Bozeman Magazine

To welcome incoming students to campus, Montana State University will host a series of activities in August and September known at MSU Debut.

MSU Debut is a collection of co-curricular events and activities held at the beginning of each semester with the goal of engaging students and showcasing the best of the university’s campus community. According to Chris Pruden, student engagement and leadership adviser in the university’s Office of Student Engagement, the series of events equips students for a successful transition to MSU, empowers them to contribute to the Bobcat community, and fosters inclusion, integrity and belonging.

“We are so excited to welcome all students back to campus,” Pruden said. "At MSU, we want to give our students the opportunity to achieve academically, but we also want to give them opportunities to engage with the local and campus community. Events like these keep our students connected.”

Christel Hendricks, a first-year graduate student, has been assisting the Office of Student Engagement in planning many of the events. Since she is new to the area, she is excited to experience her first Catapalooza, an event that brings in over 4,000 students, families and community partners each year.

“I am excited for all of the events, but Catapalooza incorporates such a wide variety of Bozeman and campus life,” she said. “It should be a lot of information and a cool event for people who are new, like me.”

Events include the annual “M” photo in Bobcat Stadium at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23. All freshmen will receive a free gold T-shirt to wear for the photo.

Wednesday, Aug. 24, is the first day of classes at MSU, and an ice cream party will be hosted for students in front of Montana Hall. Members of the campus community will be on hand to answer questions and direct students to classrooms.

College football will begin the season at home with the annual Gold Rush football game against McNeese State on Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. The popular Rockin’ the M event will happen on Sept. 10, a more than 100-year-old tradition of new students giving the rocks on the “M” on Mount Baldy a fresh coat of paint.

A full schedule and more details about MSU Debut events follow:

Saturday, Aug. 20

Hypnotist Michael C. Anthony 7:30 p.m., SUB Ballrooms. Light refreshments will be offered at the hypnotist show.

Sunday, Aug. 21

Food Truck Rodeo and Movie on the Lawn 6-10 p.m., Romney Oval Lawn. There will be food trucks, yard games and a movie projected on a big screen. 

Monday, Aug. 22

Catapalooza, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Centennial Mall and Romney Oval. There will be music, free food and giveaways. There also will be 350 campus groups and community vendors in attendance to welcome new Bobcats.

Tuesday, Aug. 23

M Photo and Block Party, 1:30-4 p.m., Bobcat Stadium and Kagy Practice Field.
All freshmen will receive a free gold T-shirt as they form the “M” for the annual photo. President Waded Cruzado will speak at the event. Followed by a celebration after the M photo with carnival games and a DJ.

Wednesday, Aug. 24

First Day Ice Cream Party, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Centennial Mall. A free welcome back to school social will be held with ice cream.

Saturday, Aug. 27

MSU Debut Service Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., SUB Bus Loop. Students can give back to the community in MSU’s biggest service event of the year. Registration is required.

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Trivia Night, 7 p.m., SUB Ballrooms. A trivia night will be held with prizes for winners.

Thursday, Sept. 1

Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering Welcome Back Picnic, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., green space south of Norm Asbjornson Hall.

Saturday, Sept. 3

Gold Rush, 6 p.m., Bobcat Stadium. Bobcat fans show off their pride by wearing gold and cheering on MSU’s football team as they host McNeese State under the lights. Tickets are required.

Wednesday, Sept. 7

Singo, 7 p.m., SUB Ballrooms, An event for students to test their musical knowledge with musical singing bingo.

Saturday, Sept. 10

Rockin’ the M, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Freshman can give the rocks of the “M” a coat of paint to refresh the landmark of the MSU and Bozeman communities. Registration is required.

Friday, Sept. 16

MSU Debut Concert, 7 p.m., Jabs Hall lawn. Free entry to the event, but a CatCard is required.