A new semester, a new celebration

The start of a new semester is a time for fresh beginnings, new connections and plenty of Bear pride. For years, LR’s Welcome Weekend has helped students settle in and jump into campus life with a full slate of activities. This fall, the tradition expands with Welcome Week—five more days of special events to keep the energy high and the LR community growing well into the first week of classes.

“Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week are about more than just fun — they’re about building a sense of belonging from day one,” said Harry Titus, Ed.D., assistant vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “These events give students time to meet friends, discover opportunities and start shaping their LR experience in a way that is meaningful and memorable. It’s the perfect way to start the year together as a Bear community.”

The schedule blends long-standing favorites with new activities that reflect student feedback. “We want these events to feel fresh each year while also keeping the traditions that students look forward to,” said Walter Kennedy, coordinator for student engagement. “Student input and ideas help us create experiences that are fun, inclusive and built for the students we serve.”

From BearChella Field Day and the President’s Cookout to the Campus Organization Fair and Donuts with the Dean of Students, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s what’s happening during this year’s Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week.

Welcome Weekend Schedule

Friday, August 22

• New Student Residential Move-In and Welcome Weekend Check-in* | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby
• Welcome Back Kickback | 3-6 p.m. | Bear Grove (Rain Location: Cromer Center)
• Mandatory Residence Hall Meetings** | 8 p.m. | Residence Halls
• Ice Cream Socials | 9 p.m. | Residence Halls

Saturday, August 23

• First-Year Class Photo* | 10-10:45 a.m. | Moretz Stadium
• Building a Bear Nation: Student Resource Panel* | 10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. | Shuford Gym
• Trip to Target/Walmart/Grocery Stores | 2-5 p.m. | Pickup Location in Stadium Lot
• BearChella Field Day | 3-6 p.m. | Intramural Field (across from Living Learning Center)
• Men’s Home Soccer Scrimmage Game | 6 p.m. | Soccer Field
• Fraternity and Sorority Life Showcase | 7-8 p.m. | Belk Centrum
• Casino Night | 8-10 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby

Sunday, August 24

• Sunday Worship and Pastries with the Pastor | 10-10:45 a.m. | Grace Chapel
• Hands on Hickory Service Project* | 3:30-5:15 p.m. | Grace Chapel
• Opening Celebration* | 5:30 p.m. | P.E. Monroe Auditorium
• President’s Cookout* | 6 p.m. | Shaw Plaza
• Burn Your Burdens: Bonfire with S’mores | 8 p.m. | Grace Chapel Fire Pit

Welcome Week

Monday, August 25

• Golf Cart Rides to Class | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Various Locations Across Campus

Tuesday, August 26

• Custom License Plates | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby

Wednesday, August 27

• Campus Organization Fair (concert to follow) | 6-8 p.m. | Bear Grove

Thursday, August 28

• Campus Resource Fair | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center Lobby

Friday, August 29

• Donuts with the Dean of Students | 10-11 a.m. | Shaw Plaza

*Mandatory for all incoming LR students

**Mandatory for all incoming residential LR students

For more information on individual events, visit calendar.lr.edu.