Weeks of Welcome
Welcome to the most exciting time of the year!
August 13-September 18, 2026
Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is an ongoing series of events for new and returning students during the first few weeks of class each fall and spring semester. Students who participate in these events find connections to others, learn about our campus traditions, and gain a sense of pride in the UNC Asheville community. From information sessions to social events, our WOW programs aim to ensure that every student at UNC Asheville feels supported on their academic journey.
Weeks of Welcome Schedule
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. New Student Move-In
- 3-4 p.m. Asheville Lore and More + First 30 Days Challenge
- 3-4 p.m. Family Reception
- 7 – 10 p.m. Ice Cream Social Game Night
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. New Student Move-In
- 3 – 4 p.m. Family Reception
- 4 -5 p.m. Chancellor’s Welcome and Firelight
- 5 – 7 p.m. Welcome Picnic
- 9 – 11 p.m. Bingo Night Bash
SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. EmBark Orientation
- 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Registered Student Orgs (RSOs) & Club Sports Tailgate and Cookout
- 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Pep Rally and Volleyball Scrimmage
- 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. Highsmith After Dark
SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Brunch with the Deans
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Asheville Lore and More + First 30 Days Challenge
- 1 – 5 p.m. Fun in the Sun
- 7 -9 p.m. Sunset Party
MONDAY, AUGUST 17
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Welcome Crew
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. First Day Class Ice Cream Scoops
- 7 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Campus Magic Live!
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18
- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Welcome Crew
- 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tuesday Trivia Premier Party
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19
- 7 – 9 p.m. Syllabi and Spaghetti
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20
- 7 – 9 p.m. Pass the Mic: UNCA Stories
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bulldog Fridays and Rockypalooza pre-registration
- 5 – 8 p.m. Rockypalooza
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
- 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Weekends in AVL Kickoff (Day)
- 6 – 10 p.m. Weekends in AVL Kickoff (Dark)
- 9 – 10 p.m. Glow Flow: Rave Yoga
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
- 6 – 9 a.m. Blue Ridge Sunrise Summit Off Campus
- 1 – 5 p.m. Mountain Made: Music and Makers Fest
MONDAY, AUGUST 24
- 7 – 9 p.m. Speed Friending
TUESDAY, AUGUST 25
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Student Involvement Showcase
- 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tuesday Trivia
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26
- 5 – 7 p.m. Murder Mystery Dinner
- 7 – 10 p.m. Get Rec’d
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Find Your Fit: Majors and Careers
- 7 – 10 p.m. Late Night Food Truck Rally
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bulldog Fridays
- 7 – 10 p.m. Live on the Lawn
SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
- 2 – 6 p.m. Relax on Reed
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
- 7 -9 p.m. Paint and Pour
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
- 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tuesday Trivia
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
- 7 – 9 p.m. Capture the Campus
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
- 7 – 8 p.m. Find Your Team: Bulldog Club Sports Sampler
- 8 – 10 p.m. Movie Under the Mountains
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
- 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Bulldog Fridays
- 6 – 10 p.m. Bulldogs at the Ballpark: UNCA Night with Asheville Tourists
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
- 7:30 – 9 p.m. Tuesday Trivia
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
- 7 – 9 p.m. Canoe Battleship
Rocky Connect
Rocky Connect is your centralized home for student events and programs at UNC Asheville. Whether you want to join a club or find a fun event to attend, Rocky Connect is the place to get connected outside of the classroom.
Student Involvement Showcase: August 25
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Quad
The Student Involvement Showcase is a vibrant gathering of student organizations and clubs where you can explore opportunities to get involved, make connections, and enrich your college experience. Whether you’re interested in community service, cultural exchange, academic enrichment, or simply looking to meet new people who share your interests, there’s something for everyone!
Here’s what you can expect at the showcase:
- Diverse Organizations: Discover a wide array of student organizations spanning various interests, hobbies, and causes.
- Engaging Activities: Participate in interactive demonstrations, games, and presentations hosted by different clubs.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, club leaders, faculty advisors, and potential mentors who can support your personal and professional growth.
- Freebies and Giveaways: Enjoy complimentary snacks, goodies, and informational materials provided by participating organizations.
Attending the Student Involvement Showcase is a fantastic way to kickstart your vibrant and fulfilling college experience. Whether you’re a first-year student eager to explore extracurricular opportunities or a returning student looking to expand your horizons, we encourage you to mark your calendar and join us for this exciting event!
Contact the Weeks of Welcome Team!
Weeks of Welcome is made possible by an incredible community of student organizations, University departments/offices, and campus partnerships. Much of WOW is brought to life by the Campus Life team who create, plan, and run many of the events for WOW. Reach out to us for more info, we can’t wait to connect with you!
| Phone: (828) 232-5145 |
| Email: weeksofwelcome@unca.edu |
| Highsmith Student Union, CPO 1200 One University Heights Asheville, NC 28804 |