Aug. 17-24: MSU 2026 Convocation; Student Move-In; First Day of Class

Monday, August 17, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Convocation address in CSU Ballroom

Mankato, Minn. – Minnesota State University, Mankato President Edward Inch will welcome faculty back to campus and discuss his vision for the 2026-2027 academic year in his convocation address Monday, Aug. 17 in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom.

A convocation reception for faculty and staff will be held from 8:30-9 a.m. Monday in the CSU Ballroom lobby.

The convocation program is scheduled from 9-10:30 a.m. Student Government President Chase Hiber will be the first speaker, followed by Inch and then Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Hood.

Convocation will be streamed live via Zoom at: https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/94236448967

(NOTE TO EDITORS: Media are welcome to attend the convocation address and other events throughout the week.)

Aug. 17-24 photo and media coverage opportunities:

• Monday, Aug. 17 – Convocation, 9-10:30 a.m.

• Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 20-23 – Move-In. Approximately 2,600 students will move into campus residence communities. On Thursday, Aug. 20, the University “Move Crew” will assist students and families in unpacking their cars. To arrange interviews or photos on move-in activities, please contact Nicole Faust in Residential Life by phone at 507-389-6987 or by email at nicole.faust@mnsu.edu.

• Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 20-23 – “Welcome Week” activities. 2026 Welcome Week schedule.
• Friday, Aug. 21 – A new student rally will be held from 11-11:45 a.m. in the Taylor Center, followed by a “march through the arch.” A picnic for faculty, staff, alumni and friends will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. near the Alumni Arch (rain location is Myers Field House).
• Monday, Aug. 24 – First day of fall classes.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,721 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 26 colleges and seven universities.