Connect with the Rutgers University-Newark community and get involved in campus activities as we kick off our Fall 2026 Weeks of Welcome!

RSVP to all of the events below through the RAIDERLINK APP & Portal

Weeks of Welcome 2026 Calendar:

Convocation and Welcome Festival

MONDAY, AUGUST 31
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Golden Dome & Samuels Plaza

We would like to cordially invite you to join us for the 2026 Convocation and Welcome Festival, where we welcome and celebrate our first-year and transfer students to our community. Receive a warm welcome to Rutgers-Newark from University leaders and student speakers before the start of classes.

Hosted by: Rutgers University–Newark

RU Thriving Navigate Blast

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM | go.rutgers.edu/pwcnavigate

Explore RU Thriving, Rutgers-Newark's wellness navigation tool, and discover personalized resources to support your physical, mental, and social well-being throughout the semester.

Hosted by: Health Promotion Division

Braven Career Accelerator

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | PRCC Student Street

Join Braven for career-readiness coaching, networking, and hands-on activities designed to help you build the skills and confidence for life after graduation.

Hosted by: Braven

CRE x BRAVEN Block Party

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Elizabeth Blume-Silverstein Plaza

Kick off the semester at the CRE x Braven Block Party! Explore career resources, connect with CRE staff, and enjoy free food, games, and music.

Hosted by: Career Resources & Exploration x Braven

WoW Resource Fair

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
2:30 PM - 3:50 PM | Samuels Plaza

Learn about free and affordable campus resources, and meet departments that are hiring on campus!

Hosted by: New Student & Family Programs

Braven Career Accelerator

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | PRCC Student Street

Join Braven for career-readiness coaching, networking, and hands-on activities designed to help you build the skills and confidence for life after graduation.

Hosted by: Braven

Midnight Madness

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
9:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Golden Dome

Kick off the semester with an epic glow-in-the-dark night! Enjoy laser tag, rock wall climbing, pool party, photobooth, dancing, free food, prizes & more!

Hosted by: Health Promotion Division

Women's Soccer vs. Bard

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM | Fredrick Douglass Field

Cheer on the women's soccer team as they battle Bard on their home turf during the BRICK CITY CLASSICS.

Hosted by: Athletics

Men's Soccer vs. Penn State Abington

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Fredrick Douglass Field

Show your Raider pride and watch the men's soccer team face off against Penn State Abington.

Hosted by: Athletics

Pantry+ Open House

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | PRCC Room 226

Learn about our services, get a tour of the pantry, and see if it's right for you!

Hosted by: Pantry+

Monarch Welcome

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | PRCC Bergen Room

Join us as we welcome the semester with food and in community with our Monarch family!

Hosted by: Intercultural Resource Center

Braven Career Accelerator

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | PRCC Student Street

Join Braven for career-readiness coaching, networking, and hands-on activities designed to help you build the skills and confidence for life after graduation.

Hosted by: Braven

HPD Peer Educator Recruitment

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
By Appointment | go.rutgers.edu/hpdappf26

Interested in becoming a Health Promotion Peer Educator? Meet with HPD staff by appointment to learn how you can get involved in promoting wellness on campus.

Hosted by: Health Promotion Division

Fresh Roots Distribution

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | PRCC Room 227

Visit Pantry+ for our Fresh Roots produce distribution and stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Hosted by: Pantry+

Student Org. Showcase

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Samuels Plaza

Come and learn how you can get involved and meet representatives from 100+ student organizations on campus!

Hosted by: Office of Student Life & Leadership

Rainbow Welcome

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | PRCC Dance Theater

A welcoming space for students who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies. Connect with peers, learn about campus resources, and find community at RU-N.

Hosted by: Intercultural Resource Center

Welcome BBQ

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Ackerson Hall Lot

Join the School of Public Affairs and Administration for a welcome-back cookout and connect with fellow students, faculty, and staff.

Hosted by: School of Public Affairs & Administration

Pantry+ Open House

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | PRCC Room 226

Learn about our services, get a tour of the pantry, and see what extra resources we provide.

Hosted by: Pantry+

What's the Tea? Health & Wellness

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Blumenthal Hall

Grab a cup and join us for a relaxed conversation on healthy relationships, boundaries, and wellness.

Hosted by: Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance

A Scarlet Start: A Family Welcome Experience

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | PRCC Dance Theater

New families of incoming students will be welcomed to campus for an engaging night of connecting with the Rutgers-Newark community and learning about the resources and support available to their students.

Hosted by: New Student & Family Programs

Welcome Back Glow Fest: Carnival & Foam Party

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Samuels Plaza

Dance the night away under the lights at our Welcome Back Glow Fest, featuring carnival games, a foam party, and glow-in-the-dark fun on Samuels Plaza.

Hosted by: Program Board

9/11 Ceremony flyer 2026

9/11 Memorial Ceremony: 25th Anniversary

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | Samuels Plaza

Join the Rutgers-Newark community for a solemn ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of September 11th and remembering those we lost.

Hosted by: Office of Veteran Affairs

Don't forget to download the RU-N app for exclusive Weeks of Welcome content!