Traditions

Convocation

The beginning of a new academic year falls into the category of a ritual known as "rites of passage." A rite of passage is a ritual marking the transition of an individual or an institution into a new stage of life. University Convocation marks the transformation of each student into a contributing member of the Middle Tennessee State University community. it also marks the transformation of our academic community which will be forever changed by the entrance of each class. Convocation is followed by the President's Picnic in the Walnut Grove. This event occurs the Sunday before classes begin in the Fall semester. For more information, please contact 898-2454.

Fight Song

This is a competition in which various groups across campus use the Homecoming Theme to creatively sing the MTSU Fight Song. It is designed to display school spirit and increase awareness of Homecoming Events. It is typically held the week prior to Homecoming and is sponsored by SGA.

Freshman Walk

The Freshman Walk is a tradition that welcomes all new incoming freshmen to join the university president on the football field (scheduled during halftime at one of the first home football games). Students are given a commemorative t-shirt designed specifically for their class year (while supplies last). Held annually, the Freshman Walk is a fun introduction to MTSU football and its traditions.

SGA Homecoming Week

This tradition is for MTSU Students, alumni, and the MTSU community. It's purpose is to celebrate the spirit of MTSU, old and new. Students are encouraged to group together to cover the campus with Blue Raider Pride. Traditional events include: Banner Competition, Horseshoe Competition, Chili Cook-off, parade, and pep rally.

Horseshoe

The Horseshoe was created by the MTSU Student Ambassadors, to establish a new campus tradition. A penny from 1911, the year the university was founded, was dropped into the ground under the statue, which is what supplies the good luck for those who touch the Blue Horseshoe. Alumni, students and fans are encouraged to touch the Blue Horseshoe for good luck before an event - such as the big game, performance, student organization function or even before a test class presentation. The horseshoe shape was chosen for 3 reasons: 1) Our athletic mascot, Lightning is a horse; 2) We are in a region of the country especially known for Tennessee Walking horses; and 3) Most of all, it is already a symbol associated with good luck.

Miss MTSU & Miss Middle Tennessee Blue Raider

This annual scholarship pageant is sponsored by the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. It crowns two winners which receive scholarships and represent the university in the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant, a preliminary to the Miss America Scholarship Pageant. The pageant is typically held during the beginning of the Spring semester. Questions should be directed to the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

SGA Road Rallies

Road rallies are student trips to away football games that are offered at a discount price through the SGA. The package price includes transportation, a hotel room, game ticket, and Road Rally t-shirt. The Road Rally price usually ranges between $50-$100. Recent trips have included New Orleans (MTSU vs LA_Monroe), Columbia, SC (MTSU vs. U. of South Carolina), Detroit (Motor City Bowl), Tuscaloosa, AL (MTSU vs. U. of Alabama), and Raleigh, NC (MTSU vs. NC State).

MTSU Family Weekend Family Day

This is a wonderful excuse to visit your MTSU student and learn more about the campus that's replaced the familiar high school and hometown setting. Enjoy the many scheduled events, and have some together-time with your student. For more information, please visit this website or call 615-898-2454.

Alternative Breaks

This life-changing program has grown quickly at MTSU. The AB program is one in which a group of students travel outside of Murfreesboro in order to learn about themselves and the world around them by volunteering for those less fortunate. There are currently 2 AB programs offered: Fall Break and Spring Break. Past destinations includes: Asheville, N.C.; Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Atlanta, GA; Washington, D.C., Florida Keys and many others.

NPHC Step Show

The annual step show, sponsored by the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is held every year during Homecoming as a time for Greeks and family members to come celebrate the tradition of stepping. People from all across the state of Tennessee attend this event held the night before the homecoming game in the Murphy Center. The step show also showcases local high school steppers, musical acts, and comedians alike. The MTSU NPHC holds one of the premier step shows in the Southeast Region.

Lip Sync

This event is sponsored by Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity and is held every year at the end of the Fall semester. All interested students and student organizations put together a Lip Sync routine and perform it for those in attendance. The event is entertaining and all proceeds go to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation to benefit Breast Cancer Education Awareness and Research.

Mr. MTSU

This event is held put on every year by Chi Omega Fraternity. It allows male students at MTSU to perform and compete to win the coveted title of Mr. MTSU. Proceeds raised for the event benefit Chi Omega's national philanthropy, Make - A - Wish Foundation.

Miss Black & Gold

Sponsored by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, contestants in this pageant are judged on beauty, talent, and interview. The winner receives a scholarship and competes in pageants at the state, regional, and national level.

Wing Fling

Kappa Delta Sorority recently started a new tradition at MTSU with its annual Shamrock Wing Fling. Wing Fling is held during the Spring semester and gives student organizations as well as Murfreesboro community members and businesses the opportunity to come together and make a difference. Participants are also judges on their wings and the winner is given the title of "Murfreesboro's Best Wings." All proceeds go to benefit local child abuse prevention.

Smoke Arthritis BBQ

Each year Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity hosts their annual BBQ. Students, faculty, staff, and community members come out to support this event which always promises good food, fun, and fellowship. Proceeds raised go to the Alpha Omicron Pi Foundation to benefit Arthritis Research.

Constitution Week

September 17, when the United States Constitution was signed in Philadelphia in 1787, is celebrated nationally as U.S. Constitution Day. At MTSU our entire campus commemorates and studies the Constitution during the week of September 17, usually the third week of the fall semester. Focusing on American principles of justice, the work of our public institutions, our rights as citizens, participatory democracy, voting, civil discourse, and the shared purposes of citizenship, Constitution Week annually reaffirms our university's mission to graduate civically engaged, globally responsible citizens.

 
 

Campus Events


Center for Student Involvement & Leadership

Student Union 330
615-898-5812


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