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Good Times & Great Events
August 19-25, 2023

Welcome, Gators! You’re a Gator, and it’s a BIG deal. The Great Gator Welcome is your official kick-off to the fall semester. From August 19-25, campus departments and student organizations will host events with opportunities for you to meet new people, get connected to the Gator student experience, explore campus, and just have fun!
Saturday, August 19

Great Gator Creative Coffee Hour

Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 1-4 PM
Location: Student Engagement Portal, Reitz Union Level 3
Join us for coffee, live art demonstrations from local entrepreneurs and artists, and art classes in the Student Engagement Portal from 1-4pm. Students will also be able stop by the Arts and Crafts Center from 12-4pm to explore their own creativity through free craft activities.
Sunday, August 20

Back to School Block Party

Date: Sunday, August 20
Time: 12-2 PM
Location: Reitz Union Tabling Area

It's time for a block party! This event is for students who are looking to get involved in their community and contribute to organizations that are making a difference. We encourage attendees to use this opportunity to develop long-term relationships with community organizations and departments on campus.
Monday, August 21

Make A First Impression In Your Profession

Date: Monday, August 21
Time: 10 AM - 1 PM
Location: Career Connections Center, Reitz Union, Level 1

Get a head start on your career!  Let’s help you make a good first impression as a professional by checking out this event designed to lean into everything you need to maximize your professional growth. 
Tuesday, August 22

New Student Convocation

Date: Tuesday, August 22
Time: 5-6 PM
Location: Stephen C. O'Connell Center

New Student Convocation is the University of Florida’s official welcome for all first-year students. This event celebrates the UF Class of 2027’s entry into higher education and inducts them into a community of learners.

Class of 2027 Photo

Date: Tuesday, August 22
Time: 6-7 PM
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium

Wednesday. August 23

Fall Kick-off Concert Featuring Don Toliver

Date: Wednesday, August 23
Time: Doors Open at 6 PM  |  Show Starts at 7 PM
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center

That's right, there's a concert on the first day of class! Tickets will go on sale at 10 am on August 18th at the Gate 1 Box Office of the O’Connell Center! Be sure to have your Gator 1 ID with you to secure your tickets and grab ‘em before they’re sold out. Have questions? View the FAQs here! 
Thursday, August 24

Student Organization Fair

Date: Thursday, August 24
Time: 3 – 4:30 PM and 5:30 – 7 PM
Location: Reitz Union North Lawn, Plaza of the Americas, Fine Arts Plaza

Over 300 student organizations at 3 campus locations? Sign us up! Learn about the best ways to get involved on campus at the Student Organization Fair! Follow @sai_uf for more information.

The Great Gator Trivia Night

Date: Thursday, August 24
Time: 8 – 10 PM
Location: Reitz Union Grand Ballroom, Broward Hall, Graham Hall

This isn’t your typical trivia night! Gather a group of your Gator pals for a night of Trivia With A Twist and see if you have what it takes to win. Prizes will be given out to the winning teams and snacks will be provided at each location. Make sure to charge your phones! They will be required in order to play trivia. Renee Adams, host of SiriusXM Margaritaville, will be hosting this night of trivia.
Friday, August 25

GatorNights: Under the Swamp

Date: Friday, August 25
Time: 7 – 10 PM
Location: Reitz Union

Be a part of that Gator world at GatorNights: Under the Swamp! Activities include: The Little Mermaid (1989 & 2023) movie showings at 7:30 pm, Soap Bubble Circus Stage Show, karaoke, message in a bottle, refreshments, and more!