MACON, Ga. – Mercer University will begin its 194th academic year by welcoming an incoming freshman class of more than 1000, most of whom will move into their residence halls on the Macon campus this Friday and Saturday. The University will also welcome more than 100 transfer students entering upper classes.

“Move-In Day is one of Mercer’s most joyful traditions as it marks the beginning of a life-changing journey for so many students and their families,” said Mercer University President Penny L. Elkins, Ph.D. “Our newest Mercerians are joining a community that will challenge, support and inspire them to lead lives of purpose, service and impact. We are excited to welcome them home and look forward to the many ways they will contribute to our campus and their communities and ultimately, change the world.”

Fourteen students pose for a photo in front of Legacy residence hall. They are smiling, wearing orange and black and shaping their hands into a bear claw. The shirts feature the head of a bear wearing sunglasses and the words "Mercer University 2023 Opening Day."
Mercer movers helped first-year students move in during the 2023 Opening Days. Photo by Christopher Ian Smith

A long-held Mercer tradition, first-year students arriving on Mercer’s campus for the start of the fall semester will be greeted by the Mercer Movers, a group of more than 100 volunteer upperclassmen, faculty and staff who help unload and carry new students’ belongings into their residence hall rooms.

“Every student in this class has a story, and we’re honored they chose Mercer to write their next chapter,” said Director of Undergraduate Admissions Mark Fox. “This milestone reflects the continued momentum of Mercer University and the shared commitment of our admissions team, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and campus partners to ensuring every student and family experiences the very best of Mercer from their first visit through move in day and beyond.”

Move-in starts Friday at 7 a.m. and will kick off several exciting event-filled Opening Days for the new students, including:

An aerial view of a university campus with a large group of people forming the shape of the letters "MU" on a lawn. The campus is surrounded by lush green trees and several brick buildings with pointed roofs. The sky is overcast.
The Class of 2028 forms an MU on Cruz Plaza during 2024 Bear Beginnings. Photo by Matt Smith
  • POP-a-Palooza on Cruz Plaza, where students and their families can enjoy their favorite “pops” (popcorn, popsicles, soda pop) as they prepare for the annual Macon Pops concert in Hawkins Arena
  • Bear Beginnings: First-Year Student and Family Kick-Off in Hawkins Arena, where students will hear from Mercer administrators, meet other members of the Mercer community and receive more information about what is to come during Bear Beginnings.
  • The traditional Class of 2030 photo on Cruz Plaza at 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 16.
  • Picnic and glow parties.
  • Bear Fair, an annual event designed to introduce the newest Mercerians to campus organizations and the Central Georgia community.
  • The University’s annual Fall Convocation, the traditional start of the academic year, will take place Monday, Aug. 17, at 2 p.m. in Hawkins Arena.

For the full Opening Days and Bear Beginnings schedule, click here.

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