University of Minnesota Welcomes the Class of 2028 Across the State

More than 10,000 incoming University of Minnesota students have been arriving on the system’s five campuses over the past few weeks, joining tens of thousands of returning students for the upcoming fall semester. Classes began last week at Morris and the fall semester begins today at Duluth, tomorrow at Crookston and next week at Rochester and the Twin Cities.

“Fall semester is here and it has been energizing to welcome so many new and returning students to our five campuses across the state,” said President Rebecca Cunningham. “Our teams across the U of M system are doing fantastic work to guide our newest students through this exciting transition to college life — from connecting with new peers, meeting faculty and instructors, learning their way around campus, and discovering resources and campus traditions.”

With collective growth in enrollment across the University’s five-campus system, incoming students are arriving from more than 70 foreign countries, 48 U.S. states, Washington D.C. and multiple U.S. territories. While this class of new U of M students brings diverse, global experiences to our campuses, the majority of these students hail from within the state, with about two-thirds calling Minnesota home.

At the Twin Cities campus, late August is synonymous with Welcome Week for freshmen and transfer students. This year’s roughly 7,300 first-year students and 1,700 transfer students — the largest and most diverse incoming class in campus history — are expected to arrive starting with residence hall move-in on Monday and Tuesday, followed by a series of activities designed to help them develop a sense of belonging and understanding of campus life.

Twin Cities Welcome Week 2024
Welcome Week 2024 runs from Wednesday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 2. on the Twin Cities campus. Building on orientation activities over the summer, Welcome Week is an opportunity for new Gophers to become a part of the campus community. Over 200 upper-class student volunteers help guide students through a variety of programs and events, including:

• Pride & Spirit – Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7:30 p.m., Huntington Bank Stadium
  Students will learn game day cheers and traditions, as well as take the giant “M” photo on the football field.
• New Student Convocation – Thursday, Aug. 29 at 9:45 a.m., 3M Arena at Mariucci
  Convocation is the official welcome ceremony for the Class of 2028. Media must RSVP and are encouraged to attend to take advantage of visual opportunities, including the Marching Band interacting with students. An event live stream is available at z.umn.edu/convocationlivestream.
• Explore U – Saturday, Aug. 31 from 1- 4:30 p.m., Huntington Bank Stadium
  Students are welcome to connect with student groups, as well as local organizations.

Welcome Week is hosted by Orientation & Transition Experiences in the Office of Undergraduate Education, and made possible by University employees, volunteers and community partners.