UM-Flint will welcome back students with returning traditions, new events

What is the best part of fall? Many would say the return of football season, others love the changing leaves, while some look forward to sweater weather and apple cider. These hallmarks of the changing seasons will all be ushered in by the start of the 2024-25 academic year at the University of Michigan-Flint. Programming kicks off Aug. 25 with Move-In Day before classes begin Aug. 28. 

The university is bringing back traditions not seen on campus for years – such as a tug-of-war competition during homecoming – as well as familiar favorites like the Chancellor's BBQ on Aug. 26. New events like the Flint Vehicle City Treasure Hunt will help first-year and returning students alike learn more about the city in which they will study and grow throughout the academic year. 

"We saw record participation in our Maize & Blue Days events last season, corresponding with an increase in overall enrollment during 2023-24. We expect to see similar levels of growth and energy around our welcome back programming this year," said Julie Snyder, associate vice chancellor and dean of students. "From international students sharing their favorite meals, sporty fun at R'extravaganza, and a game night with Greek organizations, our events reflect the diverse interests and backgrounds of our students as we celebrate the start of the new academic year at UM-Flint."

More than 300 students are expected to move into UM-Flint's First Street and Riverfront Residence halls Aug. 25. Maize & Blue Days kick off the following day with a trio of marquee events. Wolverine Welcome (11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., check-in at the Murchie Science Building Mill St. entrance) is the next step for new students following orientation and offers them an opportunity to connect with classmates and further explore campus. The Chancellor's BBQ (4-6 p.m., University Pavilion), offers the UM-Flint community the opportunity to enjoy cookout fare while getting to know the university's new leader, Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. The evening is capped off by New Student Convocation (6-8 p.m., UM-Flint Theatre), which serves as a jumping-off point that prepares students for their journeys of intellectual discovery in a close-knit and supportive community.

The full slate of activities for students also includes:

Vehicle City Scavenger Hunt 
Aug. 26-Sept.16

Discover downtown Flint with this scavenger hunt. Start by getting a map from the Campus Activities Board table at the Chancellor's BBQ, in the Student Loft (third-floor UCEN), or at an Ask Me! Station. 

Classroom Tours
Aug. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Students can get assistance finding their classrooms ahead of the first day of classes. 

Center for Gender & Sexuality Block Party
5-7 p.m., Aug. 27, First Street Lawn

Pizza, games and music will set the scene for students to make new friends and reconnect with existing ones to start the school year with CGS.

Game Night with the Greeks
7-9 p.m., Aug. 27, First Street Residence Hall

Have fun with a variety of games and activities while getting to know UM-Flint's Greek organizations. 

First Day of School Pictures
8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Aug. 28-29, French Hall theatre entrance

Join the staff and faculty of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education to take first day of school pictures. Props and signs will help you capture the best memories from the first days of classes!

Yoga on the Lawn
3-3:45 p.m., Aug. 28, Recreation Center Lawn

Unwind in the outdoors. Yoga mats will be provided, along with details on all of the Recreation Center's free drop-in group fitness classes for the fall semester.

R'extravaganza
4-7 p.m., Aug. 28, Recreation Center

Join the Recreation Center for a rock wall, yard games and a mobile gaming truck. Drop-in sports, group fitness classes and free T-shirts will also be offered inside the center. 

Cook with Me
4-7 p.m., Aug. 29, Riverfront Kitchen

Hosted by the Center for Global Engagement, a host will demonstrate how to cook a recipe from their culture. A family-style dinner will follow. 

Wolverine Homecoming
Sept. 9-14

Students will enjoy an "enchanted forest" themed dance, while alumni can expect an elegant evening during the Blue Carpet Affair. Gameday tailgates cap off a week built for graduates and current students alike.

More information about UM-Flint's welcome-back programming can be found online.