Ñý¼§Ö±²¥

International Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ arriving for International Student Orientation should be in contact with the Global Engagement Office (GEO) to arrange for airport transportation and any other arrival details.  GEO can be contacted at 406-243-2288 or global.engagement@umontana.edu

International Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ arriving for International Student Orientation should be in contact with the Global Engagement Office (GEO) to arrange for airport transportation and any other arrival details.  GEO can be contacted at 406-243-2288 or global.engagement@umontana.edu

Find more info here.

The Freshman Wilderness Experience will introduce Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to the incredibly stunning natural surroundings in western Montana. Students do not need any prior outdoor experience to participate. Most importantly, it is a chance for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to meet each other, explore Montana and form lasting friendships before classes begin on campus.  Students have the option to participate in a wilderness backpacking ($360) or canoeing trip ($440), but space is limited!

Those Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ participating in FWE will need to move into their residence hall rooms the day prior or morning-of check-in for FWE, which occurs August 15, 2024 at 1 p.m.  Groups will be in the field from Aug. 16-19, 2024 and will return to campus to participate in the Big Sky Experience beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024.

Fall 2024 Information - More Info on the FWE Website

In it's fourth year, we are excited to showcase the  for this special overnight experience! Similar to the Freshman Wilderness Experience, this trip will bring a small group of 20 incoming first-year Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ together for a multiday adventure at UM’s world-class freshwater research and education facility on Flathead Lake.  

The cost is $250 per student and covers transportation, food, and lodging. 

Important Information

This trip is designed for incoming first-year Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ only and is a special addition to the required in-person Big Sky Experience program, which is held immediately following this trip from Aug. 19 - Aug. 23. 

Students should also complete their online New Student Orientation program (available in July) prior to both this trip and the Big Sky Experience.

The Details

• Thursday, Aug. 15 - Early arrival and Residence Hall move-in
• Friday, Aug. 16 - Depart campus for Flathead Lake Biological Station
• Monday, Aug. 19 - Return to Campus to join all other incoming Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ for the Big Sky Experience
• Friday, Aug. 23 - River Rendezvous and Freshman Float, end of Big Sky Experience
• Monday, Aug. 26 - Fall Classes Begin

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 . Have questions? The folks at the Griz Card office are here to help!

The UM Advocate are here for YOU! 

Every day this week the Advocates will be set up at the Griz Statue to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.  Whether you need help figuring out which office to go to for the task at hand, how to navigate a tough situation, for help finding where your small group has gone off to, or anything at all related to the UM college experience...you can always Ask an Advo!

And it doesn't end there!  You will find the Ask an Advo station at all sorts of UM events throughout the school year, so at any time if you wanted to ask a question, or even just chat, the Advocates are here for you!

Due to Possible Afternoon Thunderstorms, Check In has relocated to the University Center 1st Floor

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.

Due to Possible Afternoon Thunderstorms, Check In has relocated to the University Center 1st Floor

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.

The Lodge

Campus Dining has an amazing dining experience planned for incoming Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ may use their dining plans to gain admission to the event; parents or family members that accompany a new student will be admitted free!

The Lodge

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!

The UM Advocate are here for YOU! 

Every day this week the Advocates will be set up at the Griz Statue to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.  Whether you need help figuring out which office to go to for the task at hand, how to navigate a tough situation, for help finding where your small group has gone off to, or anything at all related to the UM college experience...you can always Ask an Advo!

And it doesn't end there!  You will find the Ask an Advo station at all sorts of UM events throughout the school year, so at any time if you wanted to ask a question, or even just chat, the Advocates are here for you!

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, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

Brantly Lawn

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, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ should follow all instructions provided to them by their UM Advocate.  We will be arranging Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to answer questions about services and resources available to them.

The Lodge

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at The Lodge, 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

The Lodge

If you are living on campus, your meal plan is active!  You are encouraged to use it at the the Lodge, 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

Follow Your UM Advocate

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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 3 p.m. with the last shuttle returning to the Mountain Campus at 6:30 p.m. Shuttles depart from the UM Transit Hub and the River Campus.

The Lodge

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.

University Center Commons

Looking for a low cost (actually free) option for this evening? How about a way to meet new folks? And who doesn't want to win some awesome prizes? Join us in the University Center Commons (second floor southend) for just that fun, friends and lots of prizes from 7 - 9 p.m. Door open at 6:30 p.m. come early to grab a seat. Free snacks and drinks provided.

The Lodge

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.

The UM Advocate are here for YOU! 

Every day this week the Advocates will be set up at the Griz Statue to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.  Whether you need help figuring out which office to go to for the task at hand, how to navigate a tough situation, for help finding where your small group has gone off to, or anything at all related to the UM college experience...you can always Ask an Advo!

And it doesn't end there!  You will find the Ask an Advo station at all sorts of UM events throughout the school year, so at any time if you wanted to ask a question, or even just chat, the Advocates are here for you!

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.

The Lodge

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 The Lodge.

The Oval

Come meet and greet and play Wiffleball with Missoula’s own PaddleHeads baseball team!  Want to catch even more PaddleHeads action? Come out for UM night on Thursday, August 22^nd. The game starts at 7:05 pm at Ogren Field (700 Cregg Ln). Buy your discounted tickets online at . For more Zoo Crew events, check us out on Griz Hub for a full list!

The Lodge

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 The Lodge.

Need to adjust your course schedule or still get registered for fall classes to begin with? Have a question you want to ask your advisor? Come visit with the advisor of your major during advising drop-in hours. For advisor locations, view the .

University Center Ballroom

The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 swing by our lovely building for a casual open house to learn more about the UM honors experience as well as meet our awesome community of faculty, staff, and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Tables stationed around the DHC will feature information on topics such as honors advising and requirements, scholarships, DHC traditions and opportunities for involvement, career development, student wellness, scholarships, and DHC programs. All are welcome!

The Lodge

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.

University Center

Join your student union also known as the University Center (UC) as it provides you a night of fun and entertainment. Join in on some table tennis, billiards, or eSports fun in the Gaming Den. Join your Campus Activities Board in some engaging hands-on fun and excitement. Hangout with UM's Fraternities and Sorority Involvement (Greek Life) by swinging by some of the fun stations set up throughout the building. We will have some of our businesses like UM Dining, Boba Tea, and the Vault will be open if you are looking to purchase a little treat or something fun for your room. Come and enjoy your peers and free food and drink.

The Lodge

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.

The UM Advocate are here for YOU! 

Every day this week the Advocates will be set up at the Griz Statue to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.  Whether you need help figuring out which office to go to for the task at hand, how to navigate a tough situation, for help finding where your small group has gone off to, or anything at all related to the UM college experience...you can always Ask an Advo!

And it doesn't end there!  You will find the Ask an Advo station at all sorts of UM events throughout the school year, so at any time if you wanted to ask a question, or even just chat, the Advocates are here for you!

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.

The Lodge

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 Lodge.

The Lodge

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 Lodge.

Need to adjust your course schedule or still get registered for fall classes to begin with? Have a question you want to ask your advisor? Come visit with the advisor of your major during advising drop-in hours. For advisor locations, view the .

Various, Follow Your UM Advocate

At UM, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

The Lodge

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

Look for a UM Advocate with a sign in Caras Park, behind the band stand and under the Bear Tracks (Higgins St) bridge at the new playspace with ping-pong tables and a basketball court.

Transferring schools mid-way and starting college a little later in life can both pose their own unique challenges to new Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, on top of the already challenging task of college in general.  Join some of older UM Advocates and ASUM Senators for a casual meet up at Downtown ToNight, even if you are not participating in the other Big Sky Experience activities.  We hope to answer your questions and help you find other new Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ who are navigating similar things as you might be.

Thanks to the Missoula Downtown Association, FREE wristbands will be provided to anyone 21 or older who would like to purchase their own alcoholic beverage. 

We invite you to enjoy the splendor of downtown Missoula, where Caras park lights up all summer long on Thursday nights with free music, tons of food trucks and a makers market!  

In addition, you can join the Montana Athletics community for Griz in the Park, whether 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!

Due to the impact of the Adams Center concert on campus, there will not be shuttle service provided to Caras Park.  We recommend using the Mountain Line Route 1 or 12 from Arthur, or Route 6 from Higgins Ave, or the short 20 minute walk along the River Trail.

Due to the impact of the Adams Center concert on campus, there will not be shuttle service provided to Caras Park.  We recommend using the Mountain Line Route 1 or 12 from Arthur, or Route 6 from Higgins Ave, or the short 20 minute walk along the River Trail.

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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥’s UDash Bus will provide complimentary shuttles to the Missoula Downtown, just as they do for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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!

Ogren park at Allegiance Field

Cheer on Missoula’s very own Pioneer Baseball League Team, the Missoula PaddleHeads, as they celebrate UM Night on Thursday, August 22^nd. The game starts at 7:05 pm at Ogren Field (700 Cregg Ln). Buy your discounted tickets online at . For more Zoo Crew events, check us out on Griz Hub for a full list!

The Lodge

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.

The UM Advocate are here for YOU! 

Every day this week the Advocates will be set up at the Griz Statue to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.  Whether you need help figuring out which office to go to for the task at hand, how to navigate a tough situation, for help finding where your small group has gone off to, or anything at all related to the UM college experience...you can always Ask an Advo!

And it doesn't end there!  You will find the Ask an Advo station at all sorts of UM events throughout the school year, so at any time if you wanted to ask a question, or even just chat, the Advocates are here for you!

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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

The Lodge

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 Lodge.

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 Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ 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.

The Lodge

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 Lodge.

Heads up, Griz! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a 50% chance of severe thunderstorms and 30 MPH winds tomorrow afternoon. To keep everyone safe, we've decided to cancel the Freshman Float. 🌧️

But don’t worry, we’ve got a backup plan that’s just as fun! Join us for the River Rendezvous on the Oval with lawn games, treats, music, and more! 🎉

📅 When: Tomorrow, 1-4 p.m.
📍 Where: The Oval

Let’s finish out your Big Sky Experience week with a splash, rain or shine! 💦 See you there!

The fun doesn't stop after the Big Sky Experience.  Griz Welcome activities continue on for several weeks, with Student Life activities, athletic games and meets, and community events galore! 

Check them out at umt.edu/grizwelcome