As Family Weekend approaches, the new Racer Journey event aims to bring families and the academic colleges together.

Family Weekend is set for Sept. 29-Oct. 1. Director of the Center for Student Engagement and Success Peggy Whaley and the office of Student Affairs has been planning Family Weekend since April.

“Family Weekend is a yearly tradition that allows families to visit their student and enjoy a fun weekend,” Whaley said. “This is where your student lives, learns and thrives.”

Some of the main events of the weekend are Fall Fanfare, Racer Walk and the football game.

Racer Journey Around Campus is a new addition to the weekend events and encourages families to engage in their students’ campus lives.

“With passport and lunch in hand, explore where your Racer learns and thrives in our academic buildings and student support offices,” Whaley said. “You will get your passport stamped at each location and an opportunity to interact with faculty and staff. Grab your lunch bag to take on the Journey [and stop] in the Quad for a game or two or for an ice cream treat.”

Whaley said the planning committee felt that involving the academic colleges with families would illustrate where the students are learning.

Another new event, the Photo Contest, allows families to share pictures of themselves on a scavenger hunt across campus by using the hashtag “YourRacerJourney.”

The Racer 5K, which starts at the Wellness Center, is a popular event among families.

Whaley said check-in begins at 7:15 a.m. but can be done online as well. The race starts at 8:00 a.m.

Another highly anticipated event is Fall Fanfare at Lovett Auditorium.

“[It is] a scholarship fundraising concert performed in the manner of a variety show, [and] is a family-friendly musical for music lovers of all ages,” she said. “[It features] performances by various student ensembles at Murray State University such as various choirs, percussion ensemble, flute quartet, wind ensemble, jazz combos and more; the show also concludes with a special appearance by the Racer Band.”

Whaley said the Outstanding Award winning families will be recognized during halftime at the Murray State vs. Indiana State football game.

While the events are a big part of Family Weekend, Whaley said that it is also a retention initiative.

“We know that it’s important for new students to have their families visit them on campus,” she said. “It creates a sense of belonging and helps parents see their student is adjusting well to college life.”

She said a survey is conducted after each Family Weekend to get data on which events and activities families enjoyed the most.

“We use that in our planning meetings to make adjustments to the schedule,” she said.

To view the full schedule, visit https www.murraystate.edu/familyweekend/schedule. 

For any questions, contact Peggy Whaley via [email protected].