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Welcome to the Community of Bears!

As a new UNC Bear, you are invited to attend New Student Days. These programs are designed to help incoming first-year and transfer students transition both academically and socially to life at UNC. Get acquainted with campus resources, engage in social gatherings, and embrace UNC traditions! During New Student Days, you are sure to have a great time meeting fellow Bears and transitioning for the start of classes. 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Move-In Blocks
Residence Halls
Are you ready to move into your new home? We've gathered all the info you need to ensure a smooth transition to campus; check your BearMail for updates, log into your housing portal for housing and roommate details, and visit our Move-In Guide.

9:00 AM to 3:00 PM: Cultural and Resource Centers' Open Houses
Cultural and Resource Centers
Explore UNC's Cultural and Resource Centers, where you’ll find tailored personal support services to help you achieve your academic, personal, and professional goals. Visit each center to learn how they promote an equitable and inclusive UNC through community engagement, social identity exploration, and access to valuable resources.

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Lunch (Optional)
Holmes Dining Hall
Indulge in a wide variety of entrées and side dishes to suit every taste. Students with a meal plan can use their Student ID to swipe themselves in, while other guests will need to pay with either cash or card.  Adult Price: $15.25 | Child Price: $10.50

3:00 PM to 3:30 PM: New Student Days Kick-Off Ceremony
Bank of Colorado Arena
Join us for the New Student Days Kick-Off Ceremony, featuring performances by the Sugar Bears and Cheer Team, who will lead us in the fight song. You'll hear welcoming words from university leaders and receive your New Student Days enamel pin - marking the start of your academic journey at UNC.

3:30 PM to 4:00 PM: Commuter Student Community Building
Bank of Colorado Arena
Join New Student Days Leaders for small group conversations on being a successful commuter student, covering academic, mental health, and community resources. Led by Student Affairs Leadership, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow commuter students and start building your community.

3:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Parent and Support Person Happy Hour
University Center - Burger Bar
Dean of Student Development, Colleen Sonnentag, and other Student Affairs Leaders invite you to unwind at our happy hour, with discounted alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. Take a break, get your questions answered, and enjoy some downtime with our campus leadership.

4:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Community of Bears Reminders and New Student Days Group Meet-Ups
Bank of Colorado Arena
Join the Office of Student Conduct and Accountability and the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance for a mandatory session that builds on B.E.A.R. and Pre-Orientation content. This session focuses on conflict management and prepares you to join our community in a respectful and caring way.

5:00 PM to 5:45 PM: New Student Days Check-In and Nametag Distribution
Holmes Dining Hall
Get your nametag and be officially checked in for your New Student Days experience. This mandatory process helps us accurately account for all our new incoming Bears.

5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: New Student and Family Welcome Dinner
Holmes Dining Hall
Join us for the New Student and Family Welcome Dinner. Students with a meal plan can use their Student ID to swipe themselves in, while other guests can enjoy a special welcome rate of $5.00 per guest, payable by cash or card.

6:30 PM to 6:45 PM: Family & Support Person Fairwell
Holmes Dining Hall
Thank you to all guests for supporting their students throughout the day. As student-only programming begins, we look forward to welcoming families and support persons back for Homecoming and Family & Friends Weekend from September 27 to September 29. 

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Residence Halls
Connect with your fellow residents and meet your Resident Assistants during these important floor meetings. Learn about community expectations, resources, and upcoming events to help you settle into your new home.

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Commuter Student Social
Turner Green  (West Campus) 
Hosted by the University Program Council (UPC), this social gathering is a perfect chance for commuter students to connect, make new friends, and build a supportive community. 

8:30 PM to 10:30 PM: Game Night
Michener Library
Join us for a fun-filled evening at Michener Library with board games, video games, RPGs, trivia, and a library-wide scavenger hunt. Compete for prizes and enjoy a great night with fellow Bears!

Thursday, August 22, 2024

7:00 AM to 9:30 PM: Breakfast
Holmes Dining Hall
Fuel up for the day's activities with breakfast at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM: B.E.A.R. Make Up Session 
Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall
Mandatory for students who didn't attend B.E.A.R. at NSO. This session will cover essential information on being an engaged and responsible member of the UNC community.

    • B.E.A.R. Alternate Session:
      The B.E.A.R. alternate session is for those who may not feel comfortable seeing video depictions of the various topics discussed in B.E.A.R. It will cover the same topics but with a focus on skill building through scenarios and discussion questions. This session will be led by our Assault Survivors Advocacy Program on campus.

9:30 AM to 10:25 AM: Information Sessions
University Center - Aspen Suites, Columbine Suites, Spruce Suites, and Council Room

Join us for a series of informative sessions designed to help you succeed at UNC. Each presentation will take place from 9:30 AM to 9:55 AM and then again from 10:00 AM to 10:25 AM. Choose the sessions that interest you the most:

    • Faculty Success Tips Panel - Columbine Suites
      Want to start your college career off right? Come to this panel of experienced faculty to hear tips and ask questions about habits that lead to success.
    • Getting a Job on Campus - Council Room
      Looking for a job while you're in school? Discover how to search for jobs on Handshake, learn about work-study, and prepare for the upcoming Student Employment Fair in this quick session from the UNC Center for Career Readiness.
    • Student Health and Wellness - Spruce Suites
      College can be stressful, so UNC offers many resources to support student well-being. This session will provide an overview of the Student Health Center, Counseling Center, Office of Health Promotion, Disability Resource Center, and the Bear Pantry - UNC’s food pantry.
    • Commuter Student Success Panel - Aspen Suites
      The panel will be comprised of successful Student Leaders who are also commuter students. Learn from their experiences as you continue to build community and gain knowledge about the support systems that exist for you here at UNC.

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM: College Welcomes
Join your college for a special welcome event where you'll meet deans, faculty, and fellow students. Each college has planned unique activities to help you learn more about your major, the college, and the resources available to you.

    • Natural and Health Sciences (NHS)
      NHS majors will do a scavenger hunt to meet their college dean/associate dean, faculty from their major, and academic advisor. During the hunt, they will learn about the college, their major, and student support resources. Students will receive a prize at the end of the scavenger hunt.
      • Locations:
        • Gunter Hall west entrance (under bell tower): Communication Sciences and Disorders, Dietetics, Health Sciences, Human Services, Nursing, Nutrition, and Sport and Exercise Science.
        • Ross Hall atrium: Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Astronomy, and Statistics.
    • Education and Behavioral Sciences (EBS)
      EBS majors will begin outside with games and activities for students, faculty, and staff. Then students will transition into groups by major for opportunities to learn more about the programs and meet other students, faculty, and staff within their major.
      • Location: McKee Hall Breezeway (outside between the main building and the lecture halls)
    • Performing and Visual Arts (PVA)
      All incoming PVA majors are expected to attend this presentation with performance elements, meeting the dean, school directors, and the rest of the cohort in your major. Towards the end of the presentation, we will break out into schools (Theatre Arts and Dance, Music, and Art and Design) to discuss auditions, practice, class schedules, and starting the semester successfully.
      • Location: Campus Commons Performance Hall
    • Monfort College of Business (MCB)
      MCB majors will play games and win prizes while learning about academic programs, success strategies, and student support resources. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to talk with MCB student ambassadors while exploring the building, followed by lunch on the lawn outside of Kepner Hall with college faculty and staff.
      • Location: Kepner Hall, meet at the Ruins (2nd floor, middle of the building)
    • Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS)
      HSS majors will meet in Michener Library - Room L-0110 (Lindou Auditorium) for a welcome from Dean Doerner, including helpful introductions, activities, and giveaways. Students will then transition into major groups to meet professors and connect with other new first-year and transfer students in their chosen area of study.
      • Location: Michener L0110 Lindou Auditorium
    • Undeclared Exploring Students
      Undeclared Exploring students will attend the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) welcome event to explore the many majors HSS has to offer. If you are considering a major in another area, please feel free to attend those welcome sessions listed above.
      • Location: Michener L0110 Lindou Auditorium

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Lunch
Holmes Dining Hall
Refuel with lunch at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Roar Rally
University Center - Grand Ballroom
Join us for Roar Rally, a high-energy event packed with fun activities, community building, and school spirit. Get hyped for Bearapalooza and the Women's Soccer Game against our local rival, CSU, with a spirited pep rally led by New Student Days Leaders. 

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Classroom and Student Services Tours 
Classroom Buildings: Candelaria, Crabbe, Frasier, Guggenheim, Gunter, Kepner, McKee, Michener, and Ross  
Take this opportunity to tour academic buildings and locate your classrooms before the first day of the fall semester. Faculty and staff will be available to help navigate and answer questions. Students are also encouraged to tour various student service departments during this time. Download the My UNC Mobile App to use the interactive campus map.  

4:00 PM to 4:45 PM: Transfer Student Community Group
University Center - Panorama Room
Join us for a gathering of new and continuing transfer students to mix, mingle, and get tips from current transfer students. Hosted by the Coordinator of Transfer Transition and Success, Dion Duran, this is a great opportunity to build connections and get valuable advice for your journey at UNC.

5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Dinner
Holmes Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Bearapalooza
Jackson Field
Join us for Bearapalooza, a lively tailgate event before the Bears soccer game vs. Colorado State University (CSU)! Enjoy a variety of tasty treats like wings, a s'mores bar, and ice cream. Have fun with yard games and axe throwing, then stay to cheer on the Bears soccer team!

7:00 PM to 9:30 PM: UNC Women's Soccer vs. Colorado State University 
Jackson Field
Cheer on the UNC Women's Soccer team as they take on CSU! Join us at Jackson Field for an exciting evening of soccer and show your Bear pride. Let's support our team and enjoy the game together!

9:30 PM to 12:00 PM: Outdoor Movie Night: Pitch Perfect
Jackson Field
Wrap up your day with an outdoor movie night at Jackson Field featuring Pitch Perfect. Bring your blankets and friends for a fun and relaxing evening. Enjoy the movie and unwind after a day full of activities!

Friday, August 23, 2024

7:00 AM to 9:30 AM: Breakfast
Location: Holmes Dining Hall
Fuel up for the day's activities with breakfast at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions
Campus Recreation Center
Join faculty members from the UNC Mindfulness Teachers Collaborative for a moment of calm between the excitement of the start of the semester. Learn tools to keep your mind and body in balance during the semester with sessions rotating between yoga and meditation practices. Come for one, stay for all, or pop in and out!

    • 9:00 AM: Yoga and Mindfulness
    • 9:30 AM: Meditation and Mindfulness
    • 10:00 AM: Yoga and Mindfulness
    • 10:30 AM: Meditation and Mindfulness

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Beginning Your Fitness & Wellness Journey with Campus Recreation
Campus Recreation Center
Join our Fitness & Wellness team for a tour of the fitness areas in the Campus Recreation Center, while learning about how to use the variety of fitness equipment available to you. The Fitness & Wellness team will also provide information about the various services, resources, and classes that are offered, such as personal training, massage therapy, and yoga classes.

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM: Shrek Bingo
Campus Commons - Multipurpose Hall
Join us for a fun-filled session of Shrek Bingo! Enjoy a Shrek-themed breakfast pastry bar while watching the movie and playing bingo. It's a great way to relax, enjoy some laughs with fellow students, and remember: "Hey now, you're an all-star!"

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM: First Generation Affinity Group (Soar)
University Center - Panorama Room
Are you a first-generation student? Come hang out with our Soar academic success coaches and Soar students, and learn about how UNC is here to support you throughout your educational journey. Get a head start socializing with other first-generation students and have some fun. We can’t wait to meet you!

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Lunch
Holmes Dining Hall
Enjoy lunch at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Puppies and Unwind
Campus Commons Patio
Take a break from your busy day and unwind by spending time with adorable puppies. This event is a perfect opportunity to relax, de-stress, and enjoy the company of some furry friends.

3:30 PM to 4:15 PM: Building Our Community
University Center - Grand Ballroom
Join us for Building Our Community, a continuation of "Our Den" from New Student Orientation. Co-led by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, this session will help you find your community at UNC. Engage in interactive discussions with New Student Days leaders about creating connections and supporting each other.

4:30 PM to 6:30 PM: Taste of UNC
Turner Green (West Campus)
Experience the diverse flavors of UNC at the Taste of UNC event. Sample delicious food from various campus dining options and local eateries. It's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss!

6:30 PM to 10:00 PM: RecFest
Campus Recreation
Join us for RecFest, a night of fun and excitement at the Campus Recreation Center. Participate in various recreational activities, try out different sports, and explore all the amenities the Rec Center has to offer. It's a great way to end the day on a high note!

Saturday, August 24, 2024

10:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Bear Bash 
Turf field next to Bank of Colorado Arena
Meet and greet with UNC student-athletes hosting fun stations, games, prizes, vendors, food, and more as Athletics kicks off the year with Bear Bash & Family Fest! This free event is a perfect way to start your weekend with the Bears.

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM: Out-of-State Community Group
University Center - Panorama Room
Meet other out-of-state students and make connections in this community group session. Share experiences and tips for adjusting to life at UNC.

10:00 AM to 10:45 AM: Aims2UNC Community Group
University Center - Council Room
If you're part of the Aims2UNC program, join this session to meet fellow students and learn more about making the most of your time at UNC.

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Brunch
Location: Holmes Dining Hall
Enjoy a delicious brunch at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Scholarship Success Workshop
University Center - Columbine Suites
Join our Scholarship Application Workshop and get the support you need to secure your future! We’ll provide a comprehensive passport guide to help you navigate the scholarship application process. This booth-style workshop features experts ready to answer all your questions. Plus, enjoy free pizza while you learn. It’s never too early in the academic year to get a head start on being scholarship ready!

1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Women's Volleyball vs. the University of Arizona
Bank of Colorado Arena
Cheer on the Bears as the Women's Volleyball team takes on the University of Arizona. Show your school spirit and support our team! 

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Bear-ly Stressed with OHP
University Center - Grand Ballroom
Join the Office of Health Promotion (OHP) for "Bear-ly Stressed," a relaxing event focused on effective stress management techniques. Enjoy calming activities designed to help you unwind and recharge. 

5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Dinner
Holmes Dining Hall
Enjoy dinner at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Northern at Night
Garden Theatre (Central Campus)
Join us for Northern at Night, featuring inflatables, a tie-dye station, caricatures, clubs and organizations tabling, music, and more. 

Sunday, August 25, 2024

11:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Student Involvement Fair
University Center - Grand Ballroom & Fireplace Lounge
Explore the Student Involvement Fair to learn about various clubs, organizations, and ways to get involved on campus. Meet student leaders, discover new interests, and find your community at UNC. Want to know who's going to be there? Check out BearConnect for a list of our currently recognized student organizations. 

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM: Brunch
Holmes Dining Hall
Enjoy a delicious brunch at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Dinner
Location: Holmes Dining Hall
End your weekend with a satisfying dinner at Holmes Dining Hall. Costs are covered for new students without a meal plan by the Office of Student Engagement. Check in at the front entrance, show your New Student Days nametag, and let them know if you don't have a meal plan. Meals are encouraged but not mandatory.

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: RHA Program
Join the Residence Hall Association (RHA) for an engaging program at the Community Engagement Center. More details coming soon!

To learn more about upcoming events throughout the year, visit UNC's Event Calendar.