Weeks of Welcome
About Weeks of Welcome
The first four weeks of the fall semester provide opportunities for new and returning students to experience University traditions, and develop meaningful relationships within the University of Richmond community. While the Center for Student Involvement coordinates WOW, it is a collaborative effort across the entire University, building community by creating connections through signature events and programs.
WOW programming takes place during the first four weeks of the semester and aims to:
- Build an inclusive Spider community
- Form meaningful connections with students and staff
- Connect students to campus tools and resources
- Encourage and foster a sense of Spider Pride
Weeks of Welcome 2026 Schedule
First Day of Classes Tent
August 24 | 8 am-3 pm | University Forum
Discover Boatwright - Library Open House
August 24 | 11 am-2 pm | Boatwright Memorial Library, First Floor
Cup O' Joe Sponsored by Richmond College
August 26 | 9 am-12 pm | Whitehurst Living Room
Robins Welcome Back BBQ
August 26 | 11:30 am-2 pm | Back Lawn of Robins School of Business
I Scream 4 Sustainability
August 26 | 5-6 pm | Stern Plaza outside Jepson Leadership School
Farmer's Market
August 27 | 11 am-2 pm | The Forum
Pups and Pops
August 27 | 3:30-4:30 pm | Quatrafoil/Chapel Lawn
Open House, Hosted by Disability Services
August 28 | 2-4 pm | The Refectory, suite 127
What Are You Going to Do With That? Introducing the Philosophy Major
August 28 | 3-4:30 pm | The Humanities Commons (in the Humanities Building)
Welcome Back Block Party
August 28 | 3-5 pm | Whitehurst Green
Football Home Opener vs. Bucknell Bison
August 29 | 6-9 pm | Robins Stadium
Piñatas and Punch
August 31 | 12:30-1:30 pm | Carole Weinstein International Center Commons & Courtyard
Health Studies Annual Ice Cream Social
August 31 | 2:30-4 pm | Garden of the Five Lions
Think Globally, Speak Locally- LLC Open House
September 1 | 1-3 pm | International Center Courtyard & Commons
Journalism Department Open House
September 1 | 4:30-6 pm | Journalism Lobby and Lounge on the Fourth Floor of Weinstein
Your Future Looks Sweet
September 2 | 11:30 am-2:30 pm | The Forum
Curator of Museum Programs
September 3 | 4-6 pm | Harnett Museum of Art, Modlin Center
SpiderFest
September 3 | 4-7 pm | Westhampton Green
LGBTQ+ Breakfast Social
September 4 | 10 am-12 pm | Multicultural Space (Whitehurst Hall, 1st Floor)
Classics Open House
September 4 | 3-4:30 pm | Humanities 407 and 419
Mural Day
September 4 | 3:30-4:30 pm | All First year Residence Halls (Dennis, Robins, Marsh, Moore, Wood, Lora Robins Court)
Community Engagement Fair
September 8 | 4:30-6 pm | Tyler Haynes Commons, 2nd Floor
PrepFest
September 9 | 10 am-2 pm | The Forum
DIY Succulent Bar with Advancement
September 9 | 3-5 pm | Tyler Haynes Commons, The Current (1st Floor)
Political Science Ice Cream Social
September 9 | 4-5 pm | Garden of the Five Lions - Weinstein Hall
Create, Connect, and Explore: Build Your Best Semester with the Weinstein Learning Center
September 9 | 4-6 pm | Weinstein Learning Center, first floor of Boatwright Library
American Studies Open House
September 9 | 4:30-6 pm | Humanities Commons
Geographers in Action
September 9 | 5-9 pm | Jepson Hall, Room 118
Hard Light/Double Indemnity Screening (1944)
September 10 | 7-8:30 pm | Jepson Hall, Room 118
Virginia PrideFest Shuttles
September 12 | 12-8 pm | Tyler Haynes Commons & Midtown Green
Decolonizing Eats: Recipes for Food Sovereignty & Climate & Disability Justice
September 14 | 4:30-5:30 pm | Brown Alley Room, Weinstein Hall
Research On Tap presents "Go Touch Some Grass: Reconnecting Through the Outdoors
September 15 | 5-6 pm | Tyler Haynes Commons, The Cellar (1st Floor)
Study Abroad Fair
September 16 | 3-5 pm |Tyler Haynes Commons, Alice Haynes Room (1st Floor)
Westhampton Lake Cleanup
September 18 | 12:30-2 pm | Westhampton Lake Gazebo
Cirque Kikasse: Sante!
September 18 | 4-7:30 pm | Westhampton Green