Welcome Week activities help MC students acclimate to campus life

During MC's Welcome Week event, "Scoops and Skates," freshmen students can enjoy ice cream and roller skate to the best dance music in town.

Mississippi Christian University students rave about Welcome Week, the series of fun activities sponsored by the MC Office of Student Engagement that helps them transition back to campus life after the summer break. But for many students, once classes begin, the fun and excitement of Welcome Week fades away.

Carly Gadman has a solution for that.

Over the course of eight days, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 12, the MC Office of Student Wellbeing director and student Welcome Week leaders will conduct 27 different activities to help students familiarize themselves with MC and kindle friendships with their classmates. The schedule stretches past the first day of class on Monday, Aug. 17, and includes a “hand-off” activity co-sponsored with the Campus Activity Board, which coordinates engaging events for students every Thursday throughout the fall.

“People love Welcome Week. It’s fun, exciting, and for freshmen, it’s an introduction into being a college student,” Gadman said.

Although it’s the first time she has been in charge of Welcome Week programming, Gadman has plenty of experience. As an undergraduate, she served as a Welcome Week crew member – “It was my very favorite thing that I did as an MC student,” she said – and has since helped plan Welcome Week activities for the last three years.

“The idea is to help our students get to know each other, the campus and the community, and to become acclimated to what life is like as an MC student before classes begin,” she said. “Welcome Week helps them get adjusted to what it’s like to live on campus and be a part of all the activities that MC offers.”

Although the majority of Welcome Week events are geared towards new students, she said there are plenty of activities for returning students, too.

“We’ve tried to be intentional about ensuring there is something for everyone during Welcome Week,” Gadman said. “We’re not expecting every student to attend every event, but I would encourage them to find the activities that appeal to them and try some new ones, too.

“We want students to find common ground and common interests with others and to start building friendships that will last for their entire lives.”

Major 2026 Welcome Week activities are scheduled to include:

Scoops and Skates (8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, Funtime Skateland of Clinton)

Freshmen can wind down from Move-In Day and Choctaw Fanfare by roller skating to the best dance music in town while enjoying ice cream from Coach’s Creamery.

Stride and Seek (8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, various locations across campus)

Avid runners and walkers can get their bearings and take a mini-tour of the campus from a Welcome Week crew member during an invigorating run/walk through campus. Or enjoy a yoga session in the Quad instead.

Brunch with DBT (10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, Phillips House)

Freshmen can get to know MC President Blake Thompson during brunch at his MC residence on the north west side of campus.

39056 Fair (3:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, Alumni Hall)

New students are invited to meet local businesses in and around Clinton. Pick up a complimentary glass of Lucy’s Lemonade while rubbing elbows with Clinton Chamber of Commerce members.

Clearance Craze (8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, the Reed House at Live Oaks Golf Course, Jackson)

All MC students can wear their best thrifted outfits and mingle at the largest thrift store party in town.  

Day at the Rez (1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14, at Lakeshore Park, Brandon)

New students can enjoy an afternoon of fun in the Sun at the Ross Barnett Reservoir, where they can munch on Flying Dolly’s snow cones and enjoy outdoor activities.

Party in the USA (8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 14, OSE Patio and the Bowl)

On the heels of America 250 and the World Cup, all MC students can wear red, white and blue duds to a patriotic party that will include a slip and slide, arts and crafts, snacks and more.

Church Fair (10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, Alumni Hall)

New students can discover their “church home away from home” at an event showcasing about 30 local churches, many of whom offer free transportation to Sunday school and worship services.

Crafternoon (1 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 15, Gore Arts Complex, East Campus)

New students can discover their creative side with the assistance of MC Art Department faculty, who will offer their expertise as the newcomers try their hand at mug paintings, screen printing, watercolors, and other art projects.

Welcome Week, Live in Concert (7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, the Quad)

The up-and-coming “Red Door Band” will perform in a live, outdoor concert for all MC students.

Worship Night (7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 16, Swor Auditorium, Nelson Hall)

A capstone event of Welcome Week, Worship Night unites all MC students for an evening of worship featuring Worship Collective, MC’s student ensemble that leads Chapel on campus.

The Great Chicken Biscuit Handout (7:30 a.m., Monday, Aug. 17, throughout main campus)

On the way to their first class of the semester, all MC students can pick up a free energy boost from the Welcome Week Crew.

Student Involvement Fair (3:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, Alumni Hall)

With the first day of classes in their rear-view mirrors, new students can chat with representatives from dozens of campus organizations and sign up to join those that interest them.

MCI on the Brick Streets (7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 18, Olde Towne Clinton)

New students can participate in various yard games while discovering how to join MC intramural athletic teams in several of their favorite sports.

“Adam Sandler” Bingo (9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 19, Alumni Hall)

All students can dress up as their favorite Adam Sandler character and learn the difference between “two little ducks” (I-22) and “Winnie the Pooh” (N-42) in Bingo lingo while competing for fantastic prizes.

Twilight Fiesta (7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, the Quad)

It may be the Welcome Week finale, but MC’s fall activities slate for students is just beginning in this collaboration event with the Campus Activity Board. All students are invited to a Latin-themed party that kicks off the CAB’s Thursday night slate of student activities.

For more information about Welcome Week at MC, including a complete schedule of activities, visit mc.edu/students/policies/events-activities/welcome-week.