New Bear Beginnings is an easy way for new Bears to continue building your community on campus after Welcome Week concludes! The calendar below provides a comprehensive list of all the upcoming events around campus that first-year students are welcome to attend!
September 7- September 13
Sunday, September 7
4:00 pm
Volleyball vs. Boston College
Prince Center
Come support the Sugar Bears as they take on Boston College.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Monday, September 8
5:00 pm
Residence Hall Wars
Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
Semester long competition between residence halls and Greek Village housing. Earn points by attending Campus Recreation and Wellness events, group exercise classes, intramurals and more opportunities throughout the semester. The Residence Hall with the most points at the end of the semester will win a trophy. Greek Village housing will earn points toward their intramural cup. Individual participants will earn merch and other prizes. For more information or questions please reach out to Logan Wile at lwile@uca.edu
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Monday, September 8
7:00 pm
Intramurals: Soccer and Co-Rec Soccer
Farris Softball Complex
7 v 7 soccer. Register your team below by September 4 at 5:00 pm. Double elimination tournament followed by single elimination division tournaments.
Soccer Entry Form
Co-Rec Soccer Entry Form
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Tuesday, September 9
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
DIY Cookie Kits
Ronnie Williams Student Center Courtyard
Who doesn’t love cookies?! Stop by the Student Center Courtyard between classes and pick up your very own free DIY Cookie Kit (while supplies last)!
Hosted by Student Activities Board
Tuesday, September 9
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Volunteer Fair
Ronnie Williams Student Center Lawn
Come learn how you can get involved on campus and in our community as a volunteer from 40+ local community organizations and service-oriented registered student organizations! Build professional skills, develop fulfilling connections, and complete service hour requirements while making a meaningful difference in the Conway or broader Central Arkansas community!
Hosted by Living Learning Communities and UCA Commitment
Tuesday, September 9
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Crafty Hour
Torreyson Library (in the back near Starbucks)
UCA Torreyson Library will host Crafty Hour every Tuesday this semester from 1:00-3:00 pm beginning Tuesday, September 2 through Tuesday, December 2. Crafty Hour gives students the opportunity for a brain break featuring Lego, card games, coloring pages, Lite-Brite, yarn arts and more. All are welcome and encouraged to join us!
Hosted by Torreyson Library
Tuesday, September 9
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Academic Success Workshop
Where Are You Going? How Will You Get There?
Ronnie Williams Student Center, Room 223/224
Everyone wants to be successful in life and most people even have a plan to achieve success. However, many people are not successful and have not achieved their goals because they didn’t have an effective plan. This session will discuss goal setting and the secret to developing a successful plan of action.
See complete schedule of Fall 2025 Academic Success Workshops.
Hosted by Student Success Services
Tuesday, September 9
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Gin Blossoms with Special Guest Spin Doctors
Reynolds Performance Hall
Get ready to rock! Gin Blossoms and Spin Doctors are teaming up for an unforgettable night of music. Experience the hits live from two legendary 90s bands. Gin Blossoms is an American alternative rock band formed in 1987. They rose to fame following the 1992 release of their first major album New Miserable Experience and the first single released from that album, “Hey Jealousy” became a Top 25 hit and went gold. Spin Doctors are an American rock band, formed in 1988, that gained prominence in the early 90s with their hit “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” from their debut album Pocket Full of Kryptonite. Two iconic bands, one unforgettable night of music!
UCA students may purchase tickets for $11.50 per person w/student ID at the Reynolds Performance Hall Box Office.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Wednesday, September 10
3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Introduction to Hunting
Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
Want to learn more about hunting? Come by and learn from experts in the hunting community.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Wednesday, September 10
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Student Success Services Game Night
Student Success and Veterans Resource Center
Do you like video games, board games, and card games? Then come by the Student Success and Veterans Resource Center for a fun night of games, friends, and fun! Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Hosted by Student Success Services
Thursday, September 11
1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
How to Prevent Going on Probation/Suspension
Student Health Center, Room 307
In this presentation tips to maintaining a healthy GPA will be discussed. UCA resources will also be listed.
Hosted by the Counseling Center
Thursday, September 11
6:00 pm
Welcome to the Den!
Ronnie Williams Student Center Ballroom
Now that classes are in session, how well do you REALLY know how to navigate and understand your class syllabus or know where all of the resources are to make sure you’re being successful? Attend this session to find out how to make sure you’re on track.
Hosted by the Office of Student Advocacy and Community
Thursday, September 11
6:00 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. Missouri State
Bill Stephens Complex
Salute to Service
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Friday, September 12
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Family Movie Night:
How to Train Your Dragon
Arkansas Hall Lawn
Student and their families are invited to come to campus for a fun family-friendly movie night on the lawn of Arkansas Hall. We’ll be showing How to Train Your Dragon. Refreshments will be provided. The movie will begin around 9 pm. This event is part of Family Weekend 2025.
Hosted by Student Activities Board and First Year Experience
Saturday, September 13
10:00 – 11:30 am
Parent & Family Programs Brunch
Ronnie Williams Student Center Ballroom
Join UCA Parent & Family Programs for a continental brunch. Dr. Michael Hargis, Provost and Executive Vice President will be this year’s guest speaker. Tickets are $15/person and may be purchased online here. This event is part of Family Weekend 2025.
Hosted by Parent and Family Programs
Saturday, September 13
2:00 – 5:30 pm
Fun Fair
Practice Football Field
Fun for the whole family! Enjoy one of the many inflatable attractions, play lawn games, and more! UCA students can also pick up a free UCA Family Weekend t-shirt (while supplies last)! Concessions will be available.
Hosted by Office of Student Life
Saturday, September 13
6:00 pm
Football vs. Tarleton State
Estes Stadium
Join us on the stripes as the UCA Bears take on the Tarleton State Texan Riders for Family Weekend.
Kickoff is at 6:00 pm at Estes Stadium. Tailgate on Bruce Street, then join the Bear Den in the student section to cheer on the Bears!
Current UCA students are allowed one free ticket to each UCA home game with their BearCard. Students are allowed to purchase one guest ticket per Student ID for $5 to each home game.
Family Weekend participants may use coupon code FAMILY25 to receive a 50% discount on general admission tickets through Friday, September 12.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
September 14 – September 20
Monday, September 15
1:40 pm – 2:30 pm
Stress – Help Support Group
Student Health Center, Room 307
This is a process group focusing on stress management techniques.
Hosted by the Counseling Center
Tuesday, September 16
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Student Wellness Tabling
Ronnie Williams Student Center
Come by the Student Wellness table and learn more about upcoming events and programs. Also learn about the different dimensions of wellness.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Tuesday, September 16
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Crafty Hour
Torreyson Library (in the back near Starbucks)
UCA Torreyson Library will host Crafty Hour every Tuesday this semester from 1:00-3:00 pm beginning Tuesday, September 2 through Tuesday, December 2. Crafty Hour gives students the opportunity for a brain break featuring Lego, card games, coloring pages, Lite-Brite, yarn arts and more. All are welcome and encouraged to join us!
Hosted by Torreyson Library
Tuesday, September 16
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Academic Success Workshop
Studying: That thing you never did in High School
Ronnie Williams Student Center, Room 223/224
“I didn’t have to study in high school. Have you ever said that?” Students who attend this workshop will learn study skills to improve their academic performance, the difference between active and passive learning, and a pyramid of learning. Students with a better understanding of what the grade they want requires.
See complete schedule of Fall 2025 Academic Success Workshops.
Hosted by Student Success Services
Wednesday, September 17
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Student Wellness Tabling
Ronnie Williams Student Center
Come by the Student Wellness table and learn more about upcoming events and programs. Also learn about the different dimensions of wellness.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Wednesday, September 17
3:00 – 6:00 pm
Climb 2 Zip-Line
UCA Challenge Course (behind Rec Field)
Climb up the rope wall and go down the zip-line. Join the Campus Outdoors Department and have some fun.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Thursday, September 18
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Student Wellness Tabling
Ronnie Williams Student Center
Come by the Student Wellness table and learn more about upcoming events and programs. Also learn about the different dimensions of wellness.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Thursday, September 18
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
RSO Fair
Ronnie Williams Student Center Courtyard
The UCA Registered Student Organization Fair will be located outside the Ronnie Williams Student Center from 12 pm to 3 pm Thursday, September 18. Many RSOs will have tables setup to recruit new members and promote their activities.
Hosted by Student Life
Thursday, September 18
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Managing Your Social Anxiety
Student Health Center, Room 307
In this presentation participants will learn and practice skills in connecting with others as well as learn skills to relax while socializing.
Hosted by the Counseling Center
Thursday, September 18
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Self-Defense Class for Women
Student Health Center, Room 307
For women only, led by a woman (Officer Sumner of UCA PD). Increase confidence, increase situational awareness and learn defensive techniques. Register by September 16 by emailing reesar@uca.edu.
Hosted by the Counseling Center
Thursday, September 18
7:00 – 11:00 pm
Swim Meet
Aquatic Center at Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
Lets find out who is the fastest swimmer on campus. Drop in and participate in the 25 meter, 50 meter or 100 meter relay (4 participants required for the relay). No registration required.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
September 21 – September 27
Sunday, September 21
3:30 pm
Volleyball vs. Oklahoma
Prince Center
Come support the Sugar Bears as they take on Oklahoma.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Sunday, September 21
7:00 pm
Men’s Soccer vs. Eastern Illinois
Bill Stephens Complex
Men’s Soccer takes on the Eastern Illinois Panthers! Kick-off set for 7 pm
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Monday, September 22
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Professional Photo Days
Bernard Hall , 3rd Floor
Come to Career Services for Professional Photo Days Sept. 22 – 26! 15 minute slots to have your professional photo taken. Come in professional (business casual or business formal) attire. Registration on Handshake is required.
Hosted by Career Services
Tuesday, September 23
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Crafty Hour
Torreyson Library (in the back near Starbucks)
UCA Torreyson Library will host Crafty Hour every Tuesday this semester from 1:00-3:00 pm beginning Tuesday, September 2 through Tuesday, December 2. Crafty Hour gives students the opportunity for a brain break featuring Lego, card games, coloring pages, Lite-Brite, yarn arts and more. All are welcome and encouraged to join us!
Hosted by Torreyson Library
Tuesday, September 23
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Academic Success Workshop
“Will this be on the test? – What you need to write down
Ronnie Williams Student Center, Room 223/224
This workshop will provide tips and strategies to assist students with taking notes. Participants will learn the goal of note taking, notes based on course subjects, what to do before, during and after the lecture. Participants will use The Cornell Note Taking Method during a mock lecture to practice the skills learned.
See complete schedule of Fall 2025 Academic Success Workshops.
Hosted by Student Success Services
Wednesday, September 24
3:00 – 6:00 pm
Introduction 2 Mountain Biking
Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
Interested in mountain biking but need more information? Don’t worry; we have you covered! Stop by to learn more.
Hosted by Campus Recreation & Wellness
Wednesday, September 24
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Glow in the Dark Mini Golf
Ronnie Williams Student Center Ballroom
Bring all your friends and come play miniature golf in the dark!
Hosted by Student Activities Board
Thursday, September 25
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Managing Socio-Political Stress
Student Health Center, Room 307
The current socio-political climate can be stressful for some. In this presentation participants will learn specific skills to mange this stress.
Hosted by the Counseling Center
Friday, September 26
3:30 pm
Volleyball vs. Lipscomb
Prince Center
Come support the Sugar Bears as they take on Lipscomb.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Saturday, September 27
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
MobilePack Event
Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
At least 6,200 children die each day from hunger-related causes (UNICEF). By volunteering to pack meals, your generosity makes a huge difference in the lives of thousands of children in need around the world. Our goal with this meal-packing event will be to pack over 100,000 meals to be distributed through the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children.
Volunteers are needed for set-up, meal packing, and clean-up shifts. All members of the UCA community and friends/family are welcome! We look forward to packing meals with you!
Register here.
Hosted by First Year Experience and Living Learning Communities
Sunday, September 28
1:00 pm
Volleyball vs. Austin Peay
Prince Center
Come support the Sugar Bears as they take on Austin Peay.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
September 28 – October 2
Tuesday, September 30
1:40 – 2:30 pm
Academic Success Workshop
Reading Strategies
Ronnie Williams Student Center, Room 223/224
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to apply active reading strategies so you can study with purpose and retention. You’ll practice summarizing a college-level text as well as reflect on your personal reading habits to identify areas for improvement.
See complete schedule of Fall 2025 Academic Success Workshops.
Hosted by Student Success Services
Meal Pack Sign for Bear Fair 2025 
Tuesday, September 30
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Mobilize Recovery Campus Surge 2025
Ronnie Williams Student Center Ampitheatre
Mobilize Recovery, End Overdose, and collegiate recovery initiatives unite to break down barriers and promote the message that hope and recovery are achievable for all.
KEY FOCUS AREAS
Education: Workshops on addiction, recovery, and mental health.
Empowerment: Leadership training for student advocates.
Community Engagement: A Concert and town halls to foster connection. Life-Saving Resources: Distribution of overdose reversal agents and fentanyl test strips to reduce fatalities.
Hosted by the Community Care Clinic
Wednesday, October 1
6:00 pm
Volleyball vs. North Alabama
Prince Center
Come support the Sugar Bears as they take on North Alabama.
Hosted by UCA Athletics
Thursday, October 2
1:00 – 3:00 pm
New Bear Beginnings Celebration
Ronnie Williams Student Center Lawn
Join us on the lawn of the Student Center as we celebrate the completion of the first six weeks of the fall semester! Refreshments will be provided!
Hosted by First Year Experience
Campus Departments
Do you have an event scheduled after Welcome Week through October 1, 2025 that is open to first-year students that you’d like promoted here? Complete our New Bear Beginnings Event Submission form.
