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Winter Welcome

Join us for Winter Welcome from Friday, January 10 at 5:00 p.m. through Saturday, January 25, 2025!

This series of events is designed to help new and returning Bears feel at home at UNC by fostering Belonging, Involvement, and Gathering. Connect with peers, explore campus opportunities, and get to know our vibrant community. Don't miss out on the excitement as we kick off the fall semester together!

The Winter Welcome schedule will be updated on a weekly basis, so check back for more information. Be sure to explore BearConnect, UNC’s first online student engagement platform and the hub for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). BearConnect is your gateway to the campus involvement scene, providing tools for organization management, event planning, and general student involvement. Through BearConnect, students can register clubs, plan and promote events, and access a variety of free and open events, clubs, and news tailored to their interests.

Winter Welcome Kick-Off: January 10 – January 12

Friday, January 10, 2025 

  • 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Dinner (Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall)
    Relax over dinner with fellow new students to kick off Winter Welcome.(New Students Only)

  • 6:00 PM | Shrek Double-Feature (Campus Commons - Prosperity Room)
    Enjoy a fun movie night featuring Shrek and Shrek 2. (New Students Only)

Saturday, January 11, 2025 

Saturday and Sunday programs are pending final confirmation. Check back closer to the event for the final schedule. 

  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Brunch (Holmes Dining Hall)
    Start the day with a casual brunch and good conversation with peers and Orientation Assistants.

  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Small Group Connections: Community of Bears (Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall)
    Join a group discussion focused on building community and connections at UNC. (New Students Only)

  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Small Group Connections: Roar Rally (Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall)
    Feel the UNC spirit with a high-energy rally to connect with your peers. (New Students Only)

  • 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Women's Basketball Game (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Cheer on the Bears as they take on the University of Montana at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

  • 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Paws & Play(University Center - Fireside Lounge [2nd Floor])  
    Take a break to "paws" and enjoy board games, music, and friendly competition! Join fellow Bears for some lighthearted fun, great tunes, and a chance to meet new friends in a relaxed and social atmosphere.

  • 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM | Dinner(Holmes Dining Hall)
    Relax over dinner with your fellow students to wrap up the day.

  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Housewarming(Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall)
    Wrap up the evening with games, crafts, music, and refreshments at this housewarming-themed event (Collaboration with the University Program Council, Office of Health Promotion, and Mana Jo Salon).

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Saturday and Sunday programs are pending final confirmation. Check back closer to the event for the final schedule. 

  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Mindfulness and Meditation Session  (Campus Recreation)
    Take a break from the hustle and bustle with a guided mindfulness and meditation session. Learn simple techniques to help you relax, focus, and refresh your mind for a more balanced and productive start to your semester.

  • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Rec Center & Fitness Tour (Campus Recreation)
    Discover everything the UNC Rec Center has to offer during this guided tour. Explore fitness facilities, group exercise rooms, and wellness resources to help you stay active and healthy on campus.

  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Brunch(Holmes Dining Hall)
    Reflect on your weekend with a relaxed brunch and great company.

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Bears on Ice: Open Skate (Greeley Ice Haus)
    End Winter Welcome with an open skate session at the Greeley Ice Haus.

  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Involvement Fair (University Center - Ballrooms)
    Explore the many student clubs and organizations UNC has to offer at this event hosted by Student Activities. Connect with groups that match your interests, passions, and goals to make the most of your college experience!

Week 1: January 13 – January 18

Monday, January 13, 2025 

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Kress Movie Night (Kress Cinema & Lounge)
    Enjoy a free movie at Kress Cinema & Lounge. Don’t forget your student ID for a free ticket and food.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 4th Annual Student vs. Staff Basketball Game (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Cheer on students and staff as they battle it out on the court at the Bank of Colorado Arena.
    • Students interested in signing up to be on the team? Sign-up here! 
    • Staff and Faculty interested in signing up to be on the Staff & Faculty Team? Sign-up here! 

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM | Winter RecFest (Campus Recreation)
    Hey Bears! 🐻 Get ready for Winter RecFest! ❄️ Join us at the Campus Rec Center for a night of fun games, free food, and exciting prizes. Don’t miss this chance to connect with friends, stay active, and kick off the semester in style. 

Thursday, January 16, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM | Men's Basketball Game (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Support the Bears as they take on Portland State at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Movie with a Twist
    Watch Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone while enjoying iconic dishes inspired by the movie.

Friday, January 17, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM | Wrestling Match (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Cheer on UNC Wrestling as they compete against North Dakota State at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

Saturday, January 18, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM | Men's Basketball Game (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Catch the Bears in action against Sacramento State at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

Week 2: January 19 – January 25

Sunday, January 19, 2025 

  • Check back closer to the event for the final schedule.

Monday, January 20, 2025 

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Kress Movie Night (Kress Cinema & Lounge)
    Catch this week’s movie at Kress Cinema & Lounge. Bring your student ID for free entry and food.

Tuesday, January 21, 2025 

  • 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Book Swap (University Center - 2nd Floor)
    Exchange your favorite reads and discover new ones at the Office of Student Engagement.

  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Bearlagio (University Center – Mt. Blue Sky and Pikes Peak Ballrooms)
    Join the Residence Hall Association for games of Poker, Roulette, Blackjack, and Craps. Prizes are available! 

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 

  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Just Dance Competition
    Bring your best moves to this dance battle for fun, music, and prizes.

Thursday, January 23, 2025 

  • Check back closer to the event for the final schedule.

Friday, January 24, 2025 

  • Time TBD | Women's Swimming & Diving Meet
    Watch UNC take on Colorado State in this exciting swimming and diving meet.

  • 6:00 PM | Wrestling Match (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Cheer for the Bears as they compete against Cal Baptist at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Snow Ball (Campus Commons)
    Celebrate the winter season with dancing, music, and festive fun at the Campus Commons.

Saturday, January 25, 2025 

  • 11:30 AM | Year of the Snake, Lunar New Year Celebration(University Center - Ballrooms)
    Lunar New Year is a celebration of a new year based on the lunar calendar. This holiday is celebrated by many countries across Asia, such as, China, Vietnam, Tibet, Taiwan, South Korea, Indonesia, and parts of East Africa.

  • 2:00 PM | Women's Basketball Game (Bank of Colorado Arena)
    Support the Bears as they face Eastern Washington at the Bank of Colorado Arena.