Traditions
As a Big Ten school, the University of Minnesota offers great academics, exciting athletics, rich traditions, and a vibrant campus community. Read on to learn more about life as a Golden Gopher student!
What Makes Student Life on a Big Ten Campus So Exciting?
Your student will join a campus community full of students, faculty and staff who are bursting with pride and school spirit. From weekly events like Maroon and Gold Fridays to annual campus-wide events such as Homecoming, they will discover just how passionate we are about being Golden Gophers! From chanting the Minnesota Rouser (our school song) to the marching band to cheerleading, the University of Minnesota offers an electric campus atmosphere and exciting events.
Big Ten Academic Alliance
As part of the world-class Big Ten Academic Alliance, the U of M is able to offer students unique opportunities in conjunction with, or at, participating Big Ten universities. From innovative research fellowships to access to campus libraries, this partnership is a model for effective collaboration among research universities.
Pride & Spirit
Goldy Gopher
The state of Minnesota has many nicknames, one of which is the "Gopher State." In the 1920s, the U of M football team began to refer to themselves as the "gophers," and the name stuck! Goldy is one of the most energetic mascots in the country, and consistently ranks among the best college mascots. Many students rub the Goldy statue's teeth for good luck before a big test or athletic event. Read up on Goldy's history here!
Ski-U-Mah
Ski-U-Mah (pronounced SKY-YOU-MAH) is a cheer Gophers have been screaming since 1884, when two Minnesota rugby players, John W. Adams and Win Sargent, created the word as a new rugby team cheer. The word caught on and was eventually incorporated into both official school songs, “Hail Minnesota” and more commonly in the “Minnesota Rouser.”
History & Tradition
University of Minnesota Marching Band
Officially started in 1892, the Minnesota Marching Band is one of the most vibrant and visible organizations on campus. With more than 300 members, the "Pride of Minnesota" performs at all home football games and at an annual indoor concert at Northrop Auditorium. Pep bands perform at basketball, hockey, and volleyball events throughout the year as well. Check out the marching band!
Spirit Squad
Did you know organized cheerleading started at the University of Minnesota? In 1898, U of M student Johnny Campbell offered to lead cheers at football games. After Campbell and his "yell leaders" pepped up the crowd during a 17-6 Gopher victory over Northwestern, the tradition of cheerleading was born. That great tradition continues today, with the cheerleading and dance teams performing at all home football games and many hockey and basketball games. In fact, the U of M dance team is one of the top in the nation, with over 19 UDA National Championships. In 2019, the U of M All Girl Cheer team took second place in the nation, with the Coed Cheer team taking home 10th. Now that is something to cheer about!
Minnesota Rouser (University of Minnesota Fight Song)
The Minnesota Rouser was the result of a Minneapolis Tribune newspaper contest in 1909 to come up with a fight song for the University. Sung at all sporting events, the Rouser is one of the best traditions in all of college sports!
Minnesota, Hats off to thee!
To thy colors, true we shall ever be,
Firm and strong, united are we.
Rah! Rah! Rah! for Ski-U-Mah,
Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah for the U of M.
[Repeat]
M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A!
Minnesota!
Minnesota!
Yeaaaaaaah Gophers!
Athletics
The University of Minnesota has a long-standing tradition of excellence both inside and outside the classroom!
- In 100 seasons on the ice, the men's hockey team has won 15 tournament championships, 24 conference championships, and 5 national championships. The women's hockey team has ranked in the top three since its founding in 1997, bringing home three national championships.
- In 2019, the Golden Gopher Football team won 11 games for the first time since 1904, and ended the season ranked #10 in the nation. Led by Big 10 coach of the Year PJ Fleck, and with the motto "Row the Boat," the Gophers' season brought lots of excitement to campus. Some of which included hosting ESPN's College GameDay, beating the #4 Penn State Nittany Lions, and winning the Outback Bowl!
- 2019 was a great year for many of our other #GopherSports teams as well. The Gopher Men's Basketball team advanced to the NCAA tournament, Gopher Women's Softball went to the College World Series, and Gopher Women's Volleyball made yet another appearance in the Final Four! Follow @GopherSports to stay up to date with all the latest news.
Annual Events
Welcome Week
Welcome Week is an action-packed experience that to be shared with classmates the week before classes begin. This program includes events planned to connect and welcome students to the campus, their college, and the Twin Cities community. During the program students will have an opportunity to:
- participate in New Student Convocation, the traditional kickoff to their college experience
- build a sense of community
- take ownership of their college experiences
- lead and work among students from diverse backgrounds
- establish relationships with their classmates
- discover the incredible resources and opportunities available to them
- learn about U of M school spirit and traditions at Pride and Spirit Day
Homecoming
Homecoming is the annual fall tradition where the campus community, alumni and friends gather to celebrate school spirit. A tradition at the University of Minnesota since 1914, Homecoming features events such as student sports and philanthropy competitions, lip sync performances, a bonfire, pep fest and parade, the traditional Gopher homecoming football game, and more.
Spring Jam
Spring Jam is a week-long celebration in April that celebrates warm weather and the end of another great school year. This U of M student-run event features a live music festival, a student band competition, ballyhoo (a dance competition), sports, an art festival, philanthropy, contests, free food, carnival rides, and an outdoor campus community block party. The 2019 Spring Jam lineup featured artists like Waka Flocka Flame, Jay Rock, Ella Vos, and Mason Ramsey
