Columbia College will welcome hundreds of new students to the 2026-27 academic year with a wide range of events during Welcome Week starting Wednesday, Aug. 26, in Columbia, Missouri.
The festivities will culminate on Sunday, Aug. 30, with “Storm the Gate” on Bass Commons, where new students symbolically enter the College and a new chapter of their lives as they run through historic Rogers Gate before a crowd of faculty, staff and returning students and enjoy Andy’s Frozen Custard with their fellow Cougars.
The first day of classes for CC students nationwide is Monday, Aug. 31.
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Residential students will move into Banks Hall, Hughes Hall, New Hall and Cougar Village on Wednesday, Aug. 26. The bookstore will be open and “The Lemonade Guy” will provide complimentary refreshments from noon to 3 p.m on the Quad. That evening from 7-9 p.m., students are encouraged to attend Scooter’s Backyard Bash on the Quad and Miller Lawn, featuring hot dogs, s’mores, sand volleyball, cornhole and more.
New students will jump right into an action-packed first full day on Thursday, Aug. 27, highlighted by Ignite CC from 9-10 a.m. in the Southwell Complex. During this gathering, students will hear from President Dr. Toby Arquette and meet their First-Year Mentors (FYMs) and Welcome Week Teams.
Friday, Aug. 28, will feature a strong lineup of events including the Wellness Fair in the morning followed by an Arcade District Takeover and Classroom Tours in the afternoon. At 7 p.m. Friday, Cougar Kickoff will offer an evening of activities, treats and kickball hosted by Residential Life.
A soccer doubleheader at R. Marvin Owens Field from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, will feature free concessions vouchers to the first 150 students; bring your student ID for admission. That same day, the Stafford Library will host a Crafternoon for those interested in a peaceful afternoon of crafting before the semester begins.
On Sunday, Aug. 30, newcomers are encouraged to eat with their Welcome Week Teams for a final gathering at the Welcome Back BBQ on the Quad from 5-6:30 p.m. before heading to the Tenth Street parking lot for the ceremonial storming of Rogers Gate.
Full schedule of 2026 Welcome Week
Take your next step
Are you or a family member interested in continuing your education at Columbia College? It’s not too late to enroll for in-seat or online classes for the fall session beginning Aug. 31.
