Incoming freshmen from the class of 2013 play tug of war during free time at Mustang Corral 2009. (Student Media Company File Photo)

The first day of school is quickly approaching and for freshmen it will be their first day of college. Before classes begin, freshmen and transfer students have the chance to go to Mustang Corral.

Mustang Corral is a three-day, off-campus retreat for all incoming students. At Corral, students learn about the spirit and traditions of SMU and what to expect from academic life at a university.

“By taking new students on an off-campus retreat we hope to create an experience they can all relate to as they begin to develop new friendships, understand the responsibilities of becoming independent and learn how to get involved at SMU as a way to enrich their college experience,” Tanya Arora, one of the Mustang Corral directors said.

Not only is there a chance to meet other students, but incoming students also get the chance to meet the upperclassmen that serve as Corral Leaders and helpers for the event, as well as the faculty and staff attending.

Currently there are six Mustang Corral directors, who spent their spring semester and summer planning Corral for the incoming students. Each director is in charge of a different aspect of the program.

Ryan Cole is the Faculty/Staff Director; Melinda Ng is the Curriculum content Director; Lauren Miller is the Training and Publications Director; Alex Muñoz is the Curriculum Format Director; Kacey Nelson is the Additional Programming Director; and Tanya Arora is the Logistics Director. Each student has dedicated their entire summer into making Mustang Corral a great experience for all the incoming students.

“I decided to be a Mustang Corral Director because I had a great time at Mustang Corral as a first-year. I wanted to be apart of the planning of this year’s event and make it a great experience for the students, leaders, and faculty/staff attending,” Muñoz said.

These six students plan, organize and execute Mustang Corral as well as other new student orientation programming that occurs after Coral such as “A Night at the Club” and the “Class Photo.”

“I am most looking forward to welcoming the first years to SMU and getting them excited for their future at SMU. I want them to leave Mustang Corral knowing with 100 percent certainty that they chose the right school,” Nelson said.

Mustang Corral is an SMU tradition for all incoming students. Although it is not mandatory to attend, it is highly encouraged.

“It’s important for first year students to attend Mustang Corral because Corral is where you first foster your school spirit and learn all the SMU traditions. Mustang Corral also has a very academic aspect that bridges the gap between Faculty, Staff, and students,” said Cole. “Moreover, students get a chance to meet hundreds of fellow Mustangs and carry these friendships back to campus.”