The fall-like weather is just another reminder that school is back in session and the excitement level at CMU is still high.

Canadian Mennonite University started it's classes at the beginning of September and already a lot has happened. The recent student retreat just finished this weekend, but despite the rainy weather, a great time was had.

"I was a little worried that people would hide inside, but that wasn't the case," said Jonathan Dueck, the new Vice President Academic and Academic Dean at CMU. "I heard lots of music, people singing hymns, and making new songs together."

Dueck says there have already been many events where students can get to know each other, which includes a progressive snack, where students travel from professor's house to professor's house eating different snacks. This is a tradition that dates back to when Dueck was at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, CMU's predecessor.

As classes continue to get underway and students start to settle into a schedule, CMU will still be hosting multiple events to 'kick off' the school year, including sixpointeight, a new event that builds off PIT, a conference for teenagers getting ready to enter the university world. This one-day conference runs on October 15. 

The Fall@CMU Festival takes place this weekend and features a bicycle race called MennoCross. Dueck is an avid biker and is very excited for that event.

"You're welcome to come watch and take part in it."

Dueck is excited to see the year continue and watch the students continue to interact with each other and with the teachers.

"Students feel like they [have ownership of their school] and that makes a huge difference," Dueck said. "It makes a difference in classrooms and the campus as a community of faith."