Today is the big day if you are living with UM Housing on campus!  Arrive on campus at your assigned move-in time and follow all instructions given by the UM Housing team to make this transition as seamless as possible for you and your classmates.  Keep an eye out for Move-In Crew volunteers ready to assist you! 

Due to several large events and concerts happening concurrently, parking regulations and traffic flow may be different than usual!  Please follow all posted signs and any instructions provided to you by Move-In Crew volunteers.

Your dining plan is now active for the semester so you can enjoy our brand new state of the art, all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.

Meal times throughout the week are staggered to help avoid long lines, so please only head to meals when you are instructed to do so.  We want to ensure you are able to make it to your next Big Sky Experience activity on time!

NEW Dining Hours

Monday-Friday, August 19-23

Breakfast: 7 - 9 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dinner: 5 - 7 p.m.

Weekends (Starting 8/24)
Open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Weekdays (Starting 8/26)
Open 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

University Center 1st Floor

Your Griz Card lives on your phone now! Submit your photo, sign up for DUO, and download the eAccounts App at umt.edu/grizcard/mobilegrizcard. Have questions? The folks at the Griz Card office are here to help!

Mansfield Mall, between the University Center and the Mansfield Library

It's time to get checked in and get started.  Be sure to check in today if at all possible, any time during these five hours and as you have down time for moving in to your Residence Hall and taking care of other business.  You will receive your name tag and small group assignment, some awesome swag and a UM t-shirt, and important information about the week.

The Oval

Students, their parents and families are invited to peruse the iconic BEAR Fair (Be Educational, Active and Recreational), where you have the opportunity to learn about more than 90 different student groups, academic departments, and support services. They will all be in one place to make the exploration more straightforward and convenient.  The First Meal will also be offered during this fair, on the Oval, so everything is located in one central place.

NEW Dining Center

Campus Dining has an amazing dining experience planned for incoming students and their families in UM’s brand-new, world class dining center.  Join them Monday evening for UM’s much-anticipated First Meal of the academic year, featuring wonderful, chef-crafted local food and produce from their on-campus garden.  The evening’s lineup will include the UM Marching Band, UM President Seth Bodnar, our playful mascot, Monte, and more!  Incoming students may use their dining plans to gain admission to the event; parents or family members that accompany a new student will be admitted free!

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility!

The Oval

If you were unable to check in yesterday, please ensure you arrive before 10 a.m. to get checked in, receive your name tag and small group assignment, shirt, swag and materials, and are ready to kick things off right!

University Center 1st Floor

Your Griz Card lives on your phone now! Submit your photo, sign up for DUO, and download the eAccounts App at umt.edu/grizcard/mobilegrizcard. Have questions? The folks at the Griz Card office are here to help!

The Griz Card Center is open for normal business hours from here on out, Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  Stop by any time!

The Oval, in front of Main Hall

Hear from President Bodnar as we kick off your Big Sky Experience!  From here, students will be dismissed to follow their UM Advocate small group leader, who will guide them for the remainder of the week.  Parents and family are free to depart at this time, or join Vice Provost for Student Success and Campus Life Leslie Webb for the Family Send Off.

Davidson Honors College Lounge

Join Vice Provost for Student Success and Campus Life Leslie Webb for a special farewell, and learn about our Parent and Family Association!

Follow Your UM Advocate

Once dispersed to their assigned small group, students should follow all instructions provided to them by their UM Advocate.  We will be arranging students in a circle on the Oval to take a full incoming class photo with a drone.  Students will depart from here with their Advocate for their first small group activity.

Immediately Following the Incoming Class Photo

This session will be your first opportunity to get to know your Advocate Small Group Leader and some of your future classmates. You will remain with this small group throughout the Big Sky Experience, and you will all participate in your site work together later in the week.

Payne Family Native American Center, Rotunda

Moving Camp is a program designed to welcome new Native Griz and their families to the University of Montana. The office of American Indian Student Services (AISS), Native American Studies department, and the Tribal Outreach Specialist will be hosting a lunch and info session for new Native students to answer questions about services and resources available to them.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at the Food Zoo, our all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are invited to eat with us as well, and should ask for a voucher from their UM Advocate.

Follow Your UM Advocate

We consistently hear from new students that the uncertainty of finding their classes is among one of their top anxiety-inducing things about starting college.  We are here to help!  Follow your UM Advocate as they take you around campus and help you understand how to find your classes, read the building abbreviations, and share tips and tricks about getting around campus.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at the Food Zoo, our all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are invited to eat with us as well, and should ask for a voucher from their UM Advocate.

Follow Your UM Advocate

We consistently hear from new students that the uncertainty of finding their classes is among one of their top anxiety-inducing things about starting college.  We are here to help!  Follow your UM Advocate as they take you around campus and help you understand how to find your classes, read the building abbreviations, and share tips and tricks about getting around campus.

Our academic colleges and schools are excited to welcome you to campus!  Details to come on a wide range of opportunities for you to meet and get to know your academic homes or homes on campus.

River Campus, Missoula College (1205 E Broadway St.)

Join Missoula College faculty, staff and students to get to know the River Campus and it's resources, learn more about your program of study, and most of all have some fun with your new professors, supporters, and peers. 

Bring the whole family to enjoy a complimentary BBQ meal and some lawn games, too!

ASUM Green Line shuttles will be available, just as they are during the school year!  Catch a ride on the half hour starting at 4:30 with the last shuttle returning to the Mountain Campus at 6:45 p.m. Shuttles depart from the UM Transit Hub and the River Campus.

NEW Dining Facility

Your meal plan is active!  Wind down from your day with new friends and enjoy all the local and fresh dining options our new state of the art facility has to offer.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  Dont be late to meet your small group for your first on-site activity day!

Various Assigned Locations

Rise and shine!  Be sure to meet your small group and UM Advocate in your assigned location so you can head out together to your Big Sky Experience site activities.

Depart from Various Assigned Locations

Meet up with your UM Advocate at your assigned location and travel out to the Big Sky Experience site you selected! You will be working on projects and building connections with each other, as well as the community! Make sure to dress appropriately, and bring a water bottle and any other items you may need until lunch time.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

University Center Ballroom

The University of Montana recognizes and celebrates diversity, works toward equity, and prioritizes inclusion. This learning session is co-facilitated by the Student Advocacy Resource Center and the Office of Inclusive Excellence for Student Success.

Building on the information you received during your New Student Orientation, this session will continue to address topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, gender and sex based harm and discrimination, and how you can be an active bystander to help maintain UM's Community of Respect.

Various, Follow Your UM Advocate

At UM, students are at the center of all we do, and your academic success and personal growth are our top priority.  This session will build upon the many things you learned about during New Student Orientation, but from the perspective of your peers!

Follow Your UM Advocate

Students will split back up in to their Small Groups to discuss with their UM Advocate the information they just covered in the previous session.  You will have the chance to share your thoughts, hear from your peers, and participate in a short debriefing activity.

Follow Your UM Advocate

In this small group session, students will split back up with their UM Advocate to have the chance to ask questions in a much smaller setting, get the real details on what college academics can be like, and share tips and tricks with one another.

Davidson Honors College Lounge

The Davidson Honors College invites you to visit our lovely space, to learn more about the UM honors community, and to meet some of our amazing faculty, staff, and students. Different classrooms will feature information on topics such as academic and career advising, requirements for graduation with University Scholar distinction, and opportunities for involvement beyond the classroom (i.e. research, study abroad, experiential learning community engagement, and more)! All are welcome.

NEW Dining Facility

Your meal plan is active!  Wind down from your day with new friends and enjoy all the local and fresh dining options in our NEW state of the art dining facility.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  Dont be late to meet your small group for your first on-site activity day!

Various Assigned Locations

Rise and shine!  Be sure to meet your small group and UM Advocate in your assigned location so you can head out together to your Big Sky Experience site activities.

Depart from Various Assigned Locations

Meet up with your UM Advocate at your assigned location and travel out to the Big Sky Experience site you selected to finish your activities from the day before! Make sure to dress appropriately, and bring a water bottle and any other items you may need until lunch time.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at our brand new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

Various, Follow Your UM Advocate

At UM, students are at the center of all we do, and your academic success and personal growth are our top priority.  This session will build upon the many things you learned about during New Student Orientation, but from the perspective of your peers!

Follow Your UM Advocate

In this small group session, students will split back up with their UM Advocate to have the chance to ask questions in a much smaller setting, get the real details on what college academics can be like, and share tips and tricks with one another.

University Center Ballroom

The University of Montana recognizes and celebrates diversity, works toward equity, and prioritizes inclusion. This learning session is co-facilitated by the Student Advocacy Resource Center and the Office of Inclusive Excellence for Student Success.

Building on the information you received during your New Student Orientation, this session will continue to address topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion, gender and sex based harm and discrimination, and how you can be an active bystander to help maintain UM's Community of Respect.

Follow Your UM Advocate

Students will split back up in to their Small Groups to discuss with their UM Advocate the information they just covered in the previous session.  You will have the chance to share your thoughts, hear from your peers, and participate in a short debriefing activity.

NEW Dining Facility

Your meal plan is active!  Wind down from your day with new friends and enjoy all the new dining facility has to offer.

ASUM Transportation is providing shuttle service between the UM Transit Hub and Caras Park from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  Buses will run a continuous loop approximately every 30 minutes.  Last shuttle returns to campus at 8:30 p.m.

We invite you to enjoy the splendor of downtown Missoula for your dinner this evening.  You can either purchase dinner at Downtown ToNight or use your meal plan on campus before heading down to check out the music.  The University of Montana’s UDash Bus will provide complimentary shuttles to the Missoula Downtown, just as they do for students during the school year! Departing from the Music Building Bus Stop, shuttles will drop you off out front of the historic Wilma Theater, from which you can make your way on foot to Caras Park. There you will find a quintessential Missoula event – Downtown ToNight! Enjoy a plethora of local food vendors and free music! Then hop back on the shuttle to campus for the remaining evening activities.

In addition, you can join the Montana Athletics community for Griz in the Park, wether you can find all of your favorites from Griz Athletics, including coaches, student-athletes, spirit squad members and Monte! Kick off the fall sports seasons with meet-and-greets, photos, autographs, food and fun!

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!

Various Assigned Locations

Rise and shine!  Be sure to meet your small group and UM Advocate in your assigned location so you can head top the Advocate Production together.

Follow Your UM Advocate, Dennison Theater

Adjusting to life in college can be just that, an adjustment! During this session, the UM Advocates will perform a series of short skits that talk about various aspects of college life and put into action some of the bystander intervention strategies you just learned about.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

This session will discuss topics that could be activating for some.  Please let your Advocate know if you have questions or concerns.

Various, Follow Your UM Advocate

Now it's time to discuss.  Many of the topics can be sensitive for some, and all address serious issues students can face throughout their college experience.  This session is meant as a time for you to share your thoughts and reactions, as well as engage in dialogue with others who may feel differently than you.  Everyone's perspective is valid, but UM has some bottom lines you need to know.

Various Assigned Locations

Rise and shine!  Be sure to meet your small group and UM Advocate in your assigned location so you can head to the Advocate Production together.

Follow Your UM Advocate, Dennison Theater

Adjusting to life in college can be just that, an adjustment! During this session, the UM Advocates will perform a series of short skits that talk about various aspects of college life and put into action some of the bystander intervention strategies you just learned about.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

This session will discuss topics that could be activating for some.  Please let your Advocate know if you have questions or concerns.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at the all-new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

Various, Follow Your UM Advocate

Now that compete New Student Orientation on your own, and you have seen the Advocate Production, it's time to discuss.  Many of the topics can be sensitive for some, and all address serious issues students can face throughout their college experience.  This session is meant as a time for you to share your thoughts and reactions, as well as engage in dialogue with others who may feel differently than you.  Everyone's perspective is valid, but UM has some bottom lines you need to know.

Let's celebrate making it to the end of a long week of important information, making new friends, and becoming familiar with campus and your new community!  

During this event, students will be transported tot he Sha-ron put-in and then guided down the Clark Fork River by local River Ambassadors.  Students will take-out on campus at the River Bowl fields where UM will be hosting a party with snacks and music.

Shuttles will leave from the Campus Rec parking lot every half hour beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the last shuttle leaving at 3:30 p.m.  Be sure to check in at River Bowl before jumping on the shuttle.

Bring your new BSE dry bag, and a float tube if you have one (we'll have some limited quantities you can borrow, of course). Lifejackets, swag and tradition pins will be provided! 

Please leave anything you do not want to get wet, misplaced, or stolen in your room or vehicle!  No secure storage will be provided onsite.

NEW Dining Facility

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at the all-new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.  Students who do not have a meal plan are welcomed to use a voucher for a complimentary meal in the Food Zoo.

Let's celebrate making it to the end of a long week of important information, making new friends, and becoming familiar with campus and your new community!  

During this event, students will be transported tot he Sha-ron put-in and then guided down the Clark Fork River by local River Ambassadors.  Students will take-out on campus at the River Bowl fields where UM will be hosting a party with snacks and music.

Shuttles will leave from the Campus Rec parking lot every half hour beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the last shuttle leaving at 3:30 p.m.  Be sure to check in at River Bowl before jumping on the shuttle.

Bring your new BSE dry bag, and a float tube if you have one (we'll have some limited quantities you can borrow, of course). Lifejackets, swag and tradition pins will be provided! 

Please leave anything you do not want to get wet, misplaced, or stolen in your room or vehicle!  No secure storage will be provided onsite.