
Fall Kickoff Events
Details
For the first two weekends of the Fall Semester, our campus will come alive with a series of engaging activities designed to help students acclimate to campus life and start forging those lifelong connections. Whether you're a freshman eager to make new friends or a returning student looking to reconnect, these events are the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant community spirit.
There's something for everyone, from outdoor games and team-building exercises to social mixers and creative workshops. Join us for movies under the stars, game nights, and themed parties that promise fun and excitement. Explore your interests and find your place within our diverse student body. Don't miss out on these fantastic weekends filled with fun, friendship, and new beginnings. Mark your calendars, bring enthusiasm, and prepare to make memories that will last a lifetime. We can't wait to see you there!
Agenda
Past Events
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
HOME GAME — Women's Soccer vs Concordia College
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Head to the Great Minnesota Get-Together!
The ticket price includes the bus trip there and back, as well as admission to the fair.
The Bus departs from the North parking lot on campus at 9 a.m. that morning and will depart from the State Fair at 7 p.m. to return to campus. Contact egrabow@morris.umn.edu with questions.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Ready to kick it? Join the Student Athletic Advisory Council for a laid-back, all-skills-welcome Kickball Game! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just in it for the laughs, this is your chance to get moving, meet new friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.
No experience needed — just bring your game face and a good attitude
Open to all students — come solo or bring your friends
Make connections — build community through friendly competition
Come play, cheer, or just hang out—this is about fun, not keeping score!
- RSVP
- RSVP
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Hazzah! Take a trip back in time with a visit to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival!
The ticket price includes the bus ride there and back, as well as admission to the festival.
The bus will leave the North parking lot at 9 a.m. to head to the Festival and depart at 7 p.m. to return to Morris.
Tickets available at https://www.tickets.umn.edu/UMM/Online/article/UMMRenFestTrip
Contact egrabow@morris.umn.edu with questions.
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Spend the afternoon out on the prairie with US Fish and Wildlife catching Monarch Butterflies, collecting data, and tagging them to track their migration. Transportation is provided. Meet at the Welcome Center by 1pm. Closed toed shoes are recommended. Sign up here: http://z.umn.edu/Monarchs
9:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Join MCSA & CAC for a movie on the mall— How To Train Your Dragon (2025)
MCSA will take a moment to share what our student government does and hold a FREE movie screening for the campus community. We want to see YOU at this event!
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Stop by for ice cream that is made using liquid nitrogen! Invite your friends :) Dairy-free option available.
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
HOME GAME — Men's Soccer vs Trinity Bible College
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
HOME GAME — Women's Soccer vs Saint Mary's University
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Start the semester off right at Game Night. Briggs Library will have over a hundred really fun board games available to play like Ticket To Ride, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, Risk, Pandemic, Throw Throw Burrito, and Telestrations. A giant Jenga tower and Twister mats will also on-hand.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Take a deep breath and treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation at CAC's Self Care Sunday! Whether you're looking to ease some tension or just connect with others in a cozy setting, we’ve got something for everyone:
🎨 Color and create while watching a feel-good movie
🍿 Enjoy free popcorn and good company
Come as you are—no need to bring anything but yourself. This is your time to unwind, connect, and care for your well-being.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Come check out the launch of Morris' new Free Swap program! This Saturday, the Morris Office of Sustainability will be giving away a curated selection of items donated by past students. These items include clothing, dishware, coffeemakers, books, linens, and more! All items will be FREE and given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Advanced Technique Workshop with Dance Ensemble
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Jazz and Heels Workshop with Dance Ensemble
Sun, Aug 24, 2025 2:00 AM
Join us for an unforgettable evening as the Campus Activities Council (CAC) teams up with student organizations to host the ultimate Student Center Takeover! From 10 PM to 2 AM, the Student Center will transform into a playground of excitement and entertainment. We'll have activities such as Lasertag, Karaoke, Board Games, a Movie Marathon, and more!
Don't miss out on this epic night of fun on campus! Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a gamer, a crafter, or just looking to hang out, the Student Center Takeover has got you covered. Register here to complete your event waiver in advance!
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Beginner Technique Workshop with Dance Ensemble
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Hip-Hop Workshop with Dance Ensemble
Sat, Aug 23, 2025 1:30 AM
MOVIE REVEAL: The Naked Gun (2025)
Looking for a late-night adventure? Join CAC for a FREE Midnight Movie at the Morris Theatre! Bring your friends, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a surprise hit on the big screen—our treat. Whether you're a night owl or just want to explore a community gem, this is your chance to unwind, laugh, and be part of a Morris tradition that’s all about community and fun.
🎟️ Admission is FREE with your UCard or Campus Groups Digital ID
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Starting the fall semester off right is all about getting involved and making the most of your college experience! The annual Student Activities Fair marks the end of Welcome Week and the beginning of a new academic year with a bang. This exciting event offers a fantastic opportunity for students to explore a myriad of clubs, organizations, and volunteer opportunities that cater to a wide range of interests and passions. Whether you're into sports, arts, academics, or community service, you're sure to find a group that resonates with your personal interests and goals.
The Student Activities Fair is more than just an informative event; it's a gateway to building lifelong friendships and developing essential skills outside the classroom. By engaging in extracurricular activities, you can enhance your college experience, cultivate leadership qualities, and create a strong support network. It's the perfect chance to meet like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and discover new hobbies. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enrich your college life and make lasting memories.
To make the event even more enjoyable, dinner will be provided free of charge to all students attending the fair. This means you can fuel up while exploring the various booths and chatting with representatives from different organizations. So, mark your calendars and join us at the Student Activities Fair to kickstart your semester with enthusiasm and excitement. Come find where you belong and set the tone for a successful and fulfilling academic year ahead!
Registered Student Orgs (as of 8/19)
ACS Chemistry Club
American Indian Science and Engineering Society
American Indigenous Business Leaders
Art Club
Big Friend Little Friend
Biology Club
Black Student Union (BSU)
Campus Activities Council (CAC)
Circle of Nations Indigenous Association
Cougar Cheer
Dance Ensemble (DE)
Entre Nous (French Club)
Hold My Root Beer (HMRB)
Improv Club
International Student Association (ISA)
InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF)
Jazz and Contemporary Music Club
Kpop Dance Crew
KUMM Radio
La Union LatinX
Magic the Gathering Club
Men's Volleyball
Mock Trial
Morris Gladiators
Morris Meiningens Performing Arts Collective (MMPAC)
Morris Queer Student Initiative for Equality (MoQSIE)
Newman Center
POM Squad
Role Playing Games Club
Super Smash Bros Club
Sustainability Club
The Jane Addams Project
Ultimate Frisbee Club
University Register
Young Americans for Freedom
Where
UMN Morris Campus
600 East 4th Street, Morris, Minnesota 56267, United States
Hosted By
Co-hosted with: Student Engagement & Events, Welcome Week, Community Engagement , LGBTQIA2S+ Programs, Equity, Diversity, & Intercultural Programs, Dance Ensemble , ACS Chemistry Club, Morris Campus Student Association, Rodney A. Briggs Library, Athletics, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Morris Office of Sustainability
Contact the organizers