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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
    Relax over dinner with fellow new students to kick off Winter Welcome.(New Students Only)

  • 6:00 PM | Shrek Double-Feature
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Cheer on the Bears as they take on the University of Montana at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

  • 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM | Programming Coming Soon
    Stay tuned for updates on this exciting time slot.

  • 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Programming Coming Soon
    Details for this time slot will be shared soon.

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

  • 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Housewarming
    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. 

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

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

Week 1: January 13 – January 18

Monday, January 13, 2025 

  • 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Kress Movie Night
    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
    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 

  • Time TBD | Winter RecFest (Details Pending)
    Stay tuned for more information about this fun winter-themed event.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 

  • 6:00 PM | Men's Basketball Game
    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
    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
    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
    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
    Exchange your favorite reads and discover new ones at the Office of Student Engagement.

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

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
    Cheer for the Bears as they compete against Cal Baptist at the Bank of Colorado Arena.

  • 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Snow Ball
    Celebrate the winter season with dancing, music, and festive fun at Gunter Hall Gym.

Saturday, January 25, 2025 

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