UAH kicks off fall 2026 semester with Week of Welcome

Chargers attend outdoor movie night during Week of Welcome in August 2025. A campus favorite, movie screenings are hosted by the Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) at UAH.

Michael Mercier | UAH

As a new academic year begins, The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) will welcome new and returning students with Week of Welcome (WOW), Aug. 14-22, featuring nine days of traditions, campus events and opportunities to build connections before classes begin. Hosted by the Office of Student Life in partnership with academic colleges, departments and student organizations, WOW helps students discover campus resources, make new friends and find their place in the Charger community. UAH is part of The University of Alabama System.

Students enjoy the Charger Blue BBQ during UAH Week of Welcome in August 2025.

Michael Mercier | UAH

While Week of Welcome officially begins Aug. 14, the excitement starts a day earlier with Residence Hall Move-In Days on Aug. 13-14, when approximately 2,000 students are expected to arrive on campus. Faculty and staff volunteers will welcome students and families as they begin the fall semester.

“Week of Welcome is about connecting every student to the people, programs, and spaces that make UAH feel like home,” said Megan Wilkinson, director of Student Life. “Whether they're moving into a residence hall for the first time or returning for another year, we want students to leave the week feeling connected, confident and excited about the community they're joining.”

Throughout the week, academic colleges, departments and student organizations will host more than 280 programs that encourage students to get involved while learning about campus resources and traditions.

WOW features 18 signature Tradition Events, many of which draw more than 1,000 students each year. This year's lineup begins with Chargers After Dark: Casino Night on Aug. 14 and concludes Aug.22 with Service Saturday, Summer Splashdown, and an Association for Campus Entertainment (ACE) movie night featuring interactive WALL -E with a chance to win big playing WALL-E Trivia.

Other popular events throughout the week include:

• This is Community (Aug. 15), highlighting civic engagement and opportunities to make a difference on campus and beyond.
• Indoor and outdoor showings of the summer blockbuster Project Hail Mary, hosted by ACE.
• Rock the Rec (Aug. 16), featuring recreation, fitness and friendly competition.
• Leaving Your Mark (Aug. 16), where students will continue a growing UAH tradition by painting decorative horseshoes on the streets across campus
• Co-op Kickoff (Aug. 17) and the Part-Time Job Fair (Aug. 20), connecting students with employers and career opportunities.
• Charger Blue BBQ (Aug. 18), one of UAH's favorite annual traditions that brings the campus community together over great food and school spirit.

UAH students smile for the cameras during UAH Week of Welcome in 2024. WOW features 18 signature Tradition Events, many of which draw more than 1,000 students each year.

Michael Mercier | UAH

Several new additions will debut during WOW 2026.

This year's Leaving Your Mark program will feature guest speaker Mike McRee, principal of The Whitespace Group. With more than 30 years of experience in leadership development and organizational consulting, McRee has worked with colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies.

On Aug. 17, students interested in fraternity and sorority life can attend a new information session immediately before the popular Go Greek! Block Party. The session will introduce students to UAH's fraternity and sorority community, explain the recruitment and intake process, highlight leadership and service opportunities, and answer questions about joining a Greek organization.

The week will also conclude with a new outdoor concert hosted by ACE on Aug. 21. Carver Commodore, the alternative rock band from Florence, will headline the event, which is open to the public. The concert will be held on The Slab and will feature food trucks, giveaways and coupons for the first 100 attendees.

“We want students to look back on Week of Welcome as the beginning of friendships, experiences and traditions that shaped their college journey,” Wilkinson said. “When students find connections early, they're more likely to dive in, discover what excites them, and build the kind of community that carries them through all four years..”

Since its launch in 2011, Week of Welcome has introduced generations of Chargers to campus life through a mix of social, educational and service-focused programming.

For more information and the complete Fall 2026 schedule, visit the Week of Welcome webpage.