Weeks of Welcome
Welcome to the most exciting time of the year!
August 18th – 31st
Weeks of Welcome (WOW) is an ongoing series of events for new and returning students during the first two 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.
Move-In
New Students: Aug. 13-14 Returning Students: Aug. 16-17
First Day of Classes
August 18
Rockypalooza
August 22
EmBark Orientation: January 9, 2026
EmBark Orientation: January 9, 2026
During EmBark Orientation, you will have the opportunity to explore campus, get to know University resources, and start building your community at UNC Asheville! All incoming First-Year and Transfer students are required to attend EmBark.
Weeks of Welcome Schedule: August 17-31
Sunday, August 17
Poster Sale
10am – 6pm | Student Life Porch
Monday, August 18
Welcome Crew
9 am – 4 pm | Reed Plaza/Governors Hall/ Ramsey Library
Poster Sale
10 am – 6 pm | Student Life Porch
First Day of Class Ice Cream Social
11 am – 1 pm | Main Quad
First Day of Class Fair
11 am – 1 pm | Main Quad
Health and Counseling Center Connects
11 am – 1 pm | Main Quad
Ask an Advisor
12 pm – 3 pm | Main Quad
Tuesday, August 19
Welcome Crew
9 am – 4 pm | Reed Plaza/Governors Hall/ Ramsey Library
Poster Sale
10 am – 6 pm | Student Life Porch
Health and Counseling Center Connects
11 am – 1 pm | Reed Plaza
Plant Yourself and Bloom at UNCA
11 am – 1 pm | Student Life Porch & Reed Plaza
Ask an Advisor
12 pm – 2 pm | Main Quad
FEI Distribution
12 pm – 2 pm | Main Quad
Tuesday Trivia
7 pm – 9 pm | Highsmith Grotto
Wednesday, August 20
Poster Sale
10 am – 6pm | Student Life Porch
ReCenter Open House
3:30 pm – 5 pm | ReCenter Highsmith 102
Shirley Temple Night
4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Brown Hall
Syllabi & Spaghetti
7 pm – 9 pm | Blue Ridge Room
Thursday, August 21
Coffee with a Cop
9 am – 11 am | Highsmith Main Hallway
Therapy Dog Thursday
11:30 am – 1 pm | Reed Plaza
Ask an Advisor
12 pm – 2 pm | Main Quad
Blue Out Game: Men’s Soccer vs. Howard
6 pm | Greenwood Field
Friday, August 22
RockyPalooza
5 pm – 8 pm | Main Quad
Saturday, August 23
Yoga on the Quad
11 am – 12 pm | Main Quad
Sunday, August 24
First Taste of FEI
5:30 pm – 7 pm | Highsmith 001
Monday, August 25
DIY Mountain Mix and Dietitian Pop-Up
11 am – 1 pm | Brown Hall
Campus Pursuit: Extreme Racing
5 pm – 7 pm | Esports Arena, Student Recreation Center
Tuesday, August 26
Student Involvement Fair
11:30 am – 1 pm | Main Quad
National Toilet Paper Day
1 pm – 3 pm | Student Life Porch
Speed Friending
5:30 pm – 7 pm | Alumni Hall
Men’s Soccer vs. Georgia State
6 pm | Greenwood Field
Tuesday Trivia
7 pm – 9 pm | Highsmith Grotto
Wednesday, August 27
Apple Fest
11 am – 1 pm | Brown Hall
Women’s Soccer vs. Mars Hill
6 pm | Greenwood Field
Get REC’d
7 pm – 8:30 pm | Student Recreation Center
Rave Yoga
8:30 pm – 9:30 pm | Student Recreation Center
Thursday, August 28
Watch for Me: Bike Safety
11 am – 1 pm | Highsmith Main Lobby
Part Time Job Fair
11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Main Quad
Campus Blood Drive
10:30 am – 4 pm | Alumni Hall
Friday, August 29
Campus Blood Drive
10:30 am – 4 pm | Alumni Hall
Transfer Student Welcome Pizza Party
11 am – 1 pm | Main Quad
Tourists Game – Fireworks Night!
6:35pm | McCormick Field (Downtown Asheville)
Saturday, August 30
AGW Apples, Goats, & Waterfalls
9:30 am | Hendersonville, NC
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.
RockyPalooza: Friday, August 22
5-8 p.m. | The Quad
Celebrate the first weekend of school with a night of free food, games, and entertainment at RockyPalooza. Enjoy a live DJ and try out our lineup of activities including a rock wall, bungee trampoline, and so much more!
Student Involvement Fair: Tuesday, August 26
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | The Quad
The Student Involvement Fair 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 fair:
- 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 Fair 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 |