Skip to main content
/news/_images/2024/welcome-weeks-900-600.jpg
“Radford University is a community where every student should be able to find their place and find their people, and Welcome Weeks are designed for just that purpose,” said Tricia Smith, associate vice president for Student Life.

Radford Welcome Weeks – underway now through Sept. 27 – offer students a rich variety of free events and activities, boasting a full schedule that includes more than 110 happenings on the main campus and another two dozen at the school’s location in Roanoke.

“Radford University is a community where every student should be able to find their place and find their people, and Welcome Weeks are designed for just that purpose,” said Tricia Smith, associate vice president for Student Life. 

“There are several campus traditions that students won’t want to miss, but there are also many small gatherings and opportunities to really get to know others,” Smith said. 

The Welcome Back Bash, held on Heth Lawn on Thursday, Aug. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., is “kind of a block party with a kick-back vibe,” according to Micah Untiedt of the university’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion, which presents the event.

“We’re going to have cook-out foods, wings, a DJ and just do a lot of welcoming people who pass by, encouraging them to pick up a plate,” Untiedt explained, adding that the Bash will also offer a ‘Chill Zone’ located in Heth Hall 157 with “crafts, lo-fi and good vibes.”

Students can pull up the full Welcome Weeks’ schedule and should do a “control + F” search of the lengthy list to find the types of activities they’re looking for.

The scores of upcoming offerings also include an Aug. 30 prayer brunch by the Radford University Campus Ministers Association (RUCMA); competitions in the form of Triviapalooza on the Bonnie Stage on Sept. 2, multiple weekly Game Nights at McConnell Library and a Sept. 27 talent show hosted by Diversity Awareness Programing (DAP); athletic events like soccer matches, the Tartan 5K at Fallon Park in Roanoke on Sept. 20 and copious opportunities for floating down the New River via kayak, inner tube or paddle board.

The string of events culminates with Family and Friends Weekend, starting Sept. 27.

Students should bring their Radford University OneCard ID to all functions.