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!
August 20th – October 1st
Thursday, September 3
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Student Wellness Fair
Ronnie Williams Student Center
Stop by to meet campus and community partners, discover helpful resources, participate in activities, and learn more about the services available to help you thrive at UCA! Register here.
Hosted by Campus Recreation and Wellness
Saturday, September 5
8:15 am – 10:00 am
Cross Country UCA Bear Invitational
Beaver Fork Park
Come out and support our Men’s and Women’s Cross Country teams as they compete in our home meet at Beaver Fork Park.
Hosted by Athletics
Saturday, September 5
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UCA Football vs. University of West Florida
Estes Stadium
Come out and support the Bears on the Stripes for our home opener! Students get in for free by claiming a student ticket. Wear purple and be loud!
Hosted by Athletics
Sunday, September 6
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. UT Martin
Bill Stephens Complex
The Bears are back home for a match against UT Martin. Come out and support – admission is free!
Hosted by Athletics
Sunday, September 7
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Men’s Soccer vs. Central Baptist
Bill Stephens Complex
It’s First Responders Night at the Bill Stephens Complex. Join us as we honor those who serve our community! Free first aid kits while supplies last! The Bears take on the Mustangs of CBC – this event is free to attend!
Hosted by Athletics
Wednesday, September 9
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mountain Biking 101
Pompe Pump Track
Join other UCA students and learn Mountain Biking Basics at a local track here in Conway!
Thursday, September 10
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Transfer Mix & Mingle
Bernard 207
Welcome event for new and current transfer students to meet the OSAC staff and learn more about the services our office provides.
Hosted by Student Advocacy & Community
Thursday, September 10
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
UCA’s Hidden Gems
Thomas C. Courtway Student Recreation Center
Join Campus Outdoors and explore the outdoor recreation resources here on campus!
Thursday, September 10
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. Nevada
Bill Stephens Complex
It’s another match at home for the Bears! Come out and support – admission is free.
Friday, September 11 – Saturday, September 12
Family Weekend
University of Central Arkansas
We are excited to welcome our families back to UCA’s campus with our Fall 2026 Family Weekend!
Friday, September 11
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Men’s Soccer vs. Lipscomb
Bill Stephens Complex
It’s the first conference home match of the year! Bring everyone – we need a large and loud crowd against the Bisons.
Saturday, September 12
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UCA Football vs. University of Central Oklahoma
Estes Stadium
It’s Family Day and Band Day on campus! Join us prior to the game for family fun activities. Students get in for free by registering for a student ticket online.
Sunday, September 13 – Friday, September 18
IFC Recruitment
Interested in joining a fraternity? Check out the IFC website: IFC Recruitment General Information.
Hosted by Student Involvement & Leadership.
Tuesday, September 15
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Unhoused Student Mix & Mingle
Bernard 207
Welcome event for new and current unhoused students to meet the OSAC staff and learn more about the services/resources our office provides.
Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20
9:00 am – 7:00 pm
Winding Stair Backpacking Trip
Winding Stairs – Little Missouri River, AR
Join other students and overnight backpack to the Winding Stairs along the Eagle Rock Loop, Saturday, Sept 19th and Sunday, Sept 20th.
Tuesday, September 22
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Bears Connect With OSAC Fair
Ronnie Williams Student Center Lawn
Learn about the programs, services, and resources provided by OSAC. Register here.
Hosted by Student Advocacy & Community.
Thursday, September 24
Time: TBD
RSO Fair
Location: TBD
Learn about RSO’s in a drop-in fair setting!
Thursday, September 24
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Adopted & Foster Student Mix & Mingle
Bernard 207
Welcome event for new and current adopted and foster students to meet the OSAC staff and learn more about the services/resources our office provides.
Thursday, September 24
Time: TBD
Desserts & Drinks with the Deans
Location: TBD
Join the Deans for Desserts & Drinks!
Thursday, September 24
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
UCA Volleyball vs. Eastern Kentucky
Prince Center
It’s time to pack the Prince Center – UAC play is here! The Sugar Bears take on EKU in our first home conference match of the season. Come out and support – admission is FREE!
Thursday, September 24
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. Tarleton State
Bill Stephens Complex
The Bears take on the Texans in UAC play at the Bill Stephens Complex. Admission is free so help us get a large crowd!
Saturday, September 26
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
UCA Volleyball vs. Austin Peay
Prince Center
We’ve got another tough matchup in the Prince Center! Come cheer on the Sugar Bears as they take on the Austin Peay Governors.
Saturday, September 26
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Men’s Soccer vs. Jacksonville
Bill Stephens Complex
We’ve got another ASUN Conference game at home! Come support the Bears – admission is free!
Sunday, September 27
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Women’s Soccer vs. Little Rock
Bill Stephens Complex
We’ve got a big conference matchup on deck! Come out and support as the Bears take on Little Rock in UAC play! Free admission!
Tuesday, September 29
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Nontraditional and Pregnant & Parenting Student Mix & Mingle
Bernard 207
Welcome event for new and current nontraditional and pregnant/parenting students to meet the OSAC staff and learn more about the services our office provides.
Wednesday, September 30
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Mountain Biking 2 at the Tech Park
Meadows Tech Park, Conway AR
Join Campus Outdoors at a mountain biking track in Conway. Meet others interested in mountain biking!
Campus Departments
Do you have an event scheduled after Welcome Week through October 1, 2026 that is open to first-year students that you’d like promoted here? Complete our New Bear Beginnings Event Submission form.
