Culver-Stockton to host Wildcat Welcome for new students

Culver-Stockton to host Wildcat Welcome for new students

CANTON, MO – New Culver-Stockton students will spend a weekend learning how to thrive on campus before classes begin at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 27.  The annual Wildcat Welcome Weekend begins Thursdays, Aug. 23 and culminates in all-campus barbeque Monday night, Aug. 27.

Wildcat Welcome, with the theme “Passport to Success,” features special programs and activities that do more than entertain, according to Paul Rittof, dean of student life, who added, “The academic affairs and student life offices have worked closely to plan a comprehensive and integrated program of educational and social programs to prepare new students for the start of their college careers at Culver-Stockton and to help them acclimate to campus.”

In addition to checking into their residence halls, highlights for students include a matriculation ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 23, when students become “official” members of the Culver-Stockton community. Led by bagpipers, students will walk from Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center to Johnson Residence Hall, sign the matriculation book, and then enter the front doorway of Johnson Residence Hall to symbolize that they are entering a new chapter of their lives.

Skits by “Playfair,” an organization that performs at colleges and universities across the country, and “What’s it all About,” also are scheduled Thursday.  

The weekend focuses on peer group sessions about academic and student life issues, with each evening offering social activities.  Friday, Aug. 24, students will be able to take on a mechanical bull or play other games during the Wildcat Challenge at 8 p.m.  The schedule for Saturday, Aug. 25 includes a 10 a.m.-noon tailgate party and Wildcat football scrimmage, with an evening performance by Mission Improvable, a improvisational comedy group, and a foam dance party. On Sunday, Aug. 26, the day concludes with a pool and karaoke party that begins at 7:30 p.m. at Canton Sun and Surf Swim Club.

For more information about Wildcat Welcome, contact the Student Life Office at 573-288-6571.