Bearcats
Welcome
As you embark on this new experience as a Bearcat, we hope your first few weeks on campus set the stage for your college career. We hope you are just as excited to be at UC as we are to have you here!
Bearcats Welcome features signature events hosted by Student Affairs tons of events, from social to educational, and from optional to required. Don’t miss out on all the fun. Events will be shared on the GetInvolvedUC page and the Corq app. Don’t have a smartphone? No worries! We’ll also have an online schedule for you to view. All events are open to the entire campus community unless noted in the description. Follow us @uc_studentaffairs, @uofcincy, and @uc_involvement for more information!
The Bearcat Bond
Bearcats Welcome Schedule
There are a variety of events to attend during Bearcats Welcome! This year, our programs will expand over the first three weeks of the semester. Don’t miss out on all the fun! You can also view all events on GetInvolvedUC and the complimentary mobile app, Corq.
Transportation & Accessibility
The University of Cincinnati and City of Cincinnati are accessible through the UC Shuttle System and Cincinnati public transit system, Cincinnati Metro. UC Shuttle is available and easily tracked through the TRANSLOC app. The Cincinnati Metro partners with the University of Cincinnati to offer a discount to all students and employees for rides.
Schedule key
Student Affairs Sponsored Activity
These events are hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, offering key programs and opportunities to connect with campus resources. Events not sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs are provided by student groups or other campus-affiliated organizations, offering a diverse range of activities for all students.
Required Activity *Required for all first year students
These events are mandatory for all participants. Please ensure you attend as part of your Welcome Week experience.
Auditory stimulation
This event may involve activities with auditory stimulation such as loud sounds, noise, and music
Large groups
This event may involve activities with large amounts of social engagement in groups, teams, or crowds
Visual stimulation
This event may involve activities with visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, flashing/strobe lighting
Physical activity
This event may involve activities with physical activity, such as running, jumping, dancing, or other movements
Optional alternative activity
This event has an alternative method of participation such as a viewing location or alternative way to engage with the activity
Tuesday, August 20
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Live Music @ USquare
USquare Plaza
Host: Center for Community Engagement, Community Action Team, & Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Move-In Munchies
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
1 - 4 pm | National Lemonade Day Tabling
Bearcats Pavillion
Host: Sodexo
4 - 6 pm | Pizza & Volleyball
Bearcats Commons
Host: Christian Students @ UC (Registered Student Organization)
7 - 9 pm | Trivia
TUC Great Hall
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
9 - 11 pm | Glow & Graeter's
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
Wednesday, August 21
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
11 am - 2 pm | Meet the Dietitian Tabling
Bearcats Pavillion
Host: Sodexo
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Live Music @ USquare
USquare Plaza
Host: Center for Community Engagement, Community Action Team, & Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Move-In Munchies
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
12 - 2 pm | International Student Welcome
Valentine Plaza
Host: UC International
2 - 4 pm | Puppies & Popsicles
UC Mainstreet
Host: Campus Outreach (Registered Student Organization)
4 - 6 pm | Photo Scavenger Hunt
Bearcats Commons
Host: CRU Ministry (Registered Student Organization)
7 pm - 9 pm | RecFest
Campus Recreation Center
Host: Campus Recreation Center
7 - 9 pm | Calhoun/Siddall First Year Connect
Calhoun Hall Terrace Patio
Host: Campus Outreach (Registered Student Organization)
9 - 11 pm | Late Night Movie: Ratatouille (2007)
Nippert Stadium
Host: Student Wellness Center
10 pm - 12 am | World Cup
Sheakley Lawn
Host: UC Young Life (Registered Student Organization)
Thursday, August 22
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Live Music @ USquare
USquare Plaza
Host: Center for Community Engagement, Community Action Team, & Clifton Heights Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation
11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Move-In Munchies
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
1:30 - 3:30 pm | Student Wellness Center Open House
480 Steger Student Life Center
Host: Student Wellness Center
2 - 3 pm | Outdoor Yoga Flow
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Campus Recreation Center
Note: Spots are limited! You must sign-up for the Outdoor Yoga Flow by registering through IMLeagues. Instructions on how to register with IMLeagues.
3:30 - 5 pm | Commuter Student Welcome
Commuter Student Lounge, Steger Student Life Center 645
4 pm | Residence Hall Floor Meetings
Location: Your Residence Hall
*required for all students living in a residence hall
Host: Resident Education & Development (RED)
6 pm | Bearcats Kickoff *Required for all first year students
Fifth Third Arena
Bearcats Kickoff is a MANDATORY program for all First Year Students! This is your formal welcome from the University of Cincinnati and you won't want to miss all of the fun, energy, and opportunity to participate. President Pinto will give remarks and your formal celebration of being a Bearcat! Read details about Bearcats Kickoff. These will also be sent to your email.
Host: Commencement Office & Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
6:30 - 8:30 pm | First Year Feast
Center Court
Host: Sodexo
7 pm | Bearcat Band Preview Show
Nippert Stadium
Host: Bearcat Bands
8 - 10 pm | Deep Fried Oreos & Games
Sheakley Lawn
Host: UC Young Life (Registered Student Organization)
8 pm - 11 pm | Welcome Home: Cincinnati Celebration
Sigma Sigma Commons
Welcome Home, Bearcats!! We are so excited to have you here - at the University of Cincinnati and in the city of Cincinnati. Join us for a welcome to Cincinnati event and a celebration of all of the best parts of Cincinnati. Whether a special and unique part of Cincinnati, such as Skyline Chili or LaRosa's pizza, or a local opportunity in the community, we would invite you to join us and get to know aspects of the area.
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
9 - 11 pm | Welcome Back Bonfire
339 Probasco Street, Cincinnati, OH, 45221
Host: Chabad at UC (Registered Student Organization)
Friday, August 23
9 am - 4 p.m. | College Day *Required of all first year students
Your Academic College
Be sure to read details about College Day. These will also be sent to your email!
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
5 - 7 pm | Involvement Fair
Gettler Stadium
Host: Center for Student Involvement & Student Activities Board (Registered Student Organization)
9 - 10:30 pm | PAC Night of Comedy
Fifth Third Arena
Artist: Marcello Hernandez (Saturday Night Live)
Note: This is a ticketed event and ticket sales CLOSE on Thursday, August 22 at 9:00 pm. You must RSVP on GetInvolvedUC through the "PAC Night of Comedy" Event Page in order to attend. All RSVP's must be submitted by Thursday, August 22 by 9:00 pm. Anyone without a ticket (without RSVPing "YES") will not be permitted entry. Doors Open at 7:00 pm and show will begin at 9:00 pm. No one will be permitted without a previous "YES" RSVP.
Host: Programs & Activities Council (Registered Student Organization)
10 pm - 12 am | Late Night Pancakes
2715 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221
Host: H2O (Registered Student Organization)
Saturday, August 24
10 am - 12 pm | Big Queer Welcome
10 am - 12 pm | Big Queer Welcome
TUC Fourth Floor
Host: LGBTQ+ Center
10 am - 4 pm | Thrifty Move-In & Buses to IKEA
Teacher Dyer Complex Courtyard & University Circle
Host: CECH Student Services, UC International, The Graduate College, Bearcats Pantry & Resource Center
As a part of this event, transportation will be provided to/from IKEA in the schedule listed below. You must RSVP (if spots are available) to attend. Bus departs campus and then departs IKEA at the times indicated below.
Slot 1: Leave Campus at 9:30 am; Leave IKEA at 11:45 am
Slot 2: Leave Campus at 10:15 am; Leave IKEA at 12:30 pm
Slot 3: Leave Campus at 11:00 am; Leave IKEA at 1:15 pm
Slot 4: Leave Campus at 11:45 am; Leave IKEA at 2:00 pm
Slot 5: Leave Campus at 12:30 pm; Leave IKEA at 2:45 pm
Slot 6: Leave Campus at 1:15 pm; Leave IKEA at 3:30 pm
Slot 7: Leave Campus at 2:00 pm; Leave IKEA at 4:15 pm
Slot 8: Leave Campus at 2:45 pm; Leave IKEA at 5:00 pm
1:30 pm - 5 pm | Akwaaba: Black Student Welcome
TUC Fourth Floor
Host: African American Cultural & Resource Center (AACRC)
3 - 6 pm | H2O Dodgeball Tournament
Tennis Courts
Host: H2O (Registered Student Organization)
6 - 8 pm | First Year Connect
Clifton Court
Host: Christian Students @ UC (Registered Student Organization)
7 - 9 pm | Welcome Home: Worldwide Welcome
Nippert West Pavillion
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs, Ethnic Programs & Services, UC International, IPALS (Registered Student Organization)
Note: All are welcome to attend for a student organization resource fair of organizations representing various cultures; snacks from vendors around Cincinnati representing various cultural foods; and a cultural fashion show! If you're interested, come dressed in traditional cultural dress to celebrate your heritage. Complete this form is interested!
9 - 10:30 pm | Silent Disco
Sigma Sigma Commons
10 pm - 12 am | Late-Night Pancakes
2715 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45221
Host: H2O (Registered Student Organization)
Sunday, August 25
9 - 11 am | National Banana Split Day
On the Green in Marian Spencer
Host: Sodexo
Note: Available wihle supplies last
10:30 am - 1 pm | H2O Kickoff
Probasco Auditorium 210
Host: H2O (Registered Student Organization)
11 am - 1 pm | Soccer & Snow Cones
Sheakley Lawn
Host: UC International & IPALs (Registered Student Organization)
11 am - 1 pm | Campus Outreach Kickoff
TUC 220 Cinema
Host: Campus Outreach (Registered Student Organization)
11 am - 1 pm | Sunday Fellowship & Meet and Greet
Stratford
Host: Christian Students @ UC (Registered Student Organization)
10 am - 12 pm | The Salt Company Lunch
Mercy Hill Church (244 Southern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45219)
Host: The SALT Company (Registered Student Organization)
5 - 7 pm | Flag Football & Ultimate Frisbee
Sheakley Lawn
Host: Christian Students @ UC (Registered Student Organization)
9 - 11 pm | Glow in the Dark Frisbee
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: The SALT Company (Registered Student Organization)
Monday, August 26
8:30 am - 2 pm | Find My Classroom
Mainstreet (Outside of TUC) & Across from the Mantei Center
Host: Undergraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization)
9 am - 12 pm | First Day of School Photos & Coffee
Mainstreet (in front of Steger Student Life Center)
12 pm - 1 pm | Skyline Lunch (first 150 student attendees) at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Outdoor Commons
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
1 - 5 pm | PAC Welcomes You Back & National Cherry Popsicle Day
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Programs & Activities Council (Registered Student Organization) & Sodexo
Note: Popsicles available while supplies last
1:30 - 3 pm | International Student Pantry Drive
TBD
4 - 7 pm | Welcome Back BBQ
Hillel at 2615 Clifton Avenue
Host: Cincinnati Hillel Jewish Student Center (Registered Student Organization)
6 - 8 pm | BBQ Dinner
Bearcats Commons
Host: Christian Students at UC (Registered Student Organization)
Tuesday, August 27
8:30 am - 2 pm | Find My Classroom
Mainstreet (Outside of TUC) & Across from the Mantei Center
Host: Undergraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization)
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
11 am - 1 pm | Pancake Bar
Hillel at 2615 Clifton Avenue
Host: Cincinnati Hillel Jewish Student Center (Registered Student Organization)
11 am - 2 pm | Bearcats Take Care
UC Mainstreet
Host: Student Wellness Center
3 - 6 pm | Women’s Welcome
Nippert West Pavilion
Host: Women's Center
5 pm - 7 pm | Glow Golf at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Eastgate Mall
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
5:30 - 7:30 pm | Mini Succulent Painting
Library Commons
Host: Engineers Without Borders (Registered Student Organization)
7 - 9 pm | Residence Block Party
Sigma Sigma Commons
8 - 9:30 pm | The Plunge
Bearcats Commons
Host: H2O (Registered Student Organization)
Wednesday, August 28
8:30 am - 2 pm | Find My Classroom
Mainstreet (Outside of TUC) & Across from the Mantei Center
Host: Undergraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization)
9 am - 11 am | Blossim Donut Truck at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Outdoor Commons
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
10:30 am - 4 pm | Wellness Wednesday
MarketPointe
Host: Sodexo
11 am - 3 pm | UC Farmer's Market
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Undergraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization)
11:30 am - 1 pm | Veterans Welcome & Lunch
Veterans Lounge (TUC 403)
3 - 5 pm | Plants & Pups
Bearcats Commons & TUC Great Hall (Heat Advisory Location Change!)
Host: Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
3:30 - 5 pm | Living Learning Community Welcome
Outside Marian Spencer Hall
5 - 7 pm | Bible Study & Sports
TUC 417
Host: Christian Students at UC (Registered Student Organization)
6 - 8 pm | Great American Cookout
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: The SALT Company (Registered Student Organization)
7 - 9 pm | Water Sponge Dodgeball
Bearcats Commons
Host: Alpha Omega (Registered Student Organization)
8:30 - 10:30 pm | Late Night Movie - Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Nippert Stadium
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs & Star Wars Club (Registered Student Organization)
Thursday, August 29
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
11:30 am - 1 pm | Veterans Welcome & Lunch
Veterans Lounge (TUC 403)
12 - 2 pm | AAPI Student Welcome
Nippert West Pavillion
2 pm - 3 pm | Self-Defense Clinic at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Student Activity Center
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
4 pm - 6 pm | Sand Volleyball Tournament
Dabney Sand Volleyball Courts
Host: Campus Outreach (Registered Student Organization)
5 pm - 8:30 pm | NPHC Declassified
TUC Great Hall
6 - 9 pm | Bearcats Carnival
Eden Commons (East Campus)
Note: Eden Commons is located on East Campus in the lawn between Health Sciences Building and Kowalewski Hall
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
8 - 10 pm | The Salt Company Kickoff
Mercy Hill Church (244 Southern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, 45219)
Host: The SALT Company (Registered Student Organization)
Friday, August 30
10 am - 1 pm | New Graduate Student Welcome & Orientation
TUC 465 Great Hall, TUC 499N, TUC 400 ABC
Note: Please register through the Graduate College!
Host: UC Graduate College
9 am - 2 pm | OIS Cybersecurity Trivia Booth
UC Mainstreet
Host: Office of Information Security
4 - 6 pm | Fun on the Field
Bearcats Commons
Host: Programs & Activities Council (Registered Student Organization), Undegraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization), Student Activities Board (Registered Student Organization), Student Alumni Council (Registered Student Organization)
5:30 - 9 pm | Welcome Back Shabbat
Hillel at 2615 Clifton Avenue
Host: Cincinnati Hillel Jewish Student Center (Registered Student Organization)
6 - 8 pm | Young Adult Meeting (YAM)
Clifton Court Hall, Room 1120 & 1130
Host: Christian Students at UC (Registered Student Organization)
Bearcats in the City: Labor Day Weekend Activities
Various Locations throughout the City of Cincinnati!
Explore the City of Cincinnati with a variety of events happening in the city!
Friday, August 30:
Friday Flow - Live, free R&B music at Washington Park
Indie Friday - Live, free music at Foundtain Square, featuring local acts Madqueen, Black Owls, and King Buffalo
Cincinnati River Front - Enjoy a walk down Cincinnati River Front and explore this accessible area
Saturday, August 31
Bearcats in the City: Labor Day Weekend Activities
Various Locations throughout the City of Cincinnati!
Explore the City of Cincinnati with a variety of events happening in the city!
Saturday, August 31:
Findlay Market - Explore this iconic downtown market; Open 8 am-6 pm
REDS Game & Concert - Game begins at 7:15 pm; Ticket sales start at $15.00
2:30 Kickoff | Football: Cincinnnati vs. Towson
Nippert Stadium
Ticket Sales & Other Information
Host: UC Athletics
Sunday, September 1
9 - 11 am | Chicken & Waffles Brunch
On the Green in Marian Spencer Hall
Host: Sodexo
Note: Available while supplies last
Bearcats in the City: Labor Day Weekend Activities
Various Locations throughout the City of Cincinnati!
Explore the City of Cincinnati with a variety of events happening in the city!
Sunday, September 1:
American Sign Museum - Explore this unique museum near West Campus, and specific to the Cincinnati area; Open 10 am-4 pmTickets are $20 per person
Western & Southern WEBN Fireworks and Riverfront Festival - Celebrate Labor Day Weekend with the City of Cincinnati from 12 pm-11 pm; Admission is free
5 - 7 pm | Flag Football & Ultimate Frisbee
Sheakley Lawn
Host: Christian Students at UC (Registered Student Organization)
Monday, September 2
Bearcats in the City: Labor Day Weekend Activities
Various Locations throughout the City of Cincinnati!
Explore the City of Cincinnati with a variety of events happening in the city!
Monday, September 2:
Cincinnati Zoo - Explore Cincinnati's local zoo, known for the famous Hipppos; Open from 10 am-5 pm and tickets start at $17
Roebling Suspension Bridge - Explore Cincinnati's neighbor across the river, Covington, KY by walking across the Roebling Suspension Bridge to explore shops, parks, restaurants, and various murals
Tuesday, September 3
9 am - 12 pm | Donut & Coffee Truck for Students on East/Medical Campus
Eden Avenue & Panzeca Way (East/Medical Campus)
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
10 am - 12 pm | Coffee Truck for Residents in CP Cincy & The Union
CP Cincy & The Union
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
11 am - 2 pm | Off Campus Housing Fair
Bearcats Commons
Host: Undergraduate Student Government (Registered Student Organization)
12 - 2 pm | Bienvenidos: Latine Student Welcome
Nippert West Pavillion
2 - 4 pm | Coffee Truck for Residents in University Park Apartments
University Park Apartments
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
6 pm - 8 pm | Cookout & Games
Campus Green / Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Campus Outreach (Registered Student Organization)
Wednesday, September 4
10 am - 12 pm | Coffee Truck for Residents in University Edge
University Edge
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
10 am - 12 pm | Center for Student Involvement Open House
Steger Student Life Center, 455
10:30 am - 2:30 pm | Accessibility Resource Fair
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: Accessibility Resources
12 pm - 1 pm | Cookies and Canvas at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Snyder Room #153
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
1 - 3 pm | Coffee Truck for Residents in Jefferson House & 101 Corry Street
Jefferson House & 101 Corry Street
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
1 - 4 pm | Part-Time Job Fair
TUC Great Hall
Host: College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
4 - 6 pm | Hangs on the Green
Sigma Sigma Commons
Host: The Salt Company (Registered Student Organization)
6 - 7 pm | Drag Queen Bingo
TUC 465 Great Hall
7 - 9 pm | Cannon Ball Contest
Campus Recreation Center (Lap Pool)
Host: Campus Recreation
8 - 9 pm | Climbing Wall Twister
Campus Recreation Center
Host: Campus Recreation
8:30 - 10:30 pm | Late Night Movie - Inside Out 2 (2024)
Nippert Stadium
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs & Bearcat Support Network (Registered Student Organization)
Thursday, September 5
10 am - 1 pm | RED on the Road (Findlay Market)
Findlay Market; Meet at Marian Spencer Circle
11 am - 1 pm | Welcome Back from Parking Services
Daniels Street
Host: UC Parking Services
11 am - 2 pm | Commuter Student Lounge Open House
Commuter Student Lounge, Steger Student Life 645
1 pm - 2 pm | Ice Cream Build-a-Sundae at UC Clermont
UC Clermont Outdoor Commons
Host: UC Clermont Student Life
2 - 4 pm | Coffee Truck for Residents in USquare
USquare
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
10 pm - Midnight | Late Night at Nippert
Nippert Stadium
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
Friday, September 6
9 - 11 am | Coffee Truck for Residents in Bellevue Gardens & The Eden
USquare
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs and Residence Education & Development
10 am - 1 pm | Student Affairs Resource Fair
Mainstreet, In front of Steger 630
Host: Bearcats Welcome Committee/Division of Student Affairs
Saturday, September 7
9 am - 12 pm | Sober Tailgate
UC Mainstreet; In front of Campus Recreation Center
Host: Student Wellness Center
Noon Kickoff | Football: Cincinnnati vs. Pitt
12 pm Kick-Off | Cincinnati v. Pittsburgh Football Game
Nippert Stadium
Ticket Sales & Other Information
Host: UC Athletics
Sunday, September 8
Accommodations
The Bearcats Welcome team is committed to providing full access to all of our programs and services for participants with access needs. If you require accessibility accommodations to fully participate in Bearcats Welcome programs, please contact the Office of Accessibility Resources by email for assistance.
Get Involved on Campus
GetInvolvedUC is like having an involvement fair every day. It's an online community for UC students to discover opportunities to get involved on campus, join and manage student organizations, and see campus events. You can even request to join organizations through GetInvolvedUC.
Edit your profile: Personalize your profile. Change your preferred name and pronouns, update your privacy and notification settings, and declare your interests.
Download CORQ: CORQ is a mobile app that allows you to discover amazing events and groups around campus from your favorite mobile device. You can filter events for free food and giveaways. Download CORQ in the App Store or Google Play
Event Passes: Many campus events require checking in with your personal event pass. Open CORQ, sign in and go to your profile. Select 'Event Pass’ from the menu. Save it to your phone’s wallet to check in to events quickly.