Another fall semester is knocking at the door for the University of North Georgia. Classes are back in session on Monday, Aug. 12, and both new and old students will be filling seats once again.

Beginning Monday and continuing throughout August, each campus will host a variety of Weeks of Welcome (WoW) events.

The purpose of these events is to aid new students in their transition into college life. Students will be given the chance to build relationships with fellow students and staff while also forming a better understanding of the resources and opportunities they can garner from the university.

The WoW events are based heavily on the Four Pillars of Success put in place by the Office of Student Retention and Success. Academic Achievement, Belonging and Engagement, Sense of Purpose and Well-Being are all taken into  consideration during the planning of these events.

“We are trying to create more of an event atmosphere for students, not just tables that you walk by and see,” said David Michener, Director of Student Involvement. “We are trying to create more of a community experience than we have had in the past.”

This year 102 total events will be held across the five UNG campuses, with the Gainesville campus holding 28 of its own.

Check out the variety of events here:

Monday, Aug. 12

• “Welcome Tents”: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Student Center Quad
  Welcome to UNG! Stop by the Welcome Tent to get directions and receive UNG gear!
  – Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement
• “Nighthawk Kick-Off”: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center Quad
  Welcome event for all students to kick off the semester!
  – Sponsored by Office of Student Involvement, Gainesville Campus, and the Division of Student Engagement and Success

Tuesday, Aug. 13

• “Welcome Tent”: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Student Center Quad
• “UNG Opportunities Fair”: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Student Center Quad
  Unlock Your Potential: Talk to internal departments & friendly staff about university resources and your success this year!
  – Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement
• “UNG Vanguard Open House” – 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Robinson Ballroom
  Stop by to chat, play board games, and learn about the student newspaper.
  -Sponsored by the Vanguard (Student Media)

Wednesday, Aug. 14

• “Meet the Deans” – 7.30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Strickland Lawn
  Students will be able to network with the Dean of Students Office and learn more about to available resources and support. Additional campus leaders and academic deans will also be there.
  -Sponsored by the Dean of Students Office
• “Poster Invasion” – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Robinson Ballroom
  Fellow Nighthawks! Spruce up your space! Our posters turn any dorm, apartment, or house into a reflection of you. Whether you love classic art, funny memes, your favorite bands, or iconic movies, we have something to match your style.
  -Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement
•  “Doughnuts with COE” – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Nesbitt Entrance
  Start your morning right with Doughnuts with COE! Join the College of Education faculty, staff, and fellow students for a delightful morning treat and engaging conversations. Whether you are a new student or returning, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, ask questions, and learn more about the resources and opportunities available through the College of Education.
  -Sponsored by the COE Ambassadors and the UNG College of Education
• “Leave Your Mark: Boulder Legacy Project” – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., UNG Circle Roundabout
  Come and meet the new Gainesville SGA and leave your mark on SGA’s Boulder during these new Weeks of Welcome Tradition! All students, faculty, and staff are invited to paint their handprints on the boulder for this year as a reminder of your mark at UNG and the community you are a part of.
  -Sponsored by the Student Government Association

Thursday, Aug. 15

• “Putt (Mini-Golf) into Fall” – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Quad & Robinson Ballroom
  Tee off into the new semester with a swinging fun time! Join us for a dynamic mini-golf event on campus. Get ready for some friendly competition and tons of fun!
  -Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement

Saturday, Aug. 17

• “Starlight Celebration & Fireworks” – Gates open at 6:00 pm and close at 8:30 pm, G.W. Bailey Amphitheater
  The 25th Annual Starlight Celebration & Fireworks show will take place on UNG’s Gainesville
  Campus this August. The signature event of the Gainesville campus welcomes between 2,000 and 3,000 guests to the beautiful grounds of UNG for an evening of music with fireworks at the dark. Net proceeds from this event benefit UNG student scholarships. Please visit our website at www.ung.edu/starlight for more information.
  -Sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Regional Campuses

Monday, Aug. 19

• “Stick with the Libraries” – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., John Harrison Hosch Library *
  Drop by “Stick with the Libraries” for cool stickers for your water bottles or laptops, free snacks, and other fun swag. Learn all about our library services and study spaces in a relaxed, informative atmosphere!
  -Sponsored by the UNG Libraries
• “Veterans Resource Lounge Open House”– 1030 a.m. – 100 pm, Dunlap Mathis Room 119
  Student veterans and active-duty service members – join us in the Veterans Resource Lounge for free food and drinks! See what our lounge has to offer! Exclusively for student veterans and active-duty service members only.
  -Sponsored by NEST (Nighthawk Engagement & Student Transitions)
• “Nigel Photo Booth” – 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Hugh Mills Front Lawn
  Students can join us at the Rec Center front lawn to take Polaroid pictures with Nigel.
  -Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Wellness
• “What’s to Tea: Moot Your SCA”– 12.00 p.m. – 200 pm., Student Center Room 326
  Student Government is the official voice of students and represents all students at UNG! Learn how to get involved in this leadership group and meet your GA reps! Pizza and limited fresh freebies will be provided!
  -Sponsored by the Student Government Association

Tuesday, Aug. 20

• “Gainesville Part Time Job and Internship Fair” – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Robinson Ballroom Come to meet with employers who are on campus recruiting for part-time, seasonal, and internship positions.
  -Sponsored by the Career Services
• “Stress Less” – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Strickland Green
  Join PSI CHI and start off on the right foot by destressing with some fun arts and crafts. We will have coloring pages and bracelet-making kits
  -Sponsored by PSI CHI
• “Hungry Like the Nighthawk” – 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Student Center Food Court
  Join us for “Hungry like a Nighthawk” as we celebrate the grand reopening of the dining food court on campus! Enjoy delicious food and exciting giveaways. Do not miss the festivities!
  -Sponsored by the Auxiliary Services, Aramark, Student Government Association, Student Leadership Programs
• “EXCELERS Open House” – 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m., Student Center, Meeting Room 3 7
  Join EXCELERS for our fall social to enjoy delicious food and discuss ways how we can advocate for our students with special needs!
  -Sponsored by EXCELERS

Wednesday, Aug. 21

• “Nighthawks Fest” – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Student Center Quad (Rain Location: Robinson Ballroom)
  Learn about UNG’s Registered Student Organizations (RSO) and sign up to get involved at the annual Nighthawks Fest Student Involvement Fair!
  -Sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement
  • “Rec-n-Roll” – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Hugh Mills Gym
  Come on out and join Campus Recreation for an afternoon of activities including pick-up basketball/volleyball and so much more! Prize giveaways and door prizes will be given out at the event. The representation will be from departments of CRW including Intramurals, Outdoor Pursuits, and Peer Health.
  -Sponsored by Campus Recreation and Wellness
• “Adult Learner-Resource Lounge Open House”– 1,00 pm.: 300 am., Student Center 302
  Adult Learners & Transfer students come join us for free food and drinks in the Adult Learner and Transfer Lounge! The lounge is dedicated exclusively to adult learners (23 and older) and transfer students! See YOUR lounge!
  -Sponsored by NEST

Thursday, Aug. 22

• “The Who, Why, and How of College” – 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Robinson Ballroom
  Ever wondered why college is important or how to even get  started? Join your advisors in a conversation about planning for classes, using your resources and getting involved on campus!
  -Sponsored by Academic Advising
• “Aim High with Ascend” – 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Nesbitt Lobby
  Join the Ascend Centers to visualize your success and craft a word board with your intentions for the upcoming year. Or simply grab a motivational sticker to keep you moving forward. Come join us to learn more about the Ascend Centers and start this year on an upward trajectory!
  -Sponsored by the Ascend Centers (CURCA, McNair, Honors, NCS)
• “MSA Open House Karaoke Night” – 5:00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m., Robinson Ballroom *
  Join MSA for a Karaoke Night to kick off the semester! This event will be a fantastic opportunity to gain experience more about our student organizations: Asian Student Association, Black Student Union, International Student Association, Latino Student Association, and Spectrum Alliance. Free food will be provided!
  -Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Affairs
• “Newcomer Night at the Drive-In” – 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Nesbitt Parking Deck
  Join us for the Inaugural “Newcomer Night at the Drive-In” and an Ice Cream Social! Calling all movie buffs and campus cruisers! Join us for a nostalgic night under the stars at our inaugural Newcomer Night at the Drive-In event. Pack your car with friends, blankets, and snacks for a night of cinematic fun on the big screen.
  -Sponsored by the Nighthawks Entertainment w/Student Involvement

Friday, Aug. 23

• “The Dodgeball Game” – 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Hugh Mills Gymnasium
  Come join us for a fun game of Dodgeball! We would love to see you there! Hosted by our student veterans and adult learners!
  -Sponsored by the Student Veterans and Adult Learners

For more information on Weeks of Welcome, visit the Office of Student Involvement website.