Weeks of Welcome
Surrounding the start of classes will be USF's Weeks of Welcome, or WOW.
- The first two weeks of class are called Weeks of Welcome (WOW), packed with programs, events, and services.
- WOW serves as an extended orientation and helps new students get involved, find community, and learn more about the opportunities and resources at USF.
- For the most up-to-date WOW information and schedule, keep checking this webpage for details as we approach August!
Fall 2026: Weeks of Welcome - Tuesday, Aug. 25 - Monday, Sept. 7
Tuesday, August 25 - Friday, August 28
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Learning, Writing, and Speaking Centers (LWSC) Walk-In Hours | 9 AM - 5 PM |
Gleeson Library, Lower Level, Room G03 |
Learn more about academic support services at USF! LWSC Front Desk are available to answer questions and assist students with making appointments. |
Tuesday, August 25 - First Day of Classes (FDOC)
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Back Fest | 11:30 AM - 1 PM |
Privett Plaza |
Welcome Back, USF! Swing by and explore all the resources and programs USF and San Francisco have to offer, all in one spot. From academic departments and local grocery stores to nonprofits aligned with your passions, this is your chance to connect with the community, discover new opportunities, and snag some free swag along the way! |
| BRC Open House + Game Night | 2:30 PM - 5 PM | University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge & 415 | Join the BRC in the room 415 to meet the BASE staff team! See history, connect with vibes and join us in various games as we being the semester together! |
| Meet the Greeks | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Fromm Complex, Maraschi Room | Join Student Leadership and Engagement to learn more about Greek Life at USF. Meet members from all social sororities and fraternities and discover how to get involved in these vibrant communities. Different groups will be highlighted on each day. |
Wednesday, August 26
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Night | 6 PM - 8 PM |
Target Store |
Join us for a back-to-school event with a 20% total discount for students showing their USF ID, raffles/giveaways every hour, food vendors, Student DJ, etc. The first 100 students will receive free Starbucks refreshers as well as enter into a raffle of multiple items and gift cards throughout the duration of the event. |
| Meet the Greeks | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Fromm Complex, Maraschi Room | Join Student Leadership and Engagement to learn more about Greek Life at USF. Meet members from all social sororities and fraternities and discover how to get involved in these vibrant communities. Different groups will be highlighted on each day. |
Thursday, August 27
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rec Sports Presents: Day on the Green | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Welch Field | Day on the Green is open to all USF students! Discover everything the Recreational Sports Department has to offer— Intramural Sports, Club Sports, Group Fitness Classes, and more. Free t-shirts will be given to all attendees (while supplies last), and everyone will have a chance to enter a raffle for sports and recreation accessories. |
| Meet the Greeks | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Fromm Complex, Maraschi Room | Join Student Leadership and Engagement to learn more about Greek Life at USF. Meet members from all social sororities and fraternities and discover how to get involved in these vibrant communities. Different groups will be highlighted on each day . |
| Paint & Sip | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM |
University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge |
Who said you weren’t an artist? Join the students and staff of the Cultural Centers where you'll engage in conversation, build community, and leave with your own social justice based art pieces! |
Friday, August 28
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Employment Part-Time Job Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM |
McLaren Complex |
Looking for a part-time job on or off campus? Don’t miss the Student Employment Job Fair! Meet with campus departments and local employers who are hiring for part-time roles. Whether you're hoping to build your résumé, earn some extra money, or gain valuable experience, this is the perfect place to start. Come prepared with questions, your résumé, and an open mind—you never know what opportunities you’ll discover! |
Monday, August 31
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultural Centers Open House | 11 AM - 6 PM |
University Center, Fourth Floor |
Looking to learn more about the Cultural Centers at USF? Come by our open house to see the Intercultural Center and Gender & Sexuality Center and learn what we do, what resources we have, and how to get involved as a volunteer! |
Tuesday, Sept. 1
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Ramen Remix Night | 6:30 PM - 8 PM |
University Center, Fourth Floor Lounge |
Come remix your instant ramen with the Cultural Centers!! Spruce up your instant ramen with affordable add-ins while meeting new friends. Enter a spicy noodle challenge to win a prize and prove you can't be beat! |
| Magis Emerging Leadership Program Information Session | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | Fromm Complex, Xavier Room | Want to become a leader in your first year at USF? Come meet alumni and our Magis Leadership Team to learn about the benefits of becoming a Magis Fellow! |
Thursday, Sept. 3
| Event | Time | LOcation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLE Fall Involvement Fair | 11:30 AM - 1 PM |
Gleeson Plaza & Welch Field |
Chat with representatives from 150+ student organizations to find out how you can get involved at USF. For more information, visit Student Leadership and Engagement on the University Center 4th Floor, follow @usfsle or learn more on the SLE website. |
Certain events will be photographed and/or video recorded for archival, educational, and related promotional purposes. By attending or participating in this event, you grant USF the full unrestricted rights to your photograph, voice and likeness in any manner or media whatsoever worldwide for educational marketing purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or video recorded, please inform the camera person at the start of each event.