Missouri Western State University invites the local community to several events to help welcome new and returning students to campus for the beginning of the fall semester.

Missouri Western will welcome approximately 1,000 incoming freshmen during its annual Griffon Edge orientation program. The schedule includes two events that are open to the public:

  • Movie Night, 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium
    • “Monsters University” will be shown on the video board at Spratt Stadium, and families are welcome to join our new students. Admission is free. Park in Lot I.
  • New Student Convocation, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26, Craig Field at Spratt Memorial Stadium
    • The Office of Admissions, in partnership with Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, invites the community to formally welcome the Class of 2022 at the New Student Convocation in the Stadium, followed by a candle lighting ceremony at the Glenn E. Marion Memorial Clock Tower and an ice cream social in the atrium of Remington Hall.

Classes start Monday, Aug. 27. There are two special events that day:

  • Western Warm-Up, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, outside Blum Student Union
    • Each year, Missouri Western offers its student body an opportunity to learn more about what the St. Joseph and campus communities offer. Local businesses and organizations and campus departments and groups set up booths outside the student union to display services, goods and employment opportunities. For information about participating, contact the Center for Student Involvement at 816-271-4159 or involvement@missouriwestern.edu.
  • Rally ’Round the Griffs, 5:30-8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27, Kelley Commons/Blum Student Union
    • Alumni, students, community members and friends are invited to campus on Monday, August 27 for a new event: Rally ’Round the Griffs. Take a campus tour, have a hot dog (or two) on us, meet our athletes and hear from our coaches as we prepare the kick off the school year. Barnes and Noble Bookstore will be open late (and will offer a discount) so that you can get your game day gear. Everyone who attends will receive a free game day item courtesy of the Alumni Association.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.