Discover campus recreation Welcome Week ideas that spark student engagement, build community and create lasting connections from day one.
With the next academic year right around the corner, many campus recreation departments are preparing for new and returning students with Welcome Week events.
These activities are the perfect time to connect with students and show them what your department has to offer. From class samplers to pool parties, here are campus recreation Welcome Week ideas inspired by facilities across the country.
Late Night at the Rec at the University of Texas at San Antonio
At the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Late Night at the Rec isn’t just an opportunity for students to see the recreation center — it’s a way to build community and help students feel like they belong on campus.
Late Night at the Rec turns the Campus Recreation Center into a high-energy night full of activity — including giveaways, inflatables, dancing, group exercise demos, club sports tabling, open recreation, competitions and even slacklining.
Madison Cowles, the assistant director of Campus Recreation Marketing and Communications at UTSA, said Late Night at the Rec not only gives students the chance to learn how to get involved and meet other students, but also gives visibility and awareness to the campus rec department.
“We find that face-to-face interactions with our friendly staff combined with low-barrier opportunities to try out a myriad of programs make students more likely to return,” said Cowles. “Seeing what the rec has to offer first-hand and seeing your peers have fun is the best way to generate interest in coming back.”
For other campus rec departments looking to implement Welcome Week events, Cowles recommends keeping the energy up and entry easy for the most fun and welcoming environment.
She also stressed the importance of including student staff in the event, sharing how their help can ensure everything runs smoothly by handing out T-shirts, taking photos and videos for social media and demonstrating CPR in the Aquatics Center.
Overall, Late Night at the Rec is meant to spark a lasting connection between all students and the campus rec department at UTSA — whether it’s their first time there or the tenth. While UTSA focuses on one night of fun and fitness, other universities take a different approach through week-long events.
Week of Welcome at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s (UNC) Campus Recreation department offers a variety of events during the university-wide Week of Welcome, from classes to competitions.
Another event hosted by Campus Recreation combines a fitness class and entertainment. Following two aquatics classes — one usually being standing paddleboard Pilates — there’s a dive-in movie at the outdoor pool. Done in collaboration with the Week of Welcome student planning committee, this event gives students the chance to sample a group fitness class while engaging with other students.
Some of the other events give students the chance to learn about what the rec center has to offer, like club sports or certain workouts. The Sport Clubs Fest is an opportunity for prospective club athletes to find their best fit, while Newbie Night is an open climbing night where students without experience can try out the wall. The department also hosts Battleship, an aquatics competition with canoes on the outdoor pool.
When it comes to planning these events, Tori Hooker, the associate director of Programs at UNC, said it took a lot of communication and coordination between her department, the university and other organizations. Her advice is to utilize other student groups and departments to improve the event’s reach. She said her goal isn’t to be everything for everyone but rather to be a place where everyone feels they belong.
“Oftentimes, getting involved and becoming engaged in groups and activities across campus can help students see they belong and feel less like a small fish in a large sea,” said Hooker. “I would say the earlier this can happen, the more likely they are to return and the better the outcomes are for them — such as the sense of belonging and ultimately retention.” 
Fun and Foundational
From pool parties to canoe competitions, these campus recreation Welcome Week ideas offer more than just a few nights of fun — they’re a strategic investment in student engagement and retention. For campus recreation professionals, these programs can be a first touchpoint that influences how — and if — students stay connected throughout their college experience.
To maximize impact, campus rec directors should consider:
- Creating low-barrier entry points. Events that are easy to join — whether it’s sampling a class or hopping into a game — make participation less intimidating and more inviting.
- Leveraging student staff as ambassadors. Involving student employees in demos, social media and on-the-ground interactions adds peer-to-peer credibility and energy.
- Collaborating across campus. Partnering with student organizations, academic departments and orientation teams can expand your reach and visibility.
- Making belonging the priority. Design events not just to showcase your facilities, but to help students see themselves as part of your community from day one.
Ultimately, Welcome Week is more than a celebration — it’s a launchpad for lifelong engagement. Campus rec departments that treat these first interactions as foundational can foster stronger connections, boost participation, and contribute to the university’s broader retention and student success goals.
