Mines’ first day of classes for the 2026-27 academic year is Monday, August 24, 2026. Before the academic year begins, Mines will host a series of events called “Helluva Welcome” for incoming first-year class and returning students. Some of the events may impact traffic so we want you to be aware of the schedule of events:
• Happening now! Move-in for new residents at the Village at Mines Park began on July 31st and will continue through the end of August. Mines does not anticipate that the Mines Park move-in process will significantly impact the surrounding neighborhood, but you will see an increase in vehicle traffic and Scully’s Cafe will become busier as students arrive in their new neighborhood.
• August 12-23:
o Move-in for Lookout Apartments (corner of 19th and Illinois Streets), Mines’ newest residential community for second-year students. Mines anticipates the busiest move-in days will be August 12–14 and may result in some increased traffic on 19th Street.
o Move-in for 1750 Jackson Apartments, Mines’ original second-year student apartment community. Move-in could result in increased traffic around the area of Jackson Street between 17th and 18th Streets.
• Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16:
o First-year student move-in from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM both days. The traffic pattern on 17th Street will become a one-way street. See first map below for first-year student move-in traffic impacts.
o Convocation at 4:00 PM both days in Lockridge Arena inside the Student Recreation Center. Mines anticipates increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area around the Student Recreation Center between Elm & Illinois and 13th & 18th Streets, as well as a general increase of activity around campus. See second map below for Convocation traffic impacts.
o Welcome BBQ for students and their family members both days from 5:00 to 7:30 PM at Kafadar Commons.
• Sunday, Aug 16 and Tuesday, Aug 18: Most new students will attend Oredigger Camp in the mountains after they move in. There will be a large coach bus presence on campus on both days as new students depart campus.
• Friday, Aug 21: One of Mines’ most treasured traditions, the M Climb. The first wave will depart the South Intramural Field beginning at 7:30 AM, followed by the second wave at 8:30 AM. Mines anticipates traffic delays along Elm St. between 17th and 19th, the Elm Street traffic circle, and 19th Street towards Lookout Mountain as new students begin their trek up to the “M” on Mt. Zion. Lookout Mountain Road will be closed at the stone pillars across from Beverly Heights Park to just past the M starting at 6:45 AM and will remain closed until the event ends around 1:00 PM.
The full schedule of events for Helluva Welcome can be found via this link: https://www.mines.edu/new-student-transition-services/helluva-welcome/
If you have questions or concerns about these events, please contact Lisa Elson, Sr. Director of Commencement and Strategic Engagement, Office of the President, lelson@mines.edu; Sarah Friswold-Atwood, Director of Residence Life, friswoldatwood@mines.edu; or Jessica Clark, Director of New Student & Transition Services, jessica.clark@mines.edu.
Thank you and Go Orediggers!
Colorado School of Mines
First-year move-in traffic impacts Aug 15-16:
