The newly expanded Ready, Set, Rowdy! Welcome Month wrapped up in mid-September after drawing thousands of students into four weeks of community-building programming, marking the most successful kickoff to an academic year in recent history. Participation surged across events, highlighted by the Rowdy Rally Convocation, which drew 1,424 attendees — nearly double the turnout from 2024.
A stronger start to the year
The move from a single welcome week to a monthlong rollout was designed to help Roadrunners build deeper connections with their peers, faculty and staff. Beginning Aug. 18, the initiative layered experiences across four themed weeks, giving students multiple opportunities to engage with campus life.
“By extending welcome programming to a full month, we are able to layer experiences that meet students where they are in their transition,” said Stephen Thomas Cucchiara, executive director of Student Life and Belonging. “Our goal is to create a strong sense of belonging and help students build connections that will support them throughout their time at MSU Denver.”
Building momentum
The numbers underscore the impact of the expanded approach.
- Welcome Week participation rose 36% over last year, with more than 2,200 students taking part in events such as “The Rowdy Zone” and the University’s birthday celebration.
- Community Week drew 1,174 participants, including one of the most successful Club Fair and RecFest events in campus history. More than 900 students joined.
- Service to Success Week featured the new “Caring in Community Faire” and additional school and college events.
- Student Takeover Week engaged more than 400 students in peer-led activities despite weather challenges.
Students reported that the format helped them feel more connected. One participant said the programs “gave a greater sense of belonging on campus,” while a club leader noted that combining Club Fair and RecFest “brought the most sign-ups our group has ever seen.”
A launchpad for belonging
For faculty and staff, the initiative underscored the importance of showing up for students early and often.
“Convocation is more than just a welcome event; it’s a pivotal moment where students begin to see themselves as part of the University community,” Cucchiara said. “When faculty and staff show up for students at the very start of their journey, it sends a powerful message: ‘We’re here to support you from Day One to graduation.’”
By reimagining the start of the year, MSU Denver’s Welcome Month not only broke attendance records, italso created the strongest launch yet for student belonging, engagement and success. The Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion, along with it’s professional and student staff, look to continue to build on such an exciting start to the year with other programming occurring that is both student-led and community-focused.
