Events for Admitted Students

2026 Racer Nation Orientation Sessions

Registration Opens Jan. 13, 2026 at 9 a.m. CST

• April 21 - Honors Orientation*
• April 25
• June 4
• June 6
• June 16
• June 18
• July 8
• August 4

* You must apply and be admitted into the Honors College to attend this session. Learn more about the Honors College.

Murray State Admitted Student Events 2026

Murray State is excited to offer multiple Admitted Student events throughout spring 2026, giving you the flexibility to explore campus on your schedule. Whether you want more information regarding becoming a Racer, a game day experience, or a chance to meet future classmates, you can pick the events that interest you most — or attend them all!

Each event is designed to help you take the next step toward becoming a Racer, with opportunities to connect with faculty/staff, explore our campus, meet current students, and learn more about financial aid, student life, and what makes Murray State feel like home.  Admitted students and their families can also enjoy some of our favorite campus events and traditions that will take place on select dates as noted below. 

Stay tuned — we’ll be updating this page with more Admitted Student Events as they become available, so check back often!

Mark Your Calendars

Registration for these events will open January 2026

• Sunday, Feb 15, 2026  - Double Header Basketball (times TBD set by ESPN)

• Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 - Men's Basketball (time TBD set by ESPN)

• Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 - Women's Basketball (2 p.m.)

• Thursday, March 5, 2026 - Racer Roundup - Register for Event
  Admitted Students are invited to our Murray State University 50th Annual College Rodeo at the William "Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center at 2101 College Farm Road, Murray, KY 42071. Come see college athletes from your home Murray State University team compete against other college and university athletes from the Ozark Region in all the events: Calf Roping, Goat Tying, Barrel Racing, Steer Wrestling, Saddlebronc & Bareback Bronc Riding, Breakaway Roping, Team Roping, and Bull Riding. Each night will have all of these events.
  
  Event Details: 

• • 3 to 4 p.m. - Hutson School of Agriculture (HSOA) Admitted Student Open House, Carman Pavilion and MSU Equine Center 

  • 4 to 5 p.m. - Farm Tours (Dept of Ag Science)

  • 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Food drive and tickets available in front of the Expo (2101 College Farm Road)

  • 7 p.m. - MSU Rodeo - Admitted students and their families can get free admission into the MSU Rodeo if they participate in the HSOA Racer Roundup Food Drive which requires 4 canned goods per person).

• Saturday, April 18, 2026 - All Campus Sing

Welcome From the President

Congratulations on your admission to Murray State University — welcome to the Racer Family! We value your hard work and dedication that has led you to Racer Nation. You are now part of a special community that is recognized nationally for academic excellence, quality and value, within a student-centered atmosphere. We look forward to welcoming you to campus and seeing the unique energy and enthusiasm you will bring to our community. Together, let us race toward growth, discovery, and achievement.

Through our academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, study abroad opportunities, small class sizes, unique Residential College system, and personalized support from faculty and staff, your Murray State experience will be exciting, enriching, and rewarding.

Please be assured that we are here to assist you each step of the way throughout the enrollment process.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon. Shoes Up! Go Racers! 

Ron K. Patterson, Ed.D.
President