Arguably the best way to get acquainted with one’s fellow first-year classmates, Mustang Corral will bring members of the class of 2011 to the Texas Hill Country for three days before classes officially begin.
After arriving at retreat locations about two hours away from SMU’s campus, Corral participants will be grouped, matched with their Corral leaders, and immersed into activities celebrating the history and traditions of SMU and its Mustangs.
According to Emily Sandvall, Coordinator of New Student Programs, more than 950 incoming students will attend Corral this year. To help them out, 105 upperclassmen will come along and act as student leaders at the camp. First-years will spend time with their student leader in small groups and have the chance to ask questions about college life.
Students will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with their fellow freshmen before the academic year and the official residence hall move-in rush begins. By participating in Corral, students are allowed to move in a few days early to their residence halls, before the rest of the first-year class and the rest of the SMU-mass arrives on campus.
“One of my friends who didn’t go on Corral was jealous that I already knew a bunch of people on the first day of class,” said senior Kirby Carlberg, who attended Corral as a freshman.
Nearly 75 members of the SMU faculty and staff will also be at the campsites for various programs and to help coordinate the activities. First-years will have the chance to learn about SMU traditions in addition to talks with professors about classes, the “Mustang Corral Olympics” and the Corral game show.
Students are advised to bring casual, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, a towel and toiletries, as well as insect repellant and sunscreen. The Mustang Corral Web site also recommends that students bring a sleeping bag and pillow, even though they will be roughing it, “SMU-style” in air-conditioned cabins, each with its own restroom and showers.
First-years will arrive on campus Saturday, Aug. 18 for early check-in for SMU residence halls. Check-in occurs in the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports from 1 to 6 p.m.
Students will need to be at Moody Coliseum beginning at 11 a.m. Sunday for Corral check-in and will arrive back on-campus at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21.
