The University of Missouri-Rolla admissions office has teamed with the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, the Rolla Downtown Business Association and more than 30 local businesses to present “Discover Rolla,” a game designed to help incoming UMR students get acquainted with their home away from home. The program is part of UMR’s Orientation Week activities, held Aug. 11-18.

Each incoming student will receive a bingo-type card with trivia questions about each participating business. Students are encouraged to visit local businesses to find the answer to each question. When they do, they will get a stamp on their card. Students have until Oct. 15 to complete their card and turn it into the admissions office. This will enter them into drawings for several prizes, including a semester of free textbooks.

To get things started this year there will be a kickoff barbecue at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 15, at the corner of 11th and Pine streets. There will be music, games, free desserts and much more. The students will pick up their cards at the BBQ and begin visiting the local businesses that will be offering prizes of their own and treats for the students.

“Our goal is to expose all of our new students to the wealth of local business opportunities Rolla has to offer them,” says Amanda Norton, of the UMR admissions office. “Many of the local businesses are excited about the chance to reach UMR’s new students so early in their time in Rolla. We look forward to expanding this opportunity next fall.”