Weeks of Welcome
Welcome to the most exciting time of the year!
January 9-23, 2026
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 ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú community. From information sessions to social events, our WOW programs aim to ensure that every student at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú feels supported on their academic journey.
Weeks of Welcome Schedule
Friday, January 9Ìý
Blades and Beats at Asheville Yards
6:30-7:45 p.m.
Downtown AshevilleÌý
Saturday, January 10Ìý
Women’s Basketball vs. Longwood
2 p.m.
Kimmel Arena
GameFest: Retro Replay Night
7-10 p.m.
Highsmith Student Union
Sunday, January 11
Make and Meet with SEC
1-3 p.m.
Student Life Porch, HighsmithÌý
Porch Takeover
8-10 p.m.
Student Life Porch, Highsmith
Monday, January 12
Spring Kickoff Bash
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Highsmith 2nd Floor HallwayÌý
Rave Yoga
8-9 p.m.
Alumni Hall, Highsmith
Tuesday, January 13
Teaching Kitchen: Quick Bake Essentials
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sherrill Center Demo KitchenÌý
Paws for Advising
12-1 p.m.
Higsmith 2nd Floor HallwayÌý
Tuesday Trivia: Premier Party
7:30 p.m.
The Grotto, HighsmithÌý
Wednesday, January 14
First-Year Fun Facts
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Higsmith 2nd Floor HallwayÌý
Women’s Basketball Blue Out Game vs. Charleston Southern
6:30 p.m.
Kimmel Arena
Thursday, January 15
Pop-Up Matcha Smoothies
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brown Dining HallÌý
Paws for Advising
12-1 p.m.
Higsmith 2nd Floor HallwayÌý
Syllabi & Spaghetti
7-9 p.m.
Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith
Friday, January 16Ìý
Free Store Pop-Up
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Student Life Porch, HighsmithÌý
Blacklight Bingo Blowout
7 p.m.
The Grotto, Highsmith Student UnionÌý
Saturday, January 17
Men’s Basketball vs Winthrop
2 p.m.
Kimmel Arena
Highsmith After Dark: Apres Ski Social
8-11 p.m.
Highsmith Student UnionÌý
Sunday, January 18
Breakfast for Dinner
5-8 p.m.
Brown Dining HallÌý
Blankets and Blockbusters
6 p.m.
The Grotto, Highsmith
Monday, January 19
MLK Day of Service
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Off Campus – Register with Student EngagementÌý
Tuesday, January 20Ìý
Student Involvement Showcase
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Blue Ridge Room, HighsmithÌý
Summer Internship Info Session
3-4 p.m.
Career Center, Ramsey 118Ìý
Side Door Grand Re-Opening
5:30-7 p.m.
Highsmith 001
Tuesday Trivia
7:30 p.m.
The Grotto, HighsmithÌý
Wednesday, January 21
Career Center Study Hall Kickoff
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Career Center, Ramsey 118Ìý
Women’s Basketball vs Gardner-Webb
6:30 p.m.
Kimmel Arena
Thursday, January 22
Student Involvement Showcase
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Blue Ridge Room, HighsmithÌý
Speed-Friending
6:30-8 p.m.
Alumni Hall, HighsmithÌý
Friday, January 23
Ski Shuttle
3:30 p.m.
Cataloochee Ski Area – Register with Campus Rec
Murder Mystery Dinner
6 p.m.
Blue Ridge Room, HighsmithÌý
Saturday, January 24Ìý
Start Fresh, Stay Green: DIY Buttons
2-4 p.m.
Highsmith Student Union
Rocky Connect
Rocky ConnectÌýis your centralized home for student events and programs at ÿÈÕ´óÈüÈë¿Ú. 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: January 20 & January 22
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Blue Ridge Room, Highsmith
°Õ³ó±ðÌýStudent 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 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:ÌýEnjoy 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 theÌýCampus Life teamÌýwho 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:Ìý(828) 232-5145Ìý |
| Email:Ìýweeksofwelcome@unca.edu |
| Highsmith Student Union, CPO 1200 One University Heights Asheville, NC 28804 |