Weeks of Welcome

Nighthawks Fest

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for Nighthawks Fest, the ultimate campus takeover and student organization fair! Whether you’re looking to lead, create, compete, or just find your community, this is where your journey begins. From academic societies and special interest clubs to Greek life and campus spirit groups, dozens of organizations will be lined up and ready to meet you. This is your one-stop shop to see everything our campus has to offer.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Nighthawk Kickoff

noon - 1 p.m..

Welcome home, Nighthawks! Start the year off right by attending the annual Nighthawk Kickoff on your home campus. This is your official Welcome Home event with food, fun, games, and giveaways. Please make plans to attend!

*Sponsored by Division of Student Engagement & Success

The Blue & Gold Glow

8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Light up the night, Nighthawks! Ready to trade the fluorescent library lights for something a little more... electric? Join Nighthawks Entertainment for the biggest, brightest, and loudest night of the semester. We’re turning the lights down and the UV up for a high-energy dance party that you’ll see from across the Veranda.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Pajamas & Popcorn V

7 - 10 p.m.

Get ready for the coziest night of the year at the Convocation Center for our "Pajamas & Popcorn V" movie extravaganza! We are transforming the arena into a massive indoor lounge to showcase a brand-new blockbuster on the big screen, offering a true cinematic experience without the need for real shoes. Attendees are encouraged to ditch the formal attire and show up in their favorite onesies, fuzzy slippers, or flannels to compete in our pajama contest for some incredible themed prizes. Beyond the film, you can dive into a gourmet popcorn bar featuring a variety of custom toppings, enjoy movie-inspired snacks, and enter our raffles for a chance to win "Ultimate Movie Night" gift baskets. Grab your blankets and pillows and arrive early to claim the best spot on the floor for a night of snacks, cinema, and serious relaxation

*Sponsored by Nighthawks Entertainment Dahlonega and Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Affirmations with DZ

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hoag Patio

Leave a sweet note of encouragement for students starting their classes, then take one to keep with you for your own encouragement!

*Sponsored by Delta Zeta

7 - 9 p.m.

Welcome home, Nighthawks! Start the year off right by attending the annual Nighthawk Kickoff on your home campus. This is your official Welcome Home event with food, fun, games, and giveaways. Please make plans to attend!

*Sponsored by Division of Student Engagement & Success

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Hoag Student Center ABC Rooms

Nighthawks, it’s time to ditch those bare dorm walls. Whether you're looking to turn your room into a high-end art gallery, a cinematic tribute, or a meme-filled sanctuary, Poster Invasion is landing at UNG with thousands of options to choose from. From classic masterpieces and vintage vibes to the latest in music, movies, and pop culture, we’ve got exactly what you need to make your space feel like home.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hoag Student Center ABC Rooms

Nighthawks, it’s time to ditch those bare dorm walls. Whether you're looking to turn your room into a high-end art gallery, a cinematic tribute, or a meme-filled sanctuary, Poster Invasion is landing at UNG with thousands of options to choose from. From classic masterpieces and vintage vibes to the latest in music, movies, and pop culture, we’ve got exactly what you need to make your space feel like home.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hoag Patio

Start your service journey off right! Connect with community organizations for opportunities related to volunteering, internships, Service-Learning, and other opportunities!

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

noon - 2 p.m.

Willie’s Burger House (old Chow House Diner)

Willie’s Burger House at UNG is back and better than ever with a grand re-opening that showcases a refreshed, modern space designed for gathering and game-day energy. The upgraded sports bar atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to catch a game while enjoying a lively campus dining experience. Alongside the new look, guests can explore an exciting new menu featuring fresh takes on classic favorites.

*Sponsored by Auxiliary and Dining Services

2 - 5 p.m.

Promenade

NED will be hosting a petting zoo on the Promenade and giving out free stuff-a-plushies as well!

*Sponsored by Nighthawks Entertainment Dahlonega

Poster Invasion

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Nighthawks, it’s time to ditch those bare dorm walls. Whether you're looking to turn your room into a high-end art gallery, a cinematic tribute, or a meme-filled sanctuary, Poster Invasion is landing at UNG with thousands of options to choose from. From classic masterpieces and vintage vibes to the latest in music, movies, and pop culture, we’ve got exactly what you need to make your space feel like home.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Greek-A-Palooza

6 - 8 p.m.

Greek‑A‑Palooza is a high‑energy showcase where new students can explore fraternity and sorority life in one welcoming event. Attendees can meet every sorority and fraternity on campus, ask questions, and get a feel for each chapter’s personality and values. It’s the perfect chance to discover where you might belong and start building connections that last well beyond your first semester.

*Sponsored by Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life

Nighthawks Fest

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for Nighthawks Fest, the ultimate campus takeover and student organization fair! Whether you’re looking to lead, create, compete, or just find your community, this is where your journey begins. From academic societies and special interest clubs to Greek life and campus spirit groups, dozens of organizations will be lined up and ready to meet you. This is your one-stop shop to see everything our campus has to offer.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Sweeten Your Circle: SGA x FSL

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

*Sponsored by Student Government Association and Fraternity & Sorority Life

Community Engagement Fair

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Start your service journey off right! Connect with community organizations for opportunities related to volunteering, internships, Service-Learning, and other opportunities!

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Poster Invasion

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Student Center Robinson Ballroom

Nighthawks, it’s time to ditch those bare dorm walls. Whether you're looking to turn your room into a high-end art gallery, a cinematic tribute, or a meme-filled sanctuary, Poster Invasion is landing at UNG with thousands of options to choose from. From classic masterpieces and vintage vibes to the latest in music, movies, and pop culture, we’ve got exactly what you need to make your space feel like home.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

UNG Opportunities Mini Fair

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Student Center Cafeteria

Unlock your potential, talk to internal departments & friendly staff about university resources and your success this year at the 3rd annual UNG Opportunities Mini-Fair!

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Poster Invasion

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Student Center Robinson Ballroom

Nighthawks, it’s time to ditch those bare dorm walls. Whether you're looking to turn your room into a high-end art gallery, a cinematic tribute, or a meme-filled sanctuary, Poster Invasion is landing at UNG with thousands of options to choose from. From classic masterpieces and vintage vibes to the latest in music, movies, and pop culture, we’ve got exactly what you need to make your space feel like home.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Nighthawk Kickoff

noon - 1 p.m.

Welcome home, Nighthawks! Start the year off right by attending the annual Nighthawk Kickoff on your home campus. This is your official Welcome Home event with food, fun, games, and giveaways. Please make plans to attend!

*Sponsored by Division of Student Engagement & Success

Lo-Fi Lounge Grand Opening

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Student Center 302

The needle drops, the static crackles, and the vibe is set. Welcome to the grand opening of the "Lo-Fi Lounge". We’ve built the ultimate sanctuary to decompress. Immerse yourself in vinyl record tracks under soft, relaxing lights, catch something on the TV, or sketch your thoughts on our interactive chalk wall. Plug into a charging station, sink into a seat, and just chill.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Nighthawks Fest

Join us for Nighthawks Fest, the ultimate campus takeover and student organization fair! Whether you’re looking to lead, create, compete, or just find your community, this is where your journey begins. From academic societies and special interest clubs to Greek life and campus spirit groups, dozens of organizations will be lined up and ready to meet you. This is your one-stop shop to see everything our campus has to offer.

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Newcomer Night at the Drive-In”

8:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Calling all campus cruisers and movie mavens! Get ready for a rewind and a brand-new adventure at our third annual Newcomer Night at the Drive-In! Cruise onto campus, pile your car high with your crew, cozy blankets, and tasty treats, and join us for a night of big-screen magic under the Georgia stars. This year, we’re leveling up the fun with the Mario Galaxy 2026 movie! Get ready to blast off on an out-of-this-world adventure with Mario and friends as they journey across the stars. It’s the perfect night for newcomers and returning friends alike to experience the unique fun of a drive-in movie right here on campus. So, dust off your ride, gather your crew, and prepare for a cinematic adventure that’s sure to be super!

*Sponsored by Student Orientation and Success/First Year Experience

AMSA Introduction Meeting

noon - 1 p.m.

Science Building room 173

Welcome to AMSA! Come by to learn more about our student organization, play games, and get free snacks!

*Sponsored by American Medical Student Association

Nighthawk Kickoff

8:30 - 9:30 a.m.

Welcome home, Nighthawks! Start the year off right by attending the annual Nighthawk Kickoff on your home campus. This is your official Welcome Home event with food, fun, games, and giveaways. Please make plans to attend!

*Sponsored by Division of Student Engagement & Success

Bingo for Basics

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Play a game of bingo and win a prize! Get to know the Dean of Students office and the services that they provide!

*Sponsored by Dean of Students

Student Lounge Open House

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Come check out the new student lounge on campus! We will have food, games, and more!

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement and Leadership

Bingo for Basics

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Play a game of bingo and win a prize! Get to know the Dean of Students office and the services that they provide!

*Sponsored by Dean of Students

Nighthawks Fest

11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Join us for Nighthawks Fest, the ultimate campus takeover and student organization fair! Whether you’re looking to lead, create, compete, or just find your community, this is where your journey begins. From academic societies and special interest clubs to Greek life and campus spirit groups, dozens of organizations will be lined up and ready to meet you. This is your one-stop shop to see everything our campus has to offer

*Sponsored by Center for Student Engagement & Leadership

Bingo for Basics

11:30 - 1 p.m.

Play a game of bingo and win a prize! Get to know the Dean of Students office and the services that they provide!

*Sponsored by Dean of Students

Pollinator Palooza: Tracking Biodiversity for the The Great Southeast Pollinator Census in Oconee’s Garden

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Come and be part of The Great Southeast Pollinator Census in the Oconee Campus Pollinator Garden: protecting the Southeast's pollinators one count at a time!  We will be counting pollinators (butterflies, bees, beetles, and more!) as part of a citizen science project happening simultaneously in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Mississippi.  No special knowledge of pollinators or gardening is required!

*Sponsored by the Department of Biology