Attention all first-year students: This is your chance to learn all you need to know to join BraveNation! These welcome events will introduce you to fellow students, give you the essential info you need to get started and celebrate your start as part of the UNCP family.
Weeks of Welcome
Weeks of Welcome at UNCP marks your arrival to BraveNation! It's designed to make your first days on campus exciting, memorable and packed with opportunities to connect. From move-in to BraveWalk, each event gives you a chance to meet new friends, learn campus traditions and embrace UNCP's community spirit. Get ready to dive into everything UNCP offers — from exploring campus resources to celebrating your new home. There's so much to discover, and it all starts here!
First-Year Student Special Events
LAUNCH Into the Brave Experience
LAUNCH events are required for all first-year students. Please bring your UNCP Braves Card to check in and verify attendance.
2026 Weeks of Welcome
One week of welcome isn't enough. We offer four fun weeks that welcome you into our
community and teach you how to make the most of your time at UNCP.
Belonging Week
August 17-21, 2026
Belonging Week is our first week of welcome, focusing on your inclusion into the UNCP community. We'll have activities all week, where you can play, dance, relax and learn all about life at UNCP. It's your chance to meet new friends, find your place on campus, and start your BraveNation journey with confidence and connection.
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sweat & Connect | 6-7:30 p.m. | Jones Center. Fitness Studio |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Intentions in Sight: Setting Goals that Stick | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Silent Disco | 8:30-10:30 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Patchwork | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | SC Mall |
| HCAP Open House | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Jacobs Hall, Suite F |
| Splish, Splash & Socialize | 5-8 p.m. | Aquatic Center |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Part-Time Job & Volunteer Fair | 12-3 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Braves Forward: Your Basic Needs Toolbox | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Maynor Honors College Welcome Back Celebration | 5:00-7:30 p.m. | Hickory Hall Lawn |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7:00-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Through Robeson | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Dogwood Building |
| Meet the Greeks | 6-8 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7:00-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| BraveVenture: Charlotte Soccer Match | TBD | Pickup: Jones Parking Lot |
| Free Play in HawksNest | 7:00-10:30 p.m. | HawksNest |
Community Week
August 24-29, 2026
BraveNation offers space and community for all students. This week, you'll learn about the many kinds of groups on campus that can offer you a special sense of belonging and friendship throughout your UNCP experience.
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Student Affairs Takes Over | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Chavis Student Center |
| BraveNation Bash | 6-8 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Chavis Center Community Partner Takeover | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Chavis Student Center |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Patchwork | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kickoff Kickback | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Jones Parking Lot |
| Pembroke vs. Wingate | 6 p.m. | Grace P. Johnson Stadium |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bingo Unboxed: Suite Essentials | 7-9 p.m. | Annex |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Empower | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Thomas Hall (Multiple Locations) |
Learning Week
August 31-September 4, 2026
This week of welcome is devoted to your success as a student. Learn how to maximize
your
academic experience, achieve success within the classroom, access support and resources
beyond the classroom and find guidance for a successful career after graduation.
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| UNCP SERVE Training | 3-5 p.m. | SC 208 |
| University College Open House | 1-4 p.m. | DF Lowry |
| Level Up Your Major: Academic Org Fair | 4-6 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus Survival Kit | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| NPHC 101: Why Be Greek? | 6-9 p.m. | James A. Thomas Hall |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Patchwork | 10 a.m.-12 p.m | SC Mall |
| UNCP SERVE Training | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | SC 208 |
| Study Break: Legos & Learning | 3-5 p.m. | SC Patio |
| RecQuest | 5-6 p.m. | Jones Center Rm 1192 |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Your Why, Your Way | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| Paint and Plan with Piggy Banks | 1-3 p.m. | SC 213 |
| Swim & Learn | 5-8 p.m. | Aquatic Center |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Handshake Rally | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| UNCP SERVE Training | 1-3 p.m. | Annex 203 |
| Academic Olympics | 3-5 p.m. | Annex |
| HawksNestle Social | 6-9 p.m. | HawksNest |
Well-Being Week
September 8-12, 2026
UNCP makes a healthy lifestyle a top priority. Learn about the many on-campus resources
that
support your well-being, including Campus Rec facilities, mental health services and
nutrition education. The week includes a wellness fair and a wellness tour, as well
as fun
classes and activities, from pickleball to yoga.
Labor Day - University Closed
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Wellness Fair | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | SC Lawn |
| Choose Your Own Adventure | 7 p.m. | Oak and Pine Courtyard |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Brave Patchwork | 10 a.m.-12 p.m | SC Mall |
| Lunch & Learn: Honoring 9/11 | 12 p.m. | Chancellor's Dining Room |
| RecFest | 6-9 p.m. | Lumbee Field |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wall of Hope | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | SC Patio |
| Farewell Summer Pool-ooza | 4-8 p.m. | Courtyard Pool |
| Yoga on the Green | 6-9 p.m. | Turf Field |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9/11 Day of Service | 1-5 p.m. | Register on UNCP Serve |
| Movie in the Mall | 7 p.m. | SC Mall |
| Event | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Water Games Night | 5-8 p.m. | Aquatics Center |
Maximize Your BraveNation Experience
With BraveConnect, you’ll always know what’s going on where. Find fun events, all week long and when
you swipe your Braves Card when you show up, you’ll be entered into contests for prizes.
More events, more chances to win.
Download the Modern Campus app to stay up-to-date on fun events from organizations across campus. Download on the App Store or Get it on Google Play.
Embrace the four quadrants of The Brave Experience: learning, belonging, well-being and community. This model helps you stay engaged in the UNCP community and make the most of your time here.