University of Michigan-Flint welcomes students with familiar favorites and new traditions

Lace up your running shoes, Wolverines, as the University of Michigan-Flint's fall welcome lineup begins with nearly 200 students expected to run or walk down Kearsley Street as part of the Crim Festival of Races Michigan Mile.

And that's just the beginning.

Every student will have plenty of opportunities to make connections, explore campus and find their place at UM-Flint this fall, with move-in, Wolverine Welcome and weeks of Maize and Blue Days programming. 

Students move into First Street Residence Hall, Aug. 20, with campus staff and volunteers available to help students and families settle in. Riverfront Residence Hall residents will move in on Aug. 23. 

New students will take part in Wolverine Welcome on Aug. 21, an all-day continuation of new student orientation that offers incoming students more time to build friendships, learn campus traditions and get comfortable before classes begin. Incoming students who wish to register for Wolverine Welcome can still do so through the welcome programs webpage.

A new tradition begins again

Wolverine Welcome will conclude with a new addition to the fall lineup: the Michigan Mile. UM-Flint is the title sponsor of the annual run/walk for the 2026 HAP CareSource Crim Festival of Races, and serves as the Official Training Center of the Crim Training Program.

New and returning students will come together for a pre-race celebration in McKinnon Plaza with dinner and activities, followed by the Michigan Mile. Members of the campus community are invited to line the route and cheer on their fellow Wolverines and welcome the newest class to campus. 

"The Michigan Mile gives new and returning students an opportunity to connect with the Flint community during one of the city's biggest events," said Christopher Giordano, vice chancellor for student affairs. "It's a great way for new students to be welcomed into campus life and for returning students to reconnect with the university community. It also builds pride and kicks off the year with a fun, shared experience. We hope it becomes a tradition that students look forward to each year."

Organizers intend to establish the Michigan Mile as an annual tradition and plan to host the event in 2027, potentially expanding it, as the Crim Festival of Races celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Maize & Blue Days

The welcome continues Aug. 22 with "Finding Flint: New Student Mixer at the Sloan Museum of Discovery." New students can explore the museum, connect with one another and enjoy a free dinner, all within walking distance of campus.

Maize & Blue Days truly kicks off on the first day of classes, Aug. 24, and continues through Sept. 4. Ask Me stations will be located throughout campus during the first few days of the semester, with faculty and staff available to help students find classes, answer questions and share snacks. Students can also stop by Clint's Cafe on the third floor of the Harding Mott University Center on the first day of classes for giveaways and information about the full Maize & Blue Days schedule.

"Maize & Blue Days are meant to provide a quick and easy way for students to get comfortable on campus and learn about resources available to them. We strive to provide a variety of events each year that are designed to appeal to different interests and give students the opportunity to meet new people," said Hope Hairston, student engagement manager. "While many of our events are focused on students having fun and engaging with each other, the hope is that students walk away feeling confident, supported and that they belong at UM Flint!"

Students can also discover campus support resources through open houses and events during the first week of classes. "Fall into Wellness with Counseling & Psychological Services," set for Aug. 26, invites students to meet the staff, explore the wellness room and learn about available resources. "Donuts with Disability and Accessibility Support Services," taking place Aug. 27, gives students the opportunity to tour testing spaces, meet with staff and learn how to access services while enjoying refreshments.

The Mgagement Fair on Sept. 2 will bring student organizations, clubs and campus resources together on Kearsley Street, giving students another opportunity to discover ways to get involved. 

Students looking to stay active can take advantage of free Recreation Center offerings throughout Maize & Blue Days. R'extravaganza, Aug. 26, will feature an outdoor rock wall, yard games, drop-in sports and group fitness opportunities, along with information about club sports, esports and intramurals. The first 200 students will receive a free T-shirt.

Yoga on the Lawn, set for Aug. 24, and Volleyball on the Lawn, Aug. 28, offer additional low-pressure ways to try a class, play a pickup game and meet fellow Wolverines. Recreation Center access and drop-in classes are free to students with their Mcard.

The lineup also includes social events such as Party in the Plaza on Aug. 31 and Glow Golf on Sept. 1. The student-run Campus Activities Board will bring comedian Elijah Nevels to Clint's Cafe on Aug. 27.

"CAB met Elijah Nevels at the National Association for Campus Activities showcase, where he stood out as an act we felt would connect with UM-Flint students," said Mackenzie Klupp, a junior computer science major and CAB president. "His comedy is relatable, and hosting the show in an open, welcoming space like Clint's Cafe will help create a comfortable environment where students can stop by, laugh together and start building connections at the beginning of the semester."

Maize & Blue Days events

Finding Flint: New Student Mixer
Date & Time: 3:30-6:30 p.m., Aug. 22
Location: Sloan Museum of Discovery
Highlights: Explore the Sloan Museum free of charge from 3:30-5 p.m., then stick around for a student mixer with free food from 5-6:30 p.m.

Maize & Blue Days Kickoff
Date & Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Aug. 24
Location: Clint's Cafe
Highlights: Kick off the fall semester with fun and freebies as classes begin.

Yoga on the Lawn
Date & Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Aug. 24

Location: North Lawn (between the UCEN and the river)
Highlights: Unwind outdoors on the first day of classes. Mats are provided, along with details on all the free drop-in group fitness classes offered this fall. Rain location is the Rec Center.

R'extravaganza
Date & Time: 4-6 p.m., Aug. 26
Location: UM-Flint Recreation Center
Highlights: Try the rock wall, yard games and an interactive game wall, plus drop-in sports and group fitness. The first 200 students get a free T-shirt. Learn about club sports, esports, intramurals and more.

Fall into Wellness with CAPS
Date & Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. 26
Location: 264 UCEN
Highlights: Counseling & Psychological Services hosts an open house where students can meet staff, learn how to access services and see the space.

Donuts with DASS
Date & Time: 9-11 a.m., Aug. 27
Location: 245 University Pavilion
Highlights: Disability and Accessibility Services hosts an open house where students can tour the new space, meet staff, learn how to access services and enjoy coffee and donuts.

Stand-up Comedy Featuring Elijah Nevels
Date & Time: 6-7 p.m., Aug. 27 

Location: Clint's Cafe
Highlights: Elijah Nevels is a stand-up comedian known for his quick wit and sharp storytelling about family life and everyday situations. He built an online following of more than 500,000 fans and tours nationally as a headliner.

Volleyball on the Lawn
Date & Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 28
Location: First Street Lawn
Highlights: Outdoor Recreation and Club Volleyball host an afternoon of spikes, serves and sunshine, with pizza, drinks, games and music.

Party in the Plaza
Date & Time: 6-8 p.m., Aug. 31
Location: McKinnon Plaza (Michigan Rooms if it rains)
Highlights: An evening of outdoor games, free food and meeting new people.

Glow Golf
Date & Time: 5-8 p.m., Sept. 1
Location: Michigan Rooms
Highlights: Putt your way through the start of the semester at this free glow mini golf night. Neon clothes encouraged.

Mgagement Fair
Date & Time: 3-5 p.m., Sept. 2
Location: Kearsley Street (outside First Street Residence Hall)
Highlights: Meet student organizations, connect with campus resources and find new ways to get involved, all in one place.

Fraternity & Sorority Life Info Night
Date & Time: 6-7 p.m., Sept. 2
Location: University Center, Michigan Rooms
Highlights: Learn the why and how of Greek life, with free dinner included.

Learn to Play Cricket
Date & Time: 4-6 p.m., Sept. 4
Location: W.S. White Field
Highlights: The Indian Student Association introduces students to cricket, sponsored by Recreational Services.

Students can find additional information about Maize & Blue Days programming through Campus Connections.