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Faith Ford
Assistant Director First Year Experience
GAR 191
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ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff
Thursday, August 13th, 2026 - Sunday, August 16th, 2026
(Registration for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ First Year Kickoff is at the link above.)
Learn what it means to be a MULE
Held prior to the beginning of fall semesters, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff is a program designed to ease the transition for new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students. During the program students will become acquainted with campus and attend sessions to increase their success at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, all while creating life-long friendships. Students participating in the program prior to the fall semester will have the opportunity to beat the move-in rush, learn about campus services and meet with the faculty of your department. Get ready for the semester with this Getting Started Check List.
Designed for Your Success
At the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, we know the transition to college can be difficult. That’s why we created The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff, a program to help you make an easy transition into your first year. Through the program you’ll learn about ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ traditions, campus culture, ways to create new friendships and about all of the helpful resources on campus.
If you are a new student that is participating in band or on an athletic team, do not worry you will still be included in this program. Therefore, you will be able to do both!
Residential students participating in the kickoff will move in on Thursday, Aug 13 (9 a.m.- 3p.m.). Students who are living at home and commuting to campus will join us later that day at 4:30 p.m.
What Happens During Kickoff:
- Move into your room early
- Take a class photo on campus
- Interact with other students within your major
- Interact with faculty and staff
- Immerse yourself in ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s traditions
- Kickoff your academic journey with convocation
- Learn about what to expect during your first week of classes
- Join your new friends with late-night fun activities
- Get excited for your first year!
Current Immunizations are required for the kickoff event. These are the same immunizations required for enrollment as a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student.
Early Move-in
By participating in the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff students are given the privilege to move in early. Upon arriving, you will be greeted by volunteers, who will point you to your checkin location to begin your process for moving into your room. These volunteers consist of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ faculty, staff and students that are there to help point you in the right direction.
Participation is Key
When signing up for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff you are agreeing to participate in all planned activities for the three days. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff is the best way to kick-start your academic career at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ while making new friends and connections before your first day of classes.
The registration deadline is August 1, 2026. By registering for this weekend program you are expected to participate. Activities start on Thursday, August 13 at 4:00 pm and conclude on Sunday, August 16.
(Registration for the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ First Year Kickoff is at the link above.)
Schedule will be posted closer to event.
Living on campus is a wonderful experience for college students, however the transition can be stressful. Held prior to the beginning of fall semesters, the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff is a program designed to ease the transition to college for freshmen and new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ students. All new students are eligible to participate - including new international, transfer and commuter students (even band or on an athletic team members!).
Information covered during Kickoff includes:
- Early acclimation to the campus (academic buildings, living and dining areas, university offices, etc.)
- Academic expectations during your student's first year
- Learn more about all the resources available
- Ways for your student to engage within their academic areas
- Allows students the ability to network with other students in their major
Current Immunizations are required for the kickoff event. These are the same immunizations required for enrollment as a ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student.
Arriving on Campus
Helping your Student Succeed
Connecting with your student while they’re at school
The ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff is an exciting program being held August 15-18, 2024. The purpose is to welcome all new students to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and give them an opportunity to build a community with each other and transition to their new university home. Dedicated student leaders are needed to serve as Team Leaders to make this program a success. This leadership position is an excellent opportunity to get involved and welcome new students to Central Missouri’s campus.
Each Mule Team Leader will be assigned and responsible for about 20-25 new students during ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff, whom they will guide and assist by introducing them to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Qualifications
Students selected for this position will be expected to:
- Attend a leadership development session during the Spring semester.
- Return to Warrensburg and check in during Mule Team Leader Training before move-in day.
- Be available to attend all programs and activities Sunday, August 10, 2025 through Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Participate in follow-up evaluations and provide feedback for future programs
- Provide ideas, leadership, and ENTHUSIASM for this program!
- Be a full-time undergraduate ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ student at the time of application and through Fall 2025
- Have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average at time of application
It is our goal to recruit Mule Team leadership that represents our entire student body, and we welcome all qualified applicants. By applying to be a Mule Team Leader for ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff experience, you will only be making a brief commitment during the school year and August -14. Mule Team Leaders will be compensated with an hourly student worker rate above campus minimum wage! Also, Mule Team leaders receive free housing and food during Kickoff!
If your are outgoing and love ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, we encourage you to apply!
Applications have closed for Kickoff 2025!
The first year of college for students can be intimidating. That’s why ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has created the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Kickoff, a program designed to help freshmen and transfer students make an easy transition into their first year.
- Begin building relationships with new students in your program
- Help educate students in career development
- Share strategies for success in courses
- Assist with move-in