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Celebrate the start of the 2025-26 academic year with a full slate of events leading up to the first day of classes! From festivals and fairs to athletics to music, don’t miss these opportunities to connect with the campus community. Check out the full schedule below.

Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall

The College of Arts and Sciences Community Lecture Series begins its 2025-26 season with a lecture by Bill Nye, science educator, engineer, comedian, television presenter, inventor, keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author. Best known for his Emmy-winning run as "Bill Nye the Science Guy," Bill Nye brings his love of science and flair for comedy to every appearance. In this discussion, Nye will address a variety of topics, including space and planetary science, climate change, environmental issues, current events in science, and his extensive background in television and education.

Faculty and Staff Convocation
Friday, Aug. 22, 9-11 a.m.
Wendy Williamson Auditorium and Online

Reconnect with colleagues, and celebrate staff and faculty milestones as we usher in the 2025-26 academic year with Interim Chancellor Siemers and É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ leadership. Please by Aug. 21 to attend in person and receive your logo wear after the ceremony or join online.

Women's Volleyball vs. Seawolf Alumni
Saturday, Aug. 23, noon
Alaska Airlines Center

Enjoy a free volleyball exhibition match between this year’s team and Seawolf alumni.

Campus Kickoff
Saturday, Aug. 23, 2-5 p.m.
Inside the Student Union and Avis Alaska Sports Complex

Celebrate the beginning of the semester at this annual tradition. Get acquainted with the campus community, find out how to get involved as a Seawolf and participate in a variety of other fun activities throughout the event. Students get a free meal.

Campus Kickoff Concert featuring H3
Saturday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m.
Wendy Williamson Auditorium

The Campus Kickoff festivities continue with live music from H3, a Polynesian Reggae band known for their three-part harmonies.

First Day of Classes
Monday, Aug. 25
All campuses and online

Instruction for the fall 2025 semester begins Monday, Aug. 25. Bookmark all academic dates and deadlines for the year, and familiarize yourself with free academic resources and support available to all students.

Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 28-30
Alaska Airlines Center

The team opens the regular season by hosting the Alaska/Hawaii Challenge, featuring matches against Hawaii Pacific, Hawaii Hilo and Chaminade.

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Union, Upper Hallway

The Student Involvement Fair is a great opportunity for new and returning É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ students to learn about ways to get involved on campus. Meet members of student clubs and organizations to learn more about what their group has to offer and how to get connected!

Tuesdays, Sept. 2, 9 and 16, 3-6 p.m.
Alaska Airlines Center VIP Parking Lot

É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ and Providence Alaska are hosting the second annual UMED Farmers Market focused on offering locally grown and handmade goods from Alaska. Walk, bike or drive over!

On-Campus Student Employment Fair
Wednesday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Student Union, Upper Hallway

Engaging in on-campus employment as a student employee offers a remarkable opportunity to acquire valuable career experience, make new friendships, become familiar with the campus environment and maintain a flexible schedule. By participating in this in-person fair hosted by É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ Career Services, students can explore several job openings ranging from program assistants to TNL editors.

Friday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m.
Alaska Airlines Center

Don't miss this fun and energizing three-mile run (or walk) through the beautiful É«ÇéÍøÕ¾ campus and surrounding trails. Whether you’re new to campus, a returning Seawolf, faculty, staff, alumni or a community member — everyone is welcome. This event promotes healthy lifestyles and raises crucial funds to support food insecurity efforts on campus. Wear your best green and gold or Spirit wear for a chance to win prizes.