WVU Welcome Week Offers New Experiences to Help Students Connect, Feel at Home
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on August 07, 2026
A refreshed West Virginia University Welcome Week will offer a variety of traditional events and new experiences from Aug. 12-23, providing both new and returning students with opportunities to connect with others, explore campus life, prepare for success, and give back to the community ahead of the start of the fall semester.
“From the moment students arrive on campus, we want them to know they are part of something bigger than themselves,” Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Life Carrie Showalter said. “Welcome Week creates opportunities to explore new experiences, make meaningful connections, and discover the people, places, and resources that make the WVU community feel like home.
“This year, we’re excited to build on the traditions that make Welcome Week so special while introducing new experiences like Mountaineer Midway and Movie Night that will bring our Mountaineer community together in fresh and engaging ways before classes begin on Aug. 18,” Showalter said.
Activities will kick off at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, as commuter students gather at Blaney House for food, outdoor games, and a chance to meet President Michael T. Benson.
Thursday, Aug. 13, marks the start of move-in for residential students. To ensure a smooth transition, students will arrive during scheduled time slots through Saturday, Aug. 15, with additional University Police officers and Housing and Residence Life staff on hand to assist.
The weekend lineup will deliver late-night activities across campus. Midnight Mountaineer will bring archery tag, pickleball, trivia, and more to the Student Recreation Center from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Aug. 14, followed by WVUp All Night at 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Mountainlair.
On Sunday, Aug. 16, students can stop by the Student Recreation Center from 2 to 4 p.m. to learn about more than 200 student organizations at the Student Organization Fair.
To wrap up the weekend, first-year students are invited to experience what it means to be a Mountaineer at Sunday Night Lights at Milan Puskar Stadium on Aug. 16. The signature Welcome Week event starts at 7 p.m. with activities on Mountaineer Field, and those attending will sign the “Class of 2030” flag, watch a performance from the Mountaineer Marching Band, and take their official class photo.
Watch the Sunday Night Lights livestream starting at 8:15 p.m.
Welcome Week signature events will culminate on the lawn of the Life Sciences Building beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, with the newly added Mountaineer Midway and Movie Night. Students are invited to come together and celebrate the start of the new academic year by enjoying carnival games, food trucks, and other outdoor entertainment.
Various adventure, service, and wellness activities will also be available throughout the week to keep students engaged.
“Every Mountaineer’s journey is unique, but they all begin with the opportunity to connect,” Vice President for Student Life Gary G. Furbee II said. “Welcome Week introduces students to the people, traditions, and experiences that define WVU while reminding them that they are an important part of a community that is invested in their success.”
The PRT will operate during Welcome Week hours from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 13, 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 14, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 15-16, and 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 17.
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.
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