Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week launch the 2026-27 academic year

The start of a new academic year brings new faces, new opportunities and plenty of Bear pride to Lenoir-Rhyne. Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week help students make connections across campus and beyond with nine days of activities beginning Friday, Aug. 21.

“Welcome Weekend gives our newest Bears a chance to begin building the relationships and sense of belonging that will shape their time at Lenoir-Rhyne,” said Harry Titus, Ed.D., vice president for student experience and dean of students. “From the moment students arrive on campus, we want them to feel welcomed, supported and connected to a community that will be here for them throughout their LR experience.”

Welcome Weekend helps first-year and transfer students get settled and familiar with campus while welcoming returning students back for the fall semester. Move-in and check-in on Friday lead into a weekend of LR traditions, including the first-year class photo, Building a Bear Nation student resource panel, Opening Celebration and President’s Cookout. Students will enjoy games and snacks at RecFest Reloaded and Casino Night, then focus on community and spirit with the Hands-on Hickory service project and Burn Your Burdens bonfire.

The celebration continues into the first week of classes with activities designed to help students find their place at LR.

“Some of the best connections on a college campus happen when students step outside their rooms and try something new,” said Sydney Bowen, director of new student programs and engagement. “Welcome Weekend and Welcome Week give students lots of ways to meet one another, get involved and discover the people, activities and organizations that can make LR feel like home.”

This year’s Welcome Week includes everything from Stuff-A-Plush and Movie Under the Stars to Bear’s Night Live! and the Clubs, Organization and Department Expo. A Taste of Hickory: Friends of LR Fair extends the welcome beyond campus by introducing students to local businesses and organizations, while Friday’s 828 Day Pep Rally celebrates LR’s connection to the surrounding community.

Welcome Weekend 

Friday, Aug. 21

• First-Year Residential Move-In and Welcome Weekend Check-In* | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cromer Center
• Commuter Student Check-In* | 1-3 p.m. | Cromer Center
• 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, Aug. 22

• First-Year Class Photo* | 10-10:45 a.m. | Moretz Stadium
• Building a Bear Nation: Student Resource Panel* | 10:45 a.m.-noon | Shuford Gym
• Trip to Target/Walmart/Grocery Stores | 2-5 p.m. | Greenway buses
• RecFest Reloaded: Field Day | 3-6 p.m. | Intramural Field (across from the Living Learning Center)
• Fraternity and Sorority Life Showcase | 7-8 p.m. | P.E. Monroe Auditorium
• Casino Night | 8-10 p.m. | Cromer Center lobby

Sunday, Aug. 23

• Hands on Hickory Service Project* | 1:30-3 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, Aug. 24

• Golf Cart Rides to Class | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Across campus
• Stuff-A-Plush | 2-4 p.m. | Cromer Center lobby
• Movie Under the Stars | 8-9 p.m. | Bear Grove

Tuesday, Aug. 25

• Donuts with the Deans | 9-11 a.m. | Across campus
• Paint Your Place at LR | 2-4 p.m. | Cromer Center
• Bear’s Night Live! | 8-10 p.m. | P.E. Monroe Auditorium

Wednesday, Aug. 26

• Coffee Cart | 8-10 a.m. | Residence halls
• Wellness Wednesday | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cromer Center lobby
• Clubs, Organization and Department Expo | 4-6:30 p.m. | Bear Grove (Rain location: Cromer Center lobby)

Thursday, Aug. 27

• A Taste of Hickory: Friends of LR Fair | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Shaw Plaza
• Meet the Deans | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cromer Center lobby
• Vision Boards with SSO | 7-9 p.m. | Residence halls

Friday, Aug. 28

• 828 Day Pep Rally in the Cafe | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cromer Dining Hall  
• 828 Day Tailgate | 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. | Moretz Stadium Parking Lot Home Football Game |  6:00 p.m. | Moretz Stadium 

Saturday, Aug. 29

• Water Day (Luau) | 4-6 p.m. | Intramural Field

*Mandatory for all incoming LR students

**Mandatory for all incoming residential LR students

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