The Missouri Students Association and the Graduate Professional Council College Music Committee partnered with the Panhellenic Association to book top 40 artist Jason Derülo as the headlining act of the Fall Welcome Concert.

Derülo, singer of radio hits “Whatcha Say” and “Don’t Wanna Go Home,” recently released the single “It Girl” from his upcoming album “Future History,” which will hit stores Sept. 27.

“We wanted someone upbeat, fun and entertaining,” PHA Vice President of Programming Ali Files said. “We wanted to choose someone the whole student body would be attracted to.”

The annual concert is a part of Fall Welcome Week, a series of student events before the fall semester commences.

“It’s a great way for students to have fun before classes start, meet new people and get to know campus a bit,” MSA Speakers Committee Chairwoman Amanda Gastler said.

Past Fall Welcome Concerts have been smaller with headliners such as The Spill Canvas, Eric Hutchinson and Ludo. Contributions from additional sponsors The Grove Apartments and the Residence Halls Association, along with the MSA and PHA partnership increased this year’s budget. Although the cost of the concert has not been released, College Music Committee Senior Chair Kellie Donahoe said she negotiated the price with Derülo’s agents to fit MU’s budget.

“We spent more than last year because we had more sponsors, so for College Music the expense is not much more than in past years,” Donahoe said.

PHA has collaborated with MSA in the past to organize the Fall Welcome Concert as a celebration of Bid Day.

“We wanted to have an activity for new members that’s alcohol-free, safe and fun,” Files said.

Gastler said both organizations have enjoyed the partnership.

“(MSA and PHA) working together has been really great for both of us,” she said.

Donahoe, Files and others have attended biweekly meetings since March to plan the Fall Welcome Concert. PHA intends to make the partnership annual.

“We want students excited for this every year to come,” Files said.

MU student DJ Robb will entertain the crowd before Derülo’s performance. A frequent DJ for campus events, his set consists of music remixes and mashups.

“(DJ Robb) is a great addition to the lineup,” Donahoe said. “He’ll pump up the crowd.”

Donahoe encourages all students to attend the concert.

“It’s definitely a fun atmosphere, and it’s free,” she said. “There’s not another time you’re going to see an artist of that caliber for free.”

The outdoor concert will take place Saturday, Aug. 20, on Rollins Street by the MU Student Center. Gates open at 7 p.m. with DJ Robb beginning his set at 8 p.m.