Tuesday, August 13 | 6pm
Reed Plaza + Sanford Stadium
You put in the hours and made the cut. Welcome to the University of Georgia! We’re thrilled to invite you to Freshman Welcome as you launch your UGA journey. Party with your peers in Reed Plaza and then make your way into Sanford Stadium to hear from some VIBs (Very Important Bulldogs), learn game day cheers and traditions, and form the Power G on Dooley Field. For many of you, this will be the last time on the field until Commencement—don’t miss your chance!
Food & Fun
The party starts with free food, drinks and activities like electronic Bulldog-riding and photo booths.
Swag & Spirit
We’ll get you into the Bulldog spirit with UGA cheerleaders, Hairy Dawg, the Redcoat Marching Band and VIBs.
Chants & Class Pics
You’ll learn game day traditions and UGA cheers, and then take a class photo between the hedges!
SCHEDULE
- 6PM – The party starts in Reed Plaza
- 7PM – In-stadium pep rally begins
- 7:15PM – Welcome Messages
- SGA President Rock Rogers
- UGA President Jere W. Morehead
- Head Football Coach Kirby Smart
- SAC President Willis Tripp
- 7:30PM – Entering field
- 8PM – Class photo taken on Dooley Field
*In the case of inclement weather, an alternate date may be selected. Students will be emailed details and an update will be placed on this page.
Students/parents can follow @uga_sac on Instagram for live event updates.
ACCESSIBILITY
Arrangements will be available for students with accessibility needs. Please email ugasac@uga.edu to let us know ahead of time. Upon arrival, seek out a staff member or volunteer near the rock wall in Reed Plaza.
WHAT TO BRING
This free event doesn’t require you to bring anything! We’ll provide you with plenty of water, and there’s nothing you need to pay for. Food will be provided, but we do recommend having a snack before you arrive. Just like gameday and professional sporting events, a clear bag is required. Bring your phone for photos and to check into the event for a chance to win prizes.
WHAT TO WEAR
It’s August in Georgia. We recommend you wear cool and comfortable clothing. This is a casual, outdoor event. When you go onto the field for the class photo, you may be asked to remove your shoes to protect the turf before our first home game.
Please wear red! Whatever you do, don’t wear orange or blue (the colors of some of our biggest SEC rivals!)
EVENT CHECK-IN
Freshman Welcome is one of the largest events of the fall semester. Before you arrive, please set up your event pass by following the directions below:
- On your phone, sign in to the Involvement Network.
- Click your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Click the QR code icon in the top left corner.
- Add your Event Pass to your digital wallet (or save a screenshot!)
FRESHMAN WELCOME EVENT MAP
Students will receive specific instructions from their residence halls on where to enter during the event. Each hall has an arrival time that is set in coordination with the required hall meeting. When arriving at Freshman Welcome, please pay attention to event volunteers to get checked in and receive food as quickly as possible.
PAST FRESHMAN WELCOME EVENTS
This annual tradition has been taking place since 2011. Welcome to the UGA family, Bulldogs!
FRESHMAN WELCOME PARTNERS
This annual event is made possible thanks to the Division of Development and Alumni Relations,UGA Student Alumni Council, and the Parents Leadership Council. Thank you to the following partners who help make it a success:
UGA Office of the President
Student Government Association
Office of Student Transitions
Division of Student Affairs
UGA Athletic Association
UGA Police Department
Division of Marketing & Communications
Freshman Welcome is a proud #WelcomeUGA event.
Follow along on social media or visit welcome.uga.edu for other exciting ways to kickstart college life!
