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Move-In Day, Freshman Convocation, Choctaw Walk help bring new students into the MC family

MC faculty, staff and returning students will be on hand to help brand-new Choctaws move into their residence halls during Move-In Day.

A caravan of vehicles, trucks and automobiles towing trailers loaded with belongings will serpentine around the perimeter of Mississippi College on the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 13, as new students and their families await their turn to set up a living space in one of the many residence halls on the Clinton campus.

Move-In Day is the first sign the fall semester has arrived at MC. Faculty and staff members will greet the students and their families with enthusiastic applause, pass out bottles of water and MC swag, and help the new arrivals move into their “home away from home.”

The event is more than an annual tradition at MC – Move-In Day is the first step in bringing new students into a community that will help shape their lives, said Jonathan Ambrose, vice president for student experience and dean of students.

“Move-In Day is one of the most exciting times of the year at MC,” Ambrose said. “It marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Watching faculty, staff and fellow students come together to help move boxes and belongings and greet our new Choctaws shows that the new students aren’t just joining a college – they’re becoming part of the MC family.”

New transfer students will have their turn to participate in Move-In Day at 10 a.m., with the remaining students set to arrive on campus in the afternoon. The staggered start provides plenty of time for students to get settled into their residence halls, but the day’s focus isn’t solely on moving back to campus: Move-In Day heralds the arrival of student activities throughout the fall semester.

At 3 p.m., freshmen and new transfer students will gather with their families in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Clinton for New É«ÖÐÉ« and Parent Convocation, the official launch of their MC careers.

During the ceremony, MC President Blake Thompson will explain what to expect as students and parents at Mississippi College and Jerry Welch, executive pastor of ministries at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, and his wife, Julie, an adjunct instructor in kinesiology at MC, will share their light-hearted experiences parenting a Mississippi College student.

Evan Lenow, MC associate professor and chair, director of church and minister relations, will offer a brief devotional and prepare the students to begin their journey at MC. Ambrose will charge the new students to uphold the University’s vision of academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.

“Move-in Day is busy, and our new families can get overwhelmed by the emotions and stress of the day,” Lenow said. “New É«ÖÐÉ« and Parent Convocation is a chance to step back and refocus on why they came to MC. Our new students are starting a journey of growth academically and spiritually.

“We want them to pause and remember that as this journey begins.”

At the conclusion of the one-hour ceremony, Thompson will lead the students in the inaugural “Choctaw Walk” through the storied Gates at the entrance to campus. MC’s campus bell will toll during the processional, and the class will be greeted with cheers from MC’s upperclassmen, student-athletes, and faculty and staff members. The new students’ walk will end at the legendary Steps on College Street, where their official class photo will be taken.

After the photo, the new students will join a tailgate assembled in the Quad and line up to cheer for MC’s varsity student-athletes who compete in the Gulf South Conference. The University’s marching band will lead the MC dance squad, cheerleaders and student-athletes in a parade through the heart of campus.

“Choctaw Fanfare is a wonderful tradition that introduces our new students to the energy and pride of MC Athletics,” Ambrose said. “It’s a chance for student-athletes to connect with their peers and for all of our students to experience the excitement of supporting each other.

“It sets the tone for the year ahead by reminding everyone, whether athletes or not, that we are all a part of the MC family and are stronger when we are together.”

The new students and their families will be treated to a meal on Pedestrian Street before the freshmen and new transfers say good-bye to their loved ones. At 7 p.m., the brand-new Choctaws will head over to Nelson Hall to participate in a kickoff event to formally begin Welcome Week activities.

“By the time the Welcome Week events begin, the new students should feel like they are college students,” said Lori Bobo, MC director of university events. “Their parents should feel a peace knowing that they’re leaving their young adult with a group of people who truly care about them.”

Ambrose said he is unaware of a more exciting collegiate welcoming experience than what Mississippi College offers its new students.

“Move-In Day and Choctaw Fanfare demonstrate the heart of the MC community,” he said. “It shows that we’re committed to helping each student feel seen, supported and connected from Day One.”

For more information about Move-In Day, visit mc.edu/offices/residence-life/procedures/moving.