August 13, 2026

Mustang Welcome 2026: Your Mustang journey starts here

Mount Mercy University

Welcome to Mount Mercy University! Mustang Welcome is designed to help you transition into college life by connecting you with classmates and helping you discover everything Mount Mercy has to offer.

From move-in day through your first weekend on campus, you'll participate in activities that build friendships, explore Cedar Rapids and the surrounding area, learn about campus resources, and prepare for your first semester. Here's what you can expect.

Wednesday, Aug. 19: Move-In Day

It's finally here! Move into your residence hall, meet your fellow Mustangs, and begin your college journey with a warm welcome from the Mount Mercy community. A few highlights include:

  • First-year student move-in
  • Welcome Address & Blessing with President Olson, Student Life, and Campus Ministry
  • Residence Life and Student Conduct conversation
  • "A Look Ahead" small-group orientation sessions
  • Mustang Welcome Picnic on Rohde Plaza
  • Playfair, an interactive campus-wide icebreaker experience

Thursday, Aug. 20: Adventure Day

Choose your own adventure! Whether you want to cool off at a water park, hike with President Olson, test your swing at Pin Social, go bowling, or stay on campus for games and activities, Adventure Day offers something for everyone.

You'll wrap up the day by meeting with your Resident Advisor (RA) and getting to know your residence hall community. Here are some of the options for Adventure Day:

  • Lost Island Water Park trip
  • Hike at Palisades-Kepler State Park
  • Pin Social outing
  • Bowling at Spare Time Entertainment
  • On-campus recreation and games
  • Residence hall floor meetings

Friday, Aug. 21: Convocation and Mustang Traditions

Friday is all about preparing for your academic journey while experiencing the traditions that make Mount Mercy unique.

You'll meet faculty in your academic department, participate in Convocation, and take part in beloved Mustang traditions like planting your class tree, signing the tunnels, and taking your class photo. Events from this day can include:

  • Department socials
  • Campus scavenger hunt
  • Convocation
  • Campus traditions, including the class tree planting and tunnel signing
  • Sand Volleyball Tournament or Craft Night

Saturday, Aug. 22: Campus Ministry Day

Spend the day learning more about Mount Mercy's mission and giving back through meaningful service projects.

The evening wraps up with one of the biggest social events of the weekend. Highlights can include:

  • Campus Ministry Highlights session
  • Campus Ministry Service Projects benefiting local organizations
  • Student Government Association Plaza Party featuring inflatables, snow cones, and games

Sunday, Aug. 23: Sunday Reset

Before classes begin, take time to discover ways to get involved, connect with Campus Ministry, and enjoy one final evening with your new classmates. Some opportunities include:

  • Student Government Association Involvement Fair
  • Sunday Evening Mass
  • Campus Ministry Bonfire with s'mores and lawn games

Ready to become a Mustang?

Mustang Welcome is your first opportunity to build friendships, explore campus traditions, discover student organizations, and experience the welcoming community that makes Mount Mercy feel like home.

Incoming students can find out more details about our Welcome Week schedule of events by checking their email.

Interested in experiencing the Mount Mercy community for yourself? Schedule a campus visit today and see what makes MMU the right fit for your future.