Aug. 10, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
Photos by Abbie Lankitus, Gretta Cohoon, Sam Cox and Reagan Manis
The University of Missouri will welcome thousands of new Tigers next week with five days of signature traditions, celebrations and experiences designed to help students feel at home from day one.
This year, Mizzou will offer a new event, the inaugural First Class: Mizzou's Academic Convocation, the university's official welcome for first-year and transfer students. The ceremony marks the beginning of their academic journey and introduces students to the campus community that will support them throughout their time at Mizzou.
First Class is part of Welcome Week, which begins Aug. 19 and concludes with Tiger Walk. Throughout the week, students will move into residence halls, connect with classmates, explore campus resources and take part in traditions that have spanned generations of Tigers.
Signature Welcome Week events include:
Sweet Start at the Zou
- 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19
- Carnahan Quadrangle between Hulston Hall and the Reynolds Alumni Center
- During this annual ice cream social, students can meet new friends while enjoying Missouri’s official state dessert and a variety of lawn games.
First Roar
- 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
- Southwest Lawn outside of the Southwest Residence Halls to Memorial Stadium
- New students will join fellow Tigers and follow the Mizzou Cheerleaders to Memorial Stadium, where they’ll hear from university leaders and coaches about the pride, traditions and excitement that unite the Mizzou community.
Academic Day
- 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Locations across campus
- Students will connect with faculty, discover opportunities for hands-on learning and explore programs and resources available through schools and colleges.
Paint the M
- 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Location Memorial Stadium
- Incoming students will help paint the Rock M, continuing a tradition that began in 1927. Participants paint rocks that form the iconic M in the north end zone of Memorial Stadium and may take a rock home to commemorate the experience.
MizzouRec Fest
- 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Location: MizzouRec
- New Tigers will explore MizzouRec and learn more about Club Sports, eSports gaming, indoor climbing or join a complementary group fitness class.
Midnight BBQ
- 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21
- Rollins Street between the Student Center and MizzouRec
- Mizzou’s biggest block party brings thousands of students together for barbecue, music and dancing.
Flick on Francis
- 8-11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22
- Francis Quadrangle
- Students can enjoy the classic movie “Shrek” under the stars.
First Class: Mizzou’s Academic Convocation
- 2-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
- Hearnes Center
- New students will learn more about beginning their academic journeys at Mizzou. Faculty members will be part of the in-person event, while family members are invited to watch the livestream.
Tiger Walk
- 6-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
- Francis Quadrangle
- One of Mizzou’s most cherished traditions, Tiger Walk marks students’ official welcome to campus as they run through the historic Columns toward Jesse Hall, where faculty, staff, alumni and university leaders will cheer them on. Marching Mizzou will close the evening with a concert.
