Weeks of Welcome

Welcome to the most exciting time of the year!
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: January 9
Returning Students: January 11-12

First Day of Classes
January 13

Student Involvement Fair
January 21
Weeks of Welcome Schedule: January 13-24, 2025
Week 1: January 13-19
Monday, January 13
FDOC Celebration
11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Reed Plaza
Esports Center Open House
3-7 p.m. | Esports Center (Student Rec Center)
Dining Hall Game Night
4-9 p.m. | Brown Dining Hall
Breaking Session
5-7 p.m. | Sherrill 351
Wednesday, January 15
Bonfire at the Bulldog
4:30-6:30 p.m. | Bulldog Statue near Kimmel
Blue Out Basketball Game vs. USC Upstate
Doors at 4:30 p.m. Tip-off at 6:32 p.m. | Kimmel Arena
Friday, January 17
Dining Scavenger Hunt
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | All Dining Locations
Ski Shuttle
3:30-11 p.m. | Meet at Student Rec Center
* Advance registration required
Sunday, January 19
Rave Yoga
7-8 p.m. | The Grotto, Highsmith Student Union
Tuesday, January 14
Advising Tabling
12-1 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union Main Floor
Speed Friending
6:30-8 p.m. | French Broad Room, Highsmith Student Union
Tuesday Trivia
8-9 p.m. | The Grotto, Highsmith Student Union
Thursday, January 16
DIY Mason Jar Hot Chocolates
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Brown Dining Hall
Campfire & S’mores
11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reed Plaza
Advising Tabling
12-1 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union Main Floor
Therapy Dog Thursday
12-1:30 p.m. | Reed Plaza
Syllabi & Spaghetti
7-9 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Saturday, January 18
Men’s Basketball vs. Winthrop
Doors at 1 p.m. Tip-off at 2:02 p.m. | Kimmel Arena
Week 2: January 20-24
Monday, January 20
MLK Day of Service
10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Meet at Highsmith Student Union
Billiards with Badges
6-9 p.m. | Highsmith Student Union Game Room (First Floor)
Wednesday, January 22
Women’s Basketball vs. Gardner-Webb
Doors at 5 p.m. Tip-off at 6:02 p.m. | Kimmel Arena
Kayak Roll Session
7:30-9:30 p.m. | Justice Center Pool
Friday, January 24
Poster Sale
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Student Life Porch, Highsmith Student Union
Ski Shuttle
3:30-11 p.m. | Meet at Student Rec Center
*Advance registration required
Fri-YAY Board Game Night
8-10 p.m. | The Grotto, Highsmith Student Union
Tuesday, January 21
Student Involvement Fair
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
Bulldogs vs Badges: Xtreme Racing
5-8 p.m. | Esports Center (Student Rec Center)
Tuesday Trivia
8-9 p.m. | The Grotto, Highsmith Student Union
Thursday, January 23
Career Study Hall
9 a.m.-4 pm. | Career Center
Poster Sale
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Student Life Porch, Highsmith Student Union
Battle of the Paddles: Student vs. Staff Pickleball Tournament
5-7 p.m. | Student Rec Center
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 Fair: Tuesday, January 21

Student Involvement Fair: Tuesday, January 21
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith Student Union
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:
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- Diverse Organizations: Discover a wide array of student organizations spanning various interests, hobbies, and causes.
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- Engaging Activities: Participate in interactive demonstrations, games, and presentations hosted by different clubs.
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- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow students, club leaders, faculty advisors, and potential mentors who can support your personal and professional growth.
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- 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!
(828) 232-5145 | weeksofwelcome@unca.edu
Highsmith Student Union, CPO 1200
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804