Great Beginnings at Murray State University
Getting off to a great start is the focus of "Great Beginnings" at Murray State. The program is held each summer on campus to help new students feel welcome and secure within their new surroundings. This is the 17th year for Great Beginnings and the festivities have become a fall tradition on campus.
The ultimate goal is to make sure students on Murray State's campus always feel at home and welcome both in the classroom and out on the town. Many faculty and staff members join in the festivities on campus to help students make the transition from high school to college. The retention rate at Murray State is higher than many schools, at 73 percent, which is higher than the Kentucky average according to the American College Search. Many credit "Great Beginnings" for helping keep Murray State students on track and in the classroom after freshman year.
Great Beginnings starts Saturday, Aug. 14, when the residential colleges open at 10 a.m. for new students. MSU faculty and staff members will be on hand to help with move-in for new students on Saturday. In addition, the University Information Station will be on the Winslow Porch offering student assistance in a variety of areas. Other opening day festivities include Racer Parent Hospitality Lounge, Explore Murray and a lawn party at Winslow Commons.
On Sunday, Aug. 15, returning students move into the residential colleges. The Racer Band will perform on the steps of Lovett Auditorium at 7 p.m., followed by bingo and a movie at the Curris Center at 8 p.m.
Monday’s events include a book signing featuring Thomas Mullen author of The Last Town on Earth at the Clara M. Eagle Gallery from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Mullen will also be the keynote speaker at the New Student Convocation at 4 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium. All MSU faculty, staff and students, as well as community members are invited to attend both events. The movie the “Killers” will be playing at the Curris Center Theatre beginning at 10 p.m.
Activities for new students continue on Tuesday, Aug. 17, including Realities on Campus in Lovett Auditorium at 10 a.m., which presents skits that illustrate situations students may run into at college and ways to respond. From 1-4 p.m. students are invited to attend the Campus Activities Fair and the Part-time Job Fair at the Curris Center followed by Hypnotist Tom Deluca performing in Lovett Auditorium at 8 p.m.
Classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 18, for all students.
For a detailed schedule of Great Beginnings, go to MSU’s homepage at www.murraystate.edu or call Re’Nita Avery at (270) 809-6984
