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Full Slate of Events Welcomes UAFS Students

Events | Featured | StudentsAugust 14, 2025
Two students pose on the sidewalk near the UAFS Bell Tower while others walk to class during the first day of the fall semester

First day smiles

Written By: Ian Silvester

Students will soon fill the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus as the fall semester begins on Monday, August 18.

As the university and its registered student organizations eagerly await the start of a new term, the first week of classes has a full slate of events scheduled to help make the transition back to class a smooth one.

See below for the schedule:


Monday, August 18

  • First Day Photos and Chick-fil-A
    • Snap a first-day picture and grab a bite to eat from 8-10 a.m. at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace.
  • First Person to Bring…
    • Race against fellow Lions to be the first to bring a specific item, and you'll have a chance to start the semester with $50. The race is on from 10 a.m. to noon at the UAFS Bell Tower.
  • Boreham Library Welcome Week Reception
    • Visit the Boreham Library’s welcome table for treats and resources, and snag a photo in the giant book photo booth from 10 a.m. to noon at the Boreham Library.
  • Boreham Library Scavenger Hunt
    • Follow clues to become familiar with the Boreham Library and its librarians all week for a chance to win a prize from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hint: The first clue is: Which librarian do you need to find when you’re looking for help with health sciences or history research? Find them for the next clue!
  • Ultimate Refresqueria
    • Mix and match to find the best-tasting combination of aqua fresca and Thai tea from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Math Science Courtyard.
  • First Day Lunch
    • Pick up a free lunch of Steven’s Specials provided by Baptist Collegiate Ministry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace.
  • Soda Social and Howdy Dance
    • Kick and stomp your boots at the annual Howdy Dance (Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room) and get a refresher from the soda social across the hall in room 129 from 7-9 p.m.

Tuesday, August 19

  • First Day Photos and Coffee
    • Perk up and take a picture with friends from 8-10 a.m. at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace.
  • 7Brew Style Energy Drinks
    • Fill up the tank with 7Brew-inspired energy drinks from 10 a.m. to noon at the UAFS Bell Tower.
  • Boreham Library Scavenger Hunt
    • The hunt continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Pop into the ASC
    • Meet the team behind your academic success from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Vines, 202 (Academic Success Center).
  • Blue and White Tailgate
    • Wear your Lion gear and cool off with a snow cone from 5-6 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center before cheering on the UAFS Volleyball team.
  • Blue and White Scrimmage
    • Catch the annual UAFS Volleyball scrimmage as the team prepares for the upcoming season from 6-7 p.m. at the Stubblefield Center. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.
  • Courtyard Carnival
    • Keep the fun going with carnival games and snacks from 7-9 p.m. at the Lion’s Den Courtyard.

Wednesday, August 20

  • Donuts and Energy Drinks
    • Grab a sweet snack on your way to class and fill your caffeine reserves from 8-11 a.m. at the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center Fireplace.
  • Plinko
    • Play everyone’s favorite game of chance for prizes from 10 a.m. to noon at the UAFS Bell Tower.
  • Boreham Library Scavenger Hunt
    • The hunt continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Pop into the ASC
    • Meet the team behind your academic success from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Vines, 202 (Academic Success Center).
  • Army ROTC Incentives Fair
    • Learn about Lion Company, the UAFS Army ROTC program, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Field House (Old Gym).
  • LGBTQ+ Meet and Greet Social
    • Join PRIDE at UAFS for an afternoon of inclusion and fun from 4-6 p.m. in Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, 129.
  • Meet the Greeks
    • Learn about Greek Life at UAFS directly from fraternity and sorority members from 7-8 p.m. in Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room.
  • REACH Kickoff
    • Swing by Grand Avenue Baptist Church, 3900 Grand Ave., Fort Smith, to start the fall semester with REACH from 8-9 p.m.

Thursday, August 21

  • Wake and Cake
    • Start the day with a pancake treat from 8-11 a.m. in the Math Science Courtyard.
  • Boreham Library Scavenger Hunt
    • Hurry, time is running out as the hunt continues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Casino Night and VIP Room
    • Test your luck to win real prizes with imaginary money from 7-9 p.m. in the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center, Reynolds Room, or treat yourself like the VIP that you are across the hall in room 129.

Friday, August 22

  • Boreham Library Scavenger Hunt
    • The hunt ends today. Hurry before time runs out! Search for clues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Dodgeball
    • Remember the five D’s of Dodgeball: Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge from 2-4 p.m. at the RAWC.
  • Iron Chef: Instant Ramen Edition
    • Tired of your usual ramen? Get inspiration to up your game from 2-4 p.m. in Baldor, 101.

Media Relations

The UAFS Office of Communications fields all media inquiries for the university. Email Rachel.Putman@uafs.edu for more information.

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Rachel Rodemann Putman

  • Director of Strategic Communications
  • 479-788-7132
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