CMU is fired up for Fall 2022

School is back in session for the fall! Central Michigan University welcomes students as they return to campus for the upcoming fall semester. 

Walkers enjoy the last quiet days of summer walking around and touring campus on Sat., Aug. 27 before Fall classes began Mon., Aug. 29.  Incoming freshman started moving into their dorm halls on Fri., Aug. 26, signaling the beginning of fall semester classes on Mon., Aug. 29.   

CMU freshmen Sophia Elgie, at left, a secondary education major, and Carmella Cortes, a finance major, settle on a park bench in the center of campus near Bovee University center for a sip and chat during freshmen move-in weekend. In a brief interview on move-in day for freshman, Dante Williams, a mechanical engineering major from Traverse City, says he is both excited and nervous to be away from home.

CMU seniors Lavender Bertsch, at left, elementary math education major, and Hannah Smock, integrated science major, spend a sunny Saturday hammocking in the center of campus in front of Bovee University Center as freshmen move into the dorms.“I’m excited to be away from home, but at the same time I’m still like a baby so I (have) to learn how to be independent.”

CMU students and their families venture all over campus during freshmen move-in weekend to explore the amenities and opportunities.President Bob Davies spoke at a Board of Trustees meeting in April to discuss plans for Washington Commons and how it is projected to support enrollment. In regards to this, Davies mentioned that Fall 2022 enrollment was expected to be higher than it was last year. 

CMU students line up on for student ID photos and receive some free samples of an energy drink while they wait. According to CM-Life, an Application Statistics report dating back to April, said there were at least 1,667 students who had committed to CMU for Fall 2022 in comparison to 1,662 for Fall 2021. Nevertheless, Davies mentioned that this year's number of incoming students is still less than last year's undergraduate-graduating class of 2,509 students. 

Hunter Christian, at right, a sophomore studying exercise and kinesiology, gets some help from family while moving into his hall after a six-hour drive from Illinois. Now that CMU is returning to a pre-pandemic environment, students will have more opportunities to make new friends and discover new interests on campus. 

Bovee University Center welcomes students back to campus with coffee, books, and student ID photo opportunities. “We are so excited to welcome (students) home to CMU,” Executive Director of Residence Life Kathleen Gardner says. “It’s been a challenging two years, I think for everybody. There is a little excitement and joy as we are walking through campus right now – we are ready. We are excited and ready to welcome (students) home.”

Freshman Alexandria Harmon, of Saint Clair Shores, plans to study dance and business marketing. While moving into Towers, Harmon said she is looking forward to meeting new people and indulging in new experiences.

Students are wrapping up Welcome Week, which began Mon., Aug. 29, now. During the week, special events were held as students began classes.

Freshman Dante Williams, black T-shirt, from Traverse City, plans to study mechanical engineering. While moving into Towers, he said he is nervous and excited about the experiences and independence of college life.Upcoming events include:

• On Campus Job Fair from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Tues., Aug. 30 in the Bovee University Center Rotunda 
• Welcome Back Bar-B-Queer from 5:30 - 7 p.m. on Tues., Aug. 30 in the Bovee University Center, Room 108 in the Center for Student Inclusion and Diversity, lower level
• Get Acquainted Day from 4 - 7 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 31 at Warriner Hall
• CMU Take Care on the Lawn from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thurs., Sept. 1 at the Bovee University Center Front Lawn
• Welcome Back Ice Cream Social from 3 - 5 p.m. on Wed., Sept. 7at Warriner Hall

For more information about future events, visit cmich.edu and click on the Events tab in the upper right corner.