Weeks of Welcome

A large crowd of students fills the stands at Yogi Berra Stadium during a Weeks of Welcome event featuring mascots and activities on the field.

Start Your College Experience the Right Way!

Weeks of Welcome is your official kickoff to the semester, packed with events, traditions and opportunities to meet people, explore campus and get connected. Running from August through Labor Day, it covers move-in, Red Hawk Day and the start of classes on both the Montclair and Bloomfield campuses.

Beginning Sunday, August 23 there will be events every day including but not limited to:

Highlighted Events

You can browse the full Weeks of Welcome schedule on Engage, save them to your calendar and easily access your Event Pass so you can have a smooth check in!

View the Full Calendar of Events!

Red Hawk Day Carnival Postponed

Now happening Saturday, August 29, 2026!

The biggest tradition of the season. Red Hawk Day brings the entire campus together the day before classes begin for a high-energy celebration you won't want to miss including involvement fairs, a campus carnival, rides, games, free food music and more!

  • 12-4 p.m.
  •  Lot 23

On the Bloomfield campus?

  • The Bloomfield/Montclair campus shuttle will leave from Bloomfield at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., and return to Bloomfield from Montclair at 1:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Download TripShot for full shuttle schedules!
students riding a carnival ride

Make Friends, Have Fun!

Weeks of Welcome sets the tone for your semester, and the best way to make the most of it is to plan ahead. Students who attend these events are more likely to make friends early, feel connected to campus and get involved from the start. With events happening every day across both campuses, building your schedule ahead of time keeps you organized!

What to Expect

  • Events after Orientation days
  • Programs throughout move-in
  • Social events, activities and late-night fun
  • Opportunities to meet other students and campus partners
  • Events across both campuses 
  • Information to stay active throughout your time at the University
two orientation leaders
Students interview Rocky the Red Hawk on a campus walkway during a Weeks of Welcome activity.

See You There!

This is your moment to jump in, try something new and start building your Montclair and Bloomfield experience. We'll see you at Weeks of Welcome!