This Saturday, more than 1,120 freshmen will arrive in Rolla to jumpstart their academic careers during Opening Week at Missouri S&T.

From the time they move in on Saturday, Aug. 15, to an evening game of Capture the Flag the following Saturday, students will be busy with activities geared to help them transition to university life.

S&T’s official welcome to the students, Convocation, will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the Student Recreation Center in Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building. “We are honored to have Rolla Mayor Bill Jenks speak to our students during the event,” says Patty Frisbee, director of new student programs at S&T. “We’ve also got a great new S&T history and traditions video to show, and we invite the community to join us.”

A variety of academic workshops will be offered throughout the week, including problem solving, lab safety, communications and leadership. The workshops give freshmen practical classroom and laboratory experience before the semester officially starts on Monday, Aug. 24.

Students will eat lunch with faculty members, giving both parties a chance to discuss classroom expectations in a casual atmosphere.

There will be plenty of opportunities to make new friends during picnics, barbecues and “Extreme” recreation activities. Entertainment includes a comedian, Arvin Mitchell, and an outdoor movie, “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

A favorite activity during Opening Week is the Project X team design competition. “Project X is a great way for students to get to know each other and learn their way around campus,” says Frisbee. “Students have a common learning experience outside the classroom that’s really creative and fun.”

Students are divided into 15- to 18-member teams led by student mentors. The teams spend the week designing and building unusual remote-controlled vehicles for the competition. “This year’s objectives have an environmental focus,” says Frisbee. “Teams get extra points for using recycled materials.”

On Friday, Aug. 21, members of the campus and Rolla community cheer on their favorite teams as vehicles navigate obstacle courses throughout campus during the wacky competition, which runs from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Races begin at the “Puck” in the middle of campus and end at the Havener Center.

The vehicles will be auctioned off during an awards ceremony Friday evening. Proceeds benefit Phelps County Community Partnership. Last year the teams donated more than $300 to the Partnership; this year’s goal is $500.

A complete schedule of activities is available online at pro.mst.edu.
Below, watch “It’s Your Turn,” the new Missouri S&T history and traditions video.