The University of Central Missouri started the 2023 fall semester with UCM Kickoff and Week of Welcome. Lasting from Aug. 10 to Aug. 19, these combined events helped welcome new and returning students alike to UCM. 

  The first four days were known as Kickoff and were specifically for new students. Tiana Key, assistant director of first year experience, said she wanted to include more than just incoming freshmen into the welcome activities. Key said she had the goal of extending Kickoff to transfer students as well, with over a thousand students participating.

  The five days following Kickoff were known as Week of Welcome and featured events across campus for all students. 

  Also involved in the success of kickoff was director of student activities Beth Rutt, who has been around since kickoff first began. This year, she helped set up a panel containing a speaker from each school as well as inviting a former UCM graduate Dominique Hampton back to give a speech about his keys to success. 

  Rutt said the speech was intended to give new freshmen a perspective on UCM from someone close to their age. 

  Freshman James Saffold was among those who took part in both Kickoff and Week of Welcome. 

  Saffold, a Warrensburg native who lives on campus, said he enjoyed his Kickoff experience.