the ‘inside scoop’ of what MC is really like,” Foster said. “This year’s theme is ‘Reality Shows,’ and they’ll cover everything from parking on campus to where the Kugel is located.”

The most anticipated aspect of orientation is class registration. Students meet with academic advisors, departmental leaders and professors before selecting their first slate of classes at MC.

New undergraduate students who were not able to participate in a summer orientation session can register for fall classes on Friday, Aug. 14. Classes and labs for the fall 2026 semester will begin on Monday, Aug. 17.

For more information about summer orientation at MC or to register, visit mc.edu/students/policies/events-activities/orientation.