A UNC Bear Country flag amidst fall foliage.

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August 29, 2025

By Duard Headley

Fall 2025: What’s New? What’s Next?

Events, updates and everything else to look forward to for the upcoming semester.

Autumn; a time of swirling leaves, sweater weather, warm, spiced drinks and holidays on the horizon. But as the weather cools down, UNC’s fall semester is just warming up.  

Read on for a breakdown of some of the most exciting events, university updates and college changes in store for fall 2025.  

For a complete list of upcoming events, check out the University Events Calendar and Bear Connect. 

University News and College Updates

The latest in what’s new for fall 2025 from across the university.

  • Monfort College of Business Selects New Dean: Steve Elias, Ph.D., recently stepped into the role of dean for the Monfort College of Business. He brings with him a variety of Colorado connections and a desire to create new opportunities for the college, campus and region.  
  • Interim Dean for College of Education and Behavioral Sciences: In July, Heather Pendleton-Helm, Ph.D., was selected as the interim dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Formerly the chair and a professor in the Applied Psychology and Counselor Education program, Pendleton-Helm has been a dedicated member of the faculty, known for her commitment to student success and program development. 
  • New Certificate Programs in the College of Natural and Health Sciences (NHS): Starting this semester, NHS is offering three new certificate programs for students to pursue. 
  • Sports Coaching Certificate
  • Analytical Chemistry Certificate
  • Rural Public Health Certificate – through the Colorado School of Public Health 
  • New Programs in Early Childhood Education: The School of Special Education is launching a new online master’s program in Inclusive Early Childhood (EC) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), along with an endorsement option, aimed at supporting teacher candidates in urban and rural areas. This fully online program is designed to prepare teachers who will work with young children from birth to age 8 and is ideal for professionals seeking a master’s degree and endorsement in EC and ECSE, who hold an initial teaching license in EC and wish to add an ECSE endorsement, or who have an initial teaching license in a related field.  
  • New Climate Science Degree Program: Starting this semester, NHS is offering a new major program in Climate Science. The multidisciplinary Climate Science bachelor’s degree is intended for anyone who wishes to pursue careers with responsibilities that include climate monitoring and management, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation.   

September

Autumn is in the air – and so are the falling leaves. Here are some events to keep things going strong now that the semester is well and truly underway.  

  • Tuesday, Sept. 2 – UNC Volleyball vs. Colorado State : Come show your support for the Bears Volleyball team as they take on Colorado State. Join other students, faculty and staff for a white out and cheer on UNC’s student athletes. Tickets and more information. 
  • Thursday, Sept. 4 – Welcome the New Vice President of Student Affairs: Join fellow Bears on the University Center West Patio at 9:30 a.m. to welcome Keith Humphrey, UNC’s new vice president for Student Affairs. He brings over 25 years of higher education experience to UNC, as well as a commitment to student success and supporting student learning. President Feinstein will share brief remarks around 10 a.m. Light refreshments provided. 
  • Friday, Sept. 5 – UNC Night at Greeley’s Friday Fest: Celebrate with the Greeley community and fellow Bears at this special UNC-themed Friday Fest. Enjoy live music, face painting, complimentary UNC swag and more. Friday Fest details. 
  • Thursday, Sept. 11 – Lydia and Robert Ruyle Art Gallery Naming Ceremony: Join the UNC community for a special evening honoring the legacy of Lydia, M.A. ’72, and Robert Ruyle — beloved educators and champions of the arts. In recognition of a transformational gift from the Ruyle family, the UNC Campus Commons Art Gallery will be named in their honor, supporting artistic learning, research and global engagement in the School of Art and Design. Event details here.  
  • Thursday, Sept. 11 – Uplift & Thrift + Black Wall Street: Uplift & Thrift is a pop-up shop that allows UNC community members to pick up items they need for the year for prices ranging from $1-$10. Items will include clothes, shoes, room decor, residence hall-friendly appliances and more. This event is also a double feature with the inaugural Black Wall Street event, featuring local Black businesses, student organizations and student entrepreneurs. More information here.  
  • Tuesday, Sept. 23 – State of the University Address: You’re invited to attend the 2025 State of the University Address. Join President Feinstein as he shares his vision and outlook for the upcoming year. The annual event will also feature highlights from the Classified Staff Council, Faculty Senate, Professional Administrative Staff Council and Student Government Association, showcasing the vibrant and collaborative spirit of our university community. 
  • Sept. 22-27 – Homecoming Week: Come together with fellow Bears to participate in this year’s Homecoming Celebration. Events will be happening all week long, including a petting zoo, the yearly student vs. staff football game, a pep rally and the Homecoming parade — all culminating in the Homecoming tailgate and football game versus Idaho State.Visit the Homecoming information page for a full breakdown of the week’s events.

October

The season might be spooky, but don’t be scared to check out these upcoming events!  

  • Thursday, Oct. 2 – Weld County Youth Environmental Summit: Hosted by the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, this event empowers young leaders ages 14-18 to explore environmental science and develop leadership skills. Through interactive sessions and networking opportunities, participants will connect with experts and policymakers to shape a more sustainable future for Weld County and beyond. Registration is open now. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 4 – Dearfield Day: Join the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center for a day of culture and historical learning at the site of Dearfield, Colorado, home of the first Black-founded frontier town in the state. The day’s activities will include volunteer historical preservation and archaeological work, a historical storytelling program and live music performances. Dearfield Day details.  
  • Tuesday, Oct. 9 – Fall 2025 Job, Internship and Graduate School Fair: The Center for Career Readiness is hosting the Fall 2025 Job, Internship, and Graduate School Fair, featuring more than 90 employers who will be recruiting for full- and part-time jobs and internships. Graduate schools will be on hand providing information on their programs. Students and alumni from all majors are encouraged to attend. Learn more here.  
  • Oct. 9-12 – Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure: Filled with twists and disguises and set in a post-apocalyptic world, Measure for Measure is a dark comedy that exposes the hypocrisy of power. When the Duke vanishes, Angelo enforces harsh laws, sentencing Claudio to death for love. Isabella, Claudio’s virtuous sister, pleads for mercy but faces an impossible choice: her honor or her brother’s life. 
  • Sunday, Oct. 12 – Fritzler Farm Scream Acres x UNC Day: Step right up and prepare for a heart-pounding adventure like no other. Nestled in the eerie shadows of LaSalle, Colorado, this spooky experience will send shivers down your spine. Not a fan of scares? Enjoy a beer garden, select attractions, orbeez shooting gallery, fall photo ops and more. Learn more – if you dare. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 18 – Greeley Marching Invitational: The Pride of the Rockies Marching Band takes to Nottingham Field for an all-day event featuring performances by local high school marching bands. Groups will perform for judges and receive feedback and get the chance to connect with fellow musicians from the Greeley community. More on the Pride of the Rockies.  
  • Oct. 23-26 – Miranda’s Nightmare: Perfect for spooky season, this dance/theatre event will have you on the edge of your seat. Miranda’s Nightmare features themes of Dia de los Muertos and tells the spooky, spectacular story of Miranda Blanca and her haunting dreams. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 28, UNC Volleyball vs. Colorado @ Home: It’s Rotary Night for UNC Volleyball. Come out and show your support for the Bears as they take on Colorado.

November

As falling leaves are replaced by swirling snowflakes, the semester marches right along. Here’s what’s in store with holidays and winter break on the horizon. 

  • Early November – UNC Fall Magazine: Each semester, UNC releases an issue of the UNC Magazine, a collection of stories, highlights and features about some of the most unique things going on in and around the university. This fall’s issue will include stories about an ancient Mesopotamian city, cutting-edge, light-based chemistry research, the dazzling history of UNC’s Jazz program and more. Keep your eyes out for the issue once it drops. UNC Magazine home page.  
  • Nov. 13-23 – Urinetown: A hilarious and biting satire of capitalism, bureaucracy and corporate greed, Urinetown is set in a dystopian future where water is scarce and citizens must pay to use public toilets. With a catchy, eclectic score and a wildly imaginative plot, this musical delivers big laughs while cleverly challenging social norms. Tickets and more information.  
  • Saturday, Nov. 15 – 221B: a Sherlock Holmes Opera: Don’t miss the world premiere of this original mystery in opera form, based on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Will Watson be able to solve the mystery of the death of Sherlock Holmes and expose his murderer? Tickets and more information. 
  • Thursday, Nov. 20 – Come Out and Play: A Side-by-Side Concert: A dynamic evening of music and a collaboration between the UNC Symphonic Band and local high school groups, this performance is a celebration of community, tradition and the future of UNC music. Tickets and more information.  

December

The last month of the fall semester – how time flies. Classes may be wrapping up, but there’s still plenty to look forward to this month.  

  • Friday, Dec. 5 – ‘Twas the Night: A Holiday Extravaganza: Join the UNC Symphony Orchestra, Bands and Choirs for a festive night of music that’s sure to bring the magic of the season. The performance will feature a variety of musical selections, special narration and festive cheer for the whole family. 
  • Friday, Dec. 12 and Saturday, Dec. 13 – Fall 2025 Commencement: At the end of the fall semester, it’s time to celebrate the incredible work and accomplishments of UNC’s graduating students. Graduates, family, friends and more can all look forward to this exciting event.  

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