Students and Mustang Corral leaders gather for the traditional Candlelight Ceremony at Mustang Corral. (Student Media Company File Photo)
Mustang Corral is a chance for new students to get fully immersed in the SMU community and to begin to feel comfortable in their new home. Students have an opportunity to meet their classmates, staff and faculty members before school even starts.
“It is a difficult time of transition after moving in and leaving their families, but Corral is a really great way for freshmen to get to know their class and upperclassmen,” SMU senior Kelsey Wolfe said, who attended Mustang Corral as a freshman and became a leader the next year.
Students take a two-hour bus to retreat sites in the Texas Hill Country where they will stay with each other in air-conditioned cabins for two nights. Round-up groups are created of 12-15 students led by SMU upperclassmen.
“There will be a lot of great opportunities to interact with all members of the SMU community in small group sessions, team building events, and other programming events that build SMU spirit and community,” said Elise Smith, coordinator of New Student Orientation and Student Support.
Some activities include:
– Mustang Corral Olympics: Students are paired with another Round Up Group and compete against each other in activities
- Sneak Preview: Faculty members discuss the different areas of study students can explore
– Candlelight Ceremony: Students will be able to share their thoughts and feelings of their time spent at Mustang Corral
“My biggest piece of advice would be in the broadest, and possibly corniest, sense to just be yourself,” SMU senior and Mustang Corral leader Sam Digiovanni said. “College is the big chance you have to define yourself in the way you want, and SMU offers you that chance.”
Students are advised to bring casual, comfortable clothes, tennis shoes and a sleeping bag. A towel and toiletries, sunscreen and a water bottle are a must.
To find all this information and more please visit: smu.edu/StudentAffairs/NewStudent/MustangCorral or call (214) 768-4427.
The deadline to register for Mustang Corral is Aug.15, 2013.
