Helluva Welcome
August 15-22, 2026
All incoming students will take part in our award-winning August orientation program, Helluva Welcome! During this program, students will move into their residence hall, will spend time getting to know campus, and will build connections in the Rocky Mountains at Oredigger Camp as they take their first steps in their Mines journey.
Helluva Welcome will take place August 15-22, 2026 so be sure to clear your schedule for this welcome week program!
Oredigger Camp
Oredigger Camp is a two and a half day program that takes place during Helluva Welcome. During Oredigger Camp, students will be transported to Estes Park, CO to stay at the YMCA of the Rockies, where they will have opportunities to meet their peers, upper-class student leaders, Mines faculty and staff, and Alumni! Oredigger Camp focuses on helping students build connections through engineering and reflection challenges, group time, and a wide range of activities.
Parent & Supporter Information
While Helluva Welcome is intended mainly for incoming students, parents and support systems are encouraged to attend Convocation and the Welcome BBQs on their student’s move in day. After their move in day, students will be busy with orientation programming so we kindly ask that parents and guests say their goodbyes at the conclusion of the Welcome BBQs.
Convocation Information
Convocation is the official Mines welcome ceremony for all new students and their families! Students and their families will attend Convocation & the Welcome BBQ on their move-in day. There is no cost to attend this event but tickets are required. Please note that tickets are required for guests but students DO NOT need tickets for these events! The event is held on-campus in Lockridge Arena and a live stream of each ceremony will be available on the Mines YouTube channel.
If you are a transfer student, please plan to attend on Saturday, August 15th. If you are a commuter student or part of the France Cohort, please plan to attend on Sunday, August 16th. Athletes will receive specific ceremonies to attend via email.
Saturday, August 15th
Doors to Lockridge Arena open at 4pm for familes/guests and the Convocation ceremony begins at 5pm (students will meet Steinhauer Fieldhouse between 4:15-4:30pm for the processional).
Families and guests will need to reserve their free tickets. Please note that students do not need a ticket for entry and that tickets are limited to three per family. Click here to reserve your tickets for the convocation on Saturday, August 15.
Sunday, August 16th
Doors to Lockridge Arena open at 4pm for families/guests and the Convocation ceremony begins at 5pm (students will meet at Steinhauer Fieldhouse between 4:15-4:30pm for the processional).
Families and guests will need to reserve their free tickets. Please note that students do not need a ticket for entry and that tickets are limited to three per family. Click here to reserve your tickets for the convocation on Sunday, August 16.
New Student & Family BBQ Information
New Student & Family Barbeques will take place each move in day after the conclusion of Convocation. There is no cost to attend this event but family and supporters will need to reserve tickets. Please note that students do not need tickets for this event.
After the BBQ, families and supporters are encouraged to say goodbye as the rest of the weekend is dedicated to orienting students to our campus and community.
Saturday, August 15th
This Welcome BBQ is for those moving in on August 15th and for Transfer Students.
The BBQ will begin at the conclusion of Convocation (around 6pm) and will take place on Kafadar Commons, next to the CoorsTek Center for Applied Science & Engineering.
Families and supporters can reserve tickets here for Saturday, August 15. New Students do not need a ticket as they are already counted.
Sunday, August 16th
This Welcome BBQ is for those moving in on August 16th and Commuter students.
The BBQ will begin at the conclusion of Convocation (around 6pm) and will take place on Kafadar Commons, next to the CoorsTek Center for Applied Science & Engineering.
Families and supporters can reserve tickets here for Sunday, August 16. New Students do not need a ticket as they are already counted.
