Fun events and activities are planned to welcome new and returning WVU students to campus during Welcome Week from Aug. 14-22. (WVU Photo/Matt Sunday)
Designed to encourage both new and returning West Virginia University students to connect with each other, explore campus and give back to the community as they begin the fall semester, Welcome Week will include a variety of activities from Aug. 14-22.
“Like our newest students, this is my first year at WVU,” President Michael T. Benson said. “Since I started in July, I’ve been looking forward to welcoming our students home. It’s going to be a great year to be Mountaineers. Let’s Go!”
Students will begin moving into residence halls on Thursday, Aug. 14, arriving during scheduled time slots through Saturday, Aug. 16. Additional University Police officers and Housing and Residence Life staff will be available to provide assistance.
Offering both active and relaxing activities, Late Night at the Rec will be held from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Student Recreation Center, while WVUp All Night kicks off for the new semester at 10 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Mountainlair.
First-year students are invited to Milan Puskar Stadium Aug. 17 for Sunday Night Lights, one of the signature Welcome Week events which will start at 6:30 p.m. with activities on Mountaineer Field. Those attending will sign the “Class of 2029” flag, watch a performance from the Mountaineer Marching Band and take their official class photo.
Watch the Sunday Night Lights livestream starting at 8 p.m.
On Aug. 18, all students are invited to enjoy FallFest at the Rec Center Fields. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and a valid student ID is required to attend. Each student is allowed one guest age 17 or older. Additional FallFest details are scheduled to be released Aug. 15.
On Aug. 19, the Student Organization Fair runs from 3-5 p.m. at the Student Rec Center. The event will connect students with representatives from more than 200 student organizations to help them find their fit on campus.
New to Welcome Week this year is Mountaineer Movie Night at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at Milan Puskar Stadium. The event is open to students, along with faculty, staff and their families. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
A picnic for international students is scheduled for 12:30-3 p.m. Aug. 18 on the Mountainlair Green, and first-year and transfer students will be part of academic sessions earlier in the day on Aug. 19.
Adventure, service and wellness activities are also available throughout Welcome Week.
Prior to the start of Welcome Week, first-year commuter students will have a chance to meet President Benson while enjoying food and outdoor games at 4 p.m. Aug. 13 at Blaney House.
“Giving students these kinds of early opportunities to meet people and get comfortable in their new home will help them start to feel connected to campus, leading to academic and personal success,” President Benson said. “Let’s start the semester off right.”
The first day of classes is Aug. 20.
The PRT will operate with extended Welcome Week hours from 6:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. Aug 14-15, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 16, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 17, and 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 18-19.
Regular PRT hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. The PRT is normally closed on Sundays.
Find more information about Welcome Week.
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ta/8/7/25
MEDIA CONTACT: Shauna Johnson
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
WVU Strategic Communications and Marketing
304-293-8302; sjohns13@mail.wvu.edu
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