Campus Traditions

Since 1963, UMSL students have come together to build a unique experience you can't find anywhere else. From a week of events to ring in the new school year, to a celebration of just being happy, our campus is full of tradition for all to enjoy.  

Homecoming

The Homecoming celebration at UMSL is a tradition that began alongside the founding of the university. What began as two events – a basketball game and a dance – has grown into a week of events to celebrate umsl students and alumni.

To stay up to date with this year's celebration and to get involved with homecoming vist the homecoming website: homecoming.umsl.edu

Last Lecture

At the end of every school year, student's have a chance to nominate a professor whom they believe would benefit the entire campus given the chance. The selected professor gets that chance to give their "Last Lecture", answering the question, "If you knew this was your last chance to address a group of students, what would you share with them?"

To learn more or to nominate your professor, click here.

Mirthweek

What started as a single day to help students relax during the end of the year and just be happy (mirth = happiness), has grown into a week of events to celebrate the most important part of UMSL...the students! You might find a carnival pop up, with rides, games and food. Or maybe get to see your favorite musician or comedian in a packed crowd at the Touhill. Mirthweek has fun for everyone.

Learn more about this year's events or to get involved here.

Speaker Series

We want to give students a chance to learn from all different perspectives, and walks of life, so we bring in experts, entrepreurs, and artist in to tell their story and educate and inspire other. Past speakers have included Bill Nye, Ben and Jerry, and Maya Angelou. At UMSL, we're committed to bringing a unique student experience to help all students grow.

To see a list of our past speakers and who we have coming up this year click here.

Weeks of Welcome

At the start of every fall semester we partner with our New Student Programs crew to provide a variety of events to help student old and new get a strong start to thier school year. These programs range from campus tours, to bingo nights, to UMSL soccer games. We make it easy to be a Triton and find your place in the UMSL community.

Learn more about the events for this year at umsl.edu/wow

Welcome Picnic

Starting a new school year, as a new or returning student, can be daunting, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun! Join us at the start of every fall semester for an afternoon of games, food, friends, and fun! The Welcome Picnic gives students, staff, and faculty a chance to meet, mingle, and have fun before the start of classes.

Learn more about the schedule of events here.