UM-Flint welcomes students with an exciting welcome weekend and Maize & Blue Days

The buzz is back in Vehicle City as the University of Michigan-Flint prepares to roll out the blue carpet for a new academic year. Students, faculty and staff are gearing up to celebrate the return of a more vibrant campus life, packed with traditions, new experiences and a host of events designed to help Wolverines—whether new, returning, international or transfer—find community and jump into the college experience.

The excitement begins 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aug. 21, when new students move into First Street Residence Hall. Friendly faces will greet families and campus staff will stand ready to help students make their new space feel like home. The Riverfront Residence Hall will welcome more students 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 24. In total, UM-Flint expects to welcome close to 300 residential students for the 2025-26 academic year.

To celebrate this new beginning, all new students—living on or off campus—are invited to the Chancellor's BBQ, 4-5:30 p.m., Aug. 21, at the University Pavilion. Students can enjoy a meal, mingle with fellow Wolverines, chat with Chancellor Laurence Alexander and be officially welcomed into the UM-Flint community by faculty and staff.

International students are invited to the International Student Resource Fair, 12:45-1:30 p.m., Aug. 21, in Michigan Rooms C-D. This event is more than an orientation—it's a chance to meet supportive staff, connect with campus resources, ask questions and start building community with other international students.

"These programming efforts reflect our commitment to ensuring every student finds their place in our campus community," said Lucas Langdon, assistant dean of student engagement. "From the moment students arrive for move-in through the first weeks of classes, we're providing opportunities for connection, learning and fun that establish a foundation for a successful college experience."

Welcome Weekend Highlights

Wolverine Welcome takes place 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Aug. 22. The day serves as a continuation of new student orientation and offers extended opportunities for new students to build friendships and explore campus traditions. Check-in is at 10 a.m., and activities run through 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner.

The UCEN Takeover will transform all three floors of the Harding Mott University Center with trivia, karaoke, video and board games, food, crafts and more from 6-8 p.m., Aug. 22. New students will be able to familiarize themselves with the main student hub on campus while mingling with other new students. 

"At UM-Flint, your college experience is defined by how you choose to engage," said Samantha Jarbou, a junior biology major and Student Government president from Clio. "Campus events are more than just activities; they are opportunities to build lasting connections, discover new passions, and fully immerse yourself in the community. The key is to be intentional and take full advantage of all that our campus offers."

The Aug. 23 Discover Flint experience invites all students, including those with children, to explore the city's cultural offerings. The event starts with a self-guided museum visit at the Sloan Museum of Discovery, followed by a student mixer with complimentary food. It concludes with a private laser light show at Longway Planetarium at 7 p.m. The weekend wraps up Aug. 24 with the Finding Flint Bike Tour departing from the Recreation Center at noon, offering a scenic ride along the Flint River.

Maize & Blue Days

As classes begin Aug. 25, Ask Me Stations will be positioned throughout campus to help students navigate their new academic environment and connect with faculty and staff. Special photo opportunities will be available at the Theatre Lobby in French Hall, encouraging students to document and share their first-day experiences with #UMFlintPictureDay.

Maize & Blue Days run through early September and feature events designed to help students discover clubs, resources and community connections. Whether commuter, online, or residential, all students will find multiple pathways for meaningful engagement.

The highly anticipated Hypnotist Show featuring Chris Jones will take the UCEN Kiva stage Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. Known for his appearances on "America's Got Talent" and other television shows, Jones promises an evening of comedy and mind-bending entertainment.

"Maize & Blue Days are all about helping students discover the fun side of campus, meet new people and feel like they belong at UM-Flint right from the start," said Langdon. "Events like the Hypnotist Show aren't just for entertainment but give students a low-pressure way to break the ice, laugh together and get excited about everything ahead. We know it can feel overwhelming with so much going on, but I encourage every student to check out at least one Maize & Blue Days event. Stepping out for one activity could lead to friendships, connections or opportunities that unexpectedly shape your college experience."

Maize & Blue Days: Featured Events

The Hypnotist Show Featuring Chris Jones
Date & Time: 6-7 p.m., Aug. 26
Location: UCEN Kiva
Highlights: Chris Jones is a hypnotist, comedian and the host of the prank series Double Take. Warning: May cause uncontrollable laughter and temporary amnesia.

R'extravaganza
Date & Time: 4-6 p.m., Aug. 27
Location: UM-Flint Recreation Center
Highlights: Try out a rock wall, yard games, group fitness, a mobile gaming truck and drop-in sports. The first 200 students receive a complimentary T-shirt. Discover club sports, intramurals and everything the Rec Center offers.

Multicultural Mixer
Date & Time: 4:30-6 p.m., Aug. 28
Location: UCEN Michigan Rooms
Highlights: Enjoy complimentary food and a welcoming atmosphere as students connect around cultural identities, shared experiences and campus diversity.

Cook w/ Me
Date & Time: 3-6 p.m., Aug. 29
Location: Riverfront Kitchen
Highlights: Join staff from the Center for Global Engagement and the International Student Organization for culinary fun. Learn recipes, sample dishes, and celebrate international cultures.

Mgagement Fair
Date & Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m., Sept. 3.
Location: Kearsley Street
Highlights: This is UM-Flint's leading involvement fair. Come meet academic support teams, explore student organizations, and connect with resources that support student success.

Pride Outside
Date & Time: noon-2 p.m., Sept. 4
Location: Wilson Park
Highlights: Join the Center for Gender and Sexuality and PRIDE for a rainbow-themed cookout with games, music, bracelet making and community. Campus Pride T-shirts will be available.

ICC Cookout
Date & Time: 4:30-6 p.m., Sept. 11
Location: McKinnon Plaza
Highlights: This festive event closes the series with food, fun and community building. Connect with multicultural organizations, student groups and campus and community resources.

Open Houses

• Esports will host an open gaming day, noon–5 p.m., Sept. 2, with tours, team introductions and gameplay.
• Disability & Accessibility Services will present Donuts with DASS 9-10:30 a.m., Sept. 4.
• The Counseling & Psychological Services Fall Open House is 2-4 p.m., Sept. 4.
• The Center for Gender & Sexuality Open House is 3-5 p.m., Sept. 10.

Jarbou emphasized the transformative potential of campus involvement: "What I've learned through my experience in Student Government is that the students who get the most out of their time at UM-Flint are those who choose to engage. Whether joining a student organization, attending campus events, or showing up to these welcome activities, every step toward involvement opens doors to new friendships, leadership opportunities and personal growth."

Students can register for events and find additional information about welcome programming through Campus Connections and the Welcome Programs website. Faculty and staff volunteers are needed for various events, with information being shared via campus email.