Published Aug. 22, 2023

Dear Bobcats,

Welcome to your university, Montana State. I hope you had an enjoyable and rejuvenating summer and that this message finds you ready for a new academic year.

As you know, Montana State University's fall semester begins this Wednesday, Aug. 23, and, whether this is your first year as a Bobcat or you are returning to campus to continue your academic career, I want to wish you the best as you start this new semester. This year will be filled with new possibilities, opportunities for personal growth and exciting experiences.

One of the ways your university welcomes students to campus is by hosting MSU Debut, a series of events to kickstart the semester and foster a sense of belonging within our vibrant campus community. We hope these events provide you with a memorable and engaging start to the year, allowing you to connect with fellow students, discover valuable resources and create lasting memories.

Please join in MSU Debut and take advantage of these resources. Here are just a few of the MSU Debut events you won't want to miss:

  • Strand Union Activity Fair, Saturday, Aug. 19, 2-5 p.m., SUB: The Strand Union Building will come alive with activities, including free bowling, billiards, movie screenings, yard games, music and MSU Bookstore promotions. Take this opportunity to dive into MSU life and meet new friends!
  • First Year Student Convocation, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 7-8:30 p.m., Brick Breeden Fieldhouse: Author Stephanie Land, who wrote the bestselling memoir "Maid" about overcoming food and housing insecurity as a single mother while earning a college degree, will speak at this event, which also serves as a formal welcome of the incoming class. As part of Convocation, your university focuses attention on the start of the academic, intellectual and personal journey of first-year students.
  • Catapalooza, Friday, Aug. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Malone Centennial Mall and Romney Oval: Catapalooza is your chance to explore the diverse range of opportunities on and around campus. Interact with student clubs and organizations, learn about community resources and experience the vibrance of MSU.
  • MSU Debut outdoor concert, Friday, Sept. 8, 6-10 p.m.: Enjoy a night of music and fun as we bid farewell to summer with a free outdoor concert on the Romney Oval. Keep an eye out for the artist announcement, and bring your friends with you!
  • Rockin the M, Sunday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Bridger Foothills Trail. Join us for a hike and a service project as we repaint the iconic College M. This beloved Bobcat tradition has taken place for more than 100 years.

The events listed above are just a few of the many events taking place during MSU Debut. I hope you will embrace these and other opportunities that aim to help you make the most of your time at Montana State. For a complete list of MSU Debut events and more details, please visit www.montana.edu/msudebut/.

Finally, as you navigate through your academic journey, please know that our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you. Whether you seek academic guidance, need assistance with campus resources, or simply wish to connect with someone who cares, we are committed to your well-being and to helping you succeed. I am confident that your time at Montana State will be transformative, and I am excited to see all of the great things you will do.

Once again, welcome to Montana State! I look forward to seeing you at MSU Debut events and around our beautiful campus this fall.

Go, 'Cats!

Waded Cruzado

Waded Cruzado
President, Montana State University