Lightnings Lingo

M#

is a Student ID number that has been assigned to each student to replace the use of Social Security Numbers on campus.  This number can be found on  the BlueID card or on Pipeline/RaiderNet.

BlueID

is an ID card that identifies MTSU students, full-time faculty and staff for access to campus services and privileges. With the BlueID card, you can check out books at the MTSU Library, be admitted to the Student Recreation Center and campus computer labs, cash checks, and buy tickets to campus events.  In addition, students can use the card to receive student health services, use student meal plans, and be admitted to residence halls.

Pipeline/RaiderNet

is a program where students can register for classes, pay fees, check email, keep a calendar and access their personal data.  Choose RaiderNet tab for registration, fee payment, and other personal data services.

Confirmation

is the process by which students inform the university of their attendance and allow financial aid and/or scholarships to apply funds to cover their tuition.  To retain a class schedule, a student is  required to confirm or pay.  A confirmation number is generated during the confirmation process on RaiderNet.

Raider Funds

is the debit card feature of the ID system. Students and employees may deposit money in their personal Raider Fund account, and then use their BlueID card to pay for fees and meals, to purchase books, supplies, and personal items at the bookstore, and in vending machines, photocopiers, and laundry machines.

FlexBucks

can be used in any ARAMARK dining location on campus.  If your FlexBucks balance runs low you can reload your card at any time throughout the semester.  FlexBucks attached to a meal plan expire at the end of the semester.

Week of Welcome (WOW)

activities are events coordinated by the Office of New Student and Family Programs to welcome new and returning students to campus each fall. These events occur in the first two weeks of the semester and include FREE FOOD, movies, bands, entertainment, information, and much more. You may view the schedule here. Questions should be directed to (615) 898-2454.

The University Convocation marks the beginning of a new academic year and falls into the category of ritual known as “rites of passage.” A rite of passage is a ritual marking the transition of an individual or an institution into a new stage of life. University Convocation marks the transformation of each student into a contributing member of the Middle Tennessee State University community.

It also marks the transformation of our academic community which will be forever changed by the entrance of each class. Convocation is followed by the President’s Picnic in Walnut Grove. This event occurs the Sunday before classes begin in the fall semester.

For more information, please contact (615) 898-2454.

Walnut Grove

(located between Peck Hall and Cope Administration Building) All of the trees for this forest were brought here from Mount Vernon (George Washington’s home in Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.) in 1911 when the school opened. Also, all the sidewalks on this side of campus are unique because, when the school started, the administration let students walk around the first three buildings for a few years without any sidewalks. As students started to walk the same paths everyday, they created paths in the grass. Eventually, MTSU simply graveled and paved over the paths of the students, and we’ve never changed them.

This is just one example of why MTSU is often called the People’s University. This is also the area where MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff tailgate for football games. There is always a great atmosphere here on game days. There is an observatory plaza in Walnut Grove next to Cope Administration Building.

Student Government Association (SGA)

Road Rallies are student trips to away football games that are offered at a discount price through the SGA. The package price includes transportation, a hotel room, game ticket, and Road Rally t-shirt. The Road Rally price usually ranges from $50-$100.

Recent trips have included:

• New Orleans (MTSU vs. LA-Monroe)
• Columbia, SC (MTSU vs. University of South Carolina)
• Detroit (Motor City Bowl)
• Tuscaloosa, AL (MTSU vs. University of Alabama)
• Raleigh, NC (MTSU vs. NC State)

Lightning (MTSU’s Mascot)

is a flying Pegasus, a blue, winged horse, born in 1998.  Lightning symbolizes the University’s Aerospace program and the Middle Tennessee’s heritage in the Walking Horse industry.

The Horseshoe

was created by MTSU Student Ambassadors to establish a new campus tradition. A penny from 1911, the year the university was founded, was dropped into the ground under the statue, and what supplies the good luck for those who touch the Blue Horseshoe. Alumni, students and fans are encouraged to touch the Blue Horseshoe for good luck before an event - such as the big game, performance, student organization function, or even before a test or class presentation.

The horseshoe shape was chosen for 3 reasons:

• Our athletic mascot, Lightning is a horse
• We are in a region of the country especially known for Tennessee Walking Horses
• Most of all, it is already a symbol associated with good luck.

RaiderXpress

is an on-campus shuttle service designed to transport faculty, staff, students and visitors throughout the campus and to help alleviate congestion at the campus core.  The shuttle service is available only when classes are in session.