A new semester, a new celebration
The start of a new semester is a time for fresh beginnings, new connections and plenty of Bear pride. For years, 91 Welcome Weekend has helped students settle in and jump into campus life with a full slate of activities. This fall, the tradition expands with Welcome Weekfive more days of special events to keep the energy high and the 91 community growing well into the first week of classes.
Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week are about more than just fun theyre about building a sense of belonging from day one, said Harry Titus, Ed.D., assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students. These events give students time to meet friends, discover opportunities and start shaping their 91 experience in a way that is meaningful and memorable. It the perfect way to start the year together as a Bear community.
The schedule blends long-standing favorites with new activities that reflect student feedback. We want these events to feel fresh each year while also keeping the traditions that students look forward to, said Walter Kennedy, coordinator for student engagement. Student input and ideas help us create experiences that are fun, inclusive and built for the students we serve.
From BearChella Field Day and the President Cookout to the Campus Organization Fair and Donuts with the Dean of Students, there something for everyone to enjoy. Here what happening during this year Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week.
Welcome Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 22
- New Student Residential Move-In and Welcome Weekend Check-in* | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby
- Welcome Back Kickback | 3-6 p.m. | Bear Grove (Rain Location: Cromer Center)
- Mandatory Residence Hall Meetings** | 8 p.m. | Residence Halls
- Ice Cream Socials | 9 p.m. | Residence Halls
Saturday, August 23
- First-Year Class Photo* | 10-10:45 a.m. | Moretz Stadium
- Building a Bear Nation: Student Resource Panel* | 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Shuford Gym
- Trip to Target/Walmart/Grocery Stores | 2-5 p.m. | Pickup Location in Stadium Lot
- BearChella Field Day | 3-6 p.m. | Intramural Field (across from Living Learning Center)
- Men Home Soccer Scrimmage Game | 6 p.m. | Soccer Field
- Fraternity and Sorority Life Showcase | 7-8 p.m. | Belk Centrum
- Casino Night | 8-10 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby
Sunday, August 24
- Sunday Worship and Pastries with the Pastor | 10-10:45 a.m. | Grace Chapel
- Hands on Hickory Service Project* | 3:30-5:15 p.m. | Grace Chapel
- Opening Celebration* | 5:30 p.m. | P.E. Monroe Auditorium
- President Cookout* | 6 p.m. | Shaw Plaza
- Burn Your Burdens: Bonfire with Smores | 8 p.m. | Grace Chapel Fire Pit
Welcome Week
Monday, August 25
- Golf Cart Rides to Class | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various Locations Across Campus
Tuesday, August 26
- Custom License Plates | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby
Wednesday, August 27
- Campus Organization Fair (concert to follow) | 6-8 p.m. | Bear Grove
Thursday, August 28
- Campus Resource Fair | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby
Friday, August 29
- Donuts with the Dean of Students | 10-11 a.m. | Shaw Plaza
*Mandatory for all incoming 91 students
**Mandatory for all incoming residential 91 students
For more information on individual events, visit .
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