Division of Enrollment & Student Engagement

New Student Orientation and Family Programs

 

Weeks of Welcome
Aug. 21 - Sept. 7, 2025

 

Weeks of Welcome offers new and returning students a chance to visit with other students, get involved and celebrate the start of another great semester! It's a full schedule of various activities that are sure to be a strong foundation for building your Lumberjack memories in the upcoming academic year.

View Schedule

Did you know?

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Weeks of Welcome includes the Student Government Association's oldest-standing tradition: the Watermelon Bash.

Faculty members originally organized the event at the end of the summer in the mid-1920s to help students who were arriving for the fall semester get to know each other. The deans purchased the watermelons for the bash, which originally took place in front of the Austin Building on Vista Drive.

Today's Lumberjacks now beat the heat with a slice of watermelon next to the Surfin' Steve fountain — another beloved structure added to the middle of campus in the 1980s.

Upcoming events

Events and activities are being added as their details are finalized.

Check back often as we approach the fall 2025 semester!

First Year Friendzy

Campus Recreation is excited to host First Year Friendzy! A day packed with a scavenger hunt across campus, tie dying your first SFA shirt, and a pool party to cap the day off!

  • 3 - 4 p.m. Scavenger Hunt at Student Recreation Center - Indoor Basketball Courts
  • 4 - 6 p.m. Tie Dye at Student Recreation Center - Outdoor Courtyard
  • 7 - 9 p.m. Pool Party at Student Recreation Center - Outdoor Pool

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Campus Recreation.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Opening Residence Hall Meetings

  • – Meetings have various start times and locations based on residence hall

  • 6 p.m. Steen East — Located in the Kennedy Auditorium.
  • 6:10 p.m. Lumberjack Landing — Located in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater.
  • 6:15 p.m. Griffith — Located in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Regents.
  • 6:30 p.m. Steen West — Located in the Kennedy Auditorium.
  • 6:40 p.m. Lumberjack Lodge/Hall 14 — Located in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater.
  • 6:45 p.m. North/South — Located in the Baker Pattillo Center Regents.
  • 7 p.m. Kerr Hall/ Hall 10 — Located in the Kennedy Auditorium.
  • 7:10 p.m. Village — Located in the Baker Pattillo Student Center Theater.
  • 7:15 p.m. Wisely — Located in the Baker Pattillo Center Regents.

This is your chance to meet your RA, connect with your floormates, and learn everything you need to know about living in your new community.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Residence Life.

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Lumberjack Life: Check-in

Students will receive a wristband, schedule, and their purple haze t-shirt. Earn a chance to win an exclusive SFA axe handle and get to know new incoming Lumberjacks!

Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Welcome

Welcome home, Lumberjacks! Learn about campus life, SFA traditions, and hear from the University President, Dr. Neal Weaver. Earn a chance to win an exclusive SFA axe handle and exclusive SFA t-shirts.

Free event open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Lunch and Take care of University Business

Enjoy lunch with the orientation leaders at the Pineywoods Dining Hall or Food Hall 1923. Still need to talk to departments on campus before the semester begins? Use this time to take care of university business and ask your orientation leaders if you need assistance. *Don't forget to pick up textbooks at the bookstore.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Educational Sessions

  • –, Various Locations

Want to learn more about campus resources? See what SFA has to offer by attending one of our various educational sessions.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Dinner with the Orientation Leaders

Enjoy dinner with new friends and your orientaiton leaders at the Pineywoods Dining Hall or the Food Hall 1923.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Class of 2029 Photo!

Wear your Purple Haze T-shirt and go to Homer Bryce Stadium to take a picture with your fellow 2029 classmates!

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Holler at Homer

Attend this traditional Lumberajck pep rally in the student section and don't miss out on the chance to receive your very first Axe Handle.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Purple Haze.

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Lumberjack Life: Party at the Pond

Decorate your axe handle with new friends!

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Purple Haze.

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Lumberjack Life: Yoga and Breakfast

  • –, Pineywoods Dining Hall

Enjoy Yoga and start your day off right with the most important meal of the day.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by Campus Recreation Center.

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Lumberjack Life: Nacogdoches Farmers Market

  • –, 107 Pearl Street

Open every Saturday, browse at your leisure, and shop for homegrown and homemade items, including baked goods and various handcrafted items.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by the City of Nacogdoches.

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Lumberjack Life: Buses to Downtown Nac

Hop on the shuttle bus and take a ride through historic downtown Nacogdoches, shop at retail locations, and eat lunch at one of the local food trucks. Enjoy the brick streets and cool eats! Buses will meet at the Student Center for pick-up and drop-off.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs and the Visit Nac.

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Lumberjack Life: Lunch

Students have the option to eat inside one of the dining halls, Pineywoods Dining Hall or Food Hall 1923, for lunch or stop by the All Faith BBQ @ Surfin' Steve to enjoy some free BBQ with the campus ministries.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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Lumberjack Life: Social Events

  • –, Various Locations

Finish decorating your new axe handle, find where your classes are before the first day of school, learn line dances, explore the campus recreation center, and more.

This event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs

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Women's Volleyball vs. UT Arlington (Exh.)

  • , Debbie Humphreys Court at Shelton Gym, Nacogdoches, Texas

Lumberjack Life: Dinner with the Orientation Leaders

Enjoy dinner with new friends and your orientaiton leaders at the Pineywoods Dining Hall or the Food Hall 1923.

If you purchased a fall 2025 meal plan, then dining hall swipes will be used for this meal. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, we encourage you to eat in the dining hall with your peers and bring a form of payment. If you do not have a fall 2025 meal plan, please plan meals accordingly, as meals are not provided.

This free event is open to first-year students. Hosted by New Student Orientation and Family Programs.

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LumberJAM Concert

Kick off the new academic year at LumberJAM — a high-energy concert welcoming Lumberjacks to campus with great music and good vibes. Don't miss the fun!

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Student Activities Association.

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Find your classes with the Jack Walkers

Want to find where your classes are located before the semester begins? Join the Jack Walkers to plan out your first day.

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by the Jack Walkers.

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Family Dinner

  • –, Pineywoods Dining Hall

This special tradition brings together SFA faculty, staff and students for dinner, fun table games, great music and prizes. It's the perfect way to connect and get ready for the big week ahead.

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Weeks of Welcome, Jacks Get Involved and Chartwells Dining Services.

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Doughnuts and Directions

  • –, Steen Library

Spin the big AARC Game wheel for a prize and grab a doughnut on your way to your first day! We are also ready to point you in the right direction to that first class.

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by the Academic Assistance and Resource Center.

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Hangin' with Surfin' Steve

From cuddles with furry friends to taking a swing at earning fun prizes, each day will offer something different. Members of our Jacks Get Involved team will be present to answer any questions you might have about social and service opportunities at SFA.

These free events are open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

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First-Day Photo Op!

–

Strike a pose and start your journey! Stop by and capture the start of your SFA story.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Career Center.

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Twiggy Style: Paint and Decorate your own Twiggy

  • –, Steen Library, SFA Makerspace

Join us for a hands-on creative session where you'll bring your axe handle to life with a custom-decorated laser-cut squirrel! This is all about adding personality and flair to your handle — whether you’re repping your team, your dorm, or just your inner artist.

We’ll provide everything: laser-cut wooden squirrel shapes, paints, brushes, markers, and decorative extras. You bring the ideas, and we’ll help turn them into a masterpiece. No experience needed — just come ready to create, customize, and have fun!

Whether you're going for cute, fierce, funny, or just plain weird, this is your chance to leave your mark on your axe handle in true campus spirit.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the SFA Makerspace

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Hangin' with Surfin' Steve

From cuddles with furry friends to taking a swing at earning fun prizes, each day will offer something different. Members of our Jacks Get Involved team will be present to answer any questions you might have about social and service opportunities at SFA.

These free events are open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Nac in a Nutshell Resource Fair

This event aims to connect the Nacogdoches and SFA community by introducing new students to local businesses and resources throughout Nacogdoches.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce.

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Reels and Roots - Outdoor Movie Night!

  • , Norton HPE Complex; green space between the HPE Complex and McGee Business Building

Kick back under the trees during this laid-back movie night with blankets, snacks and good company. Bring your friends and enjoy a film under the stars, right in the heart of campus.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Jacks Get Involved and Student Activities Association.

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"POP" by and chat with Career Center team

Cool down with refreshing pop-ice and learn more about all the free resources available through Career Center. From career exploration and preparation, résumé assistance, a closet full of business professional attire and more, we're here to help you from day one!

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Career Center.

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Watermelon Bash

Cool off with a slice of tradition at Watermelon Bash! This long-standing campus favorite brings students together to enjoy fresh watermelon and great conversation. Come meet your Student Government Association representatives and kick off the year with a sweet start!

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and the Student Government Association.

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Nursing Welcome Back Bash

  • –, DeWitt School of Nursing Complex

Kick off the new semester with a fun-filled welcome back bash hosted by the School of Nursing! We will have Q&A sessions with current students and faculty about nursing school life, tips on how to be successful, and more. Additionally, we will offer simulation lab tours, games, sno-cones, and, of course, many prizes! Need a ride? An SFA shuttle bus will take students to the Dewitt School of Nursing for this event. The shuttle will leave at 4:45 p.m. from the STEM Bus Stop. All nursing majors welcome!

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by the DeWitt School of Nursing.

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Jack Walker Interest Meeting

Learn how you can join our Jack Walker team and become a Life Changer on campus!

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by the Jack Walkers.

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GLOWchella!

This Weeks of Welcome favorite celebrates Lumberjack spirit with line dancing, music, food and fun — all set in a glowing courtyard filled with games and surprises. It's the ultimate kickoff party you don't want to miss!

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Weeks of Welcome, Jacks Get Involved and Campus Recreation.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Hangin' with Surfin' Steve

From cuddles with furry friends to taking a swing at earning fun prizes, each day will offer something different. Members of our Jacks Get Involved team will be present to answer any questions you might have about social and service opportunities at SFA.

These free events are open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Ride the Fan Bus to First Football Game

  • , Departure location sent to students who sign up

It's the first football game of the season! Join the Purple Haze student section as they head into enemy territory to cheer on the Jacks against the University of Houston Cougars. Sign up with Purple Haze to secure your spot on the bus and show your Lumberjack pride on the road.

Free event open to students who sign up. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

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Football at Houston

  • , Houston, Texas

Hangin' with Surfin' Steve

From cuddles with furry friends to taking a swing at earning fun prizes, each day will offer something different. Members of our Jacks Get Involved team will be present to answer any questions you might have about social and service opportunities at SFA.

These free events are open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

Graphic saying Weeks of Welcome Stephen F. Austin State University

Veterans Tailgate Game Challenge

SFA's Veterans Resource Center provides a welcoming space on campus for military-connected students to connect. The VRC's tailgate game challenge is a fun way to meet the team, connect with others and learn how the center supports your success at SFA.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Veterans Resource Center.

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Pause with Paws - Canine Edition

Make time to prioritize your mental health and well-being, starting with a stop to visit Rudy, SFA's certified therapy dog and proud member of the Counseling Services staff. Additional staff members will be present to share all the great resources available to support you.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Health and Wellness Hub and Counseling Services.

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Men's Cross Country vs. Lumberjack Collegiate XC Opener

  • , Nacogdoches, Texas

Women's Cross Country vs. Lumberjack Collegiate XC Opener

  • , Nacogdoches, Texas

Party on Pecan

  • , Pecan Park

Enjoy free hamburgers, hot dogs, and s'mores with the campus ministries. Come out and play sand volleyball, broom hockey, 9 square, and more

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by Yellow House, Wesley Foundation, and BSM Campus Ministries.

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Lucky Lumberjack Bingo

Are you feeling lucky? Play to win awesome prizes, compete in fun games and enjoy a great time with fellow Lumberjacks. Don't miss out on the chance to score big!

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved.

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Explore Your Home Away From Home

  • Nacogdoches

There's so much to see and do in our beautiful town; spend your Saturday exploring Nacogdoches! Take a stroll downtown and stop by the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Bureau for a guide on all the great spots and events around town.

Campus residents are encouraged to check out the variety of fun programming and activities throughout the day in their halls. Settle in and get to know other Lumberjacks living in your building!

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Women's Volleyball — Texas State

  • , San Antonio, Texas

IFC Beach Bash

Dive into the IFC Beach Bash — an open event where Interfraternity Council chapters showcase their organizations and share how you can join. Kick off formal recruitment week with fun, friends and all the info you need to get involved!

SFA’s active IFC fraternities include:

  • Alpha Gamma Rho
  • Kappa Alpha Order
  • Kappa Sigma
  • Phi Delta Theta
  • Phi Kappa Psi
  • Pi Kappa Alpha
  • Sigma Alpha Mu
  • Sigma Chi
  • Sigma Nu
  • Sigma Tau Gamma
  • Tau Kappa Epsilon
  • and Theta Chi.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Jacks Get Involved Week is designed to promote involvement in student organizations and showcase student-led events.

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Bleed Purple Blood Drive

Give the gift of life and join fellow Lumberjacks in donating blood during the annual Bleed Purple Blood Drive. Every donation counts and makes a difference in our community.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved. Jacks Get Involved Week is designed to promote involvement in student organizations and showcase student-led events.

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What's Poppin in the Cole Student Success Center

  • –, Steen Library, Cole Student Success Center

Join the Cole Student Success Center and SuSu’s Popcorn for “What’s Poppin’ in the SSC!” Learn about all our support programs and services while being treated to our Student Success flavored popcorn along with other tasty flavors!

This free event is open to all students. Hosted by the Cole Student Success Center.

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Next Steps for Lumberjack Seniors

Graduating this year and not sure what those after-graduation plans look like, yet? Attend this workshop to get helpful advice for your senior year and to learn search tips for job and/or graduate school opportunities.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Career Center.

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Part-Time Job and Volunteer Fair

Local organizations and on-campus departments with part-time job or volunteer opportunities. Free event open to all students. Hosted by the Career Center.

Students: View event-specific details for Lumberjacks, including confirmed participating employers.

Employers: Registration closes Aug. 26 or if capacity is reached, whichever occurs first.

Part Time Job and Volunteer Fair

Multicultural Greek Council Showcase

Experience the spirit of the Multicultural Greek Council, learn about their chapters, watch signature strolls and find out how to join.

SFA’s active MGC fraternities and sororities include:

  • Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc.
  • Lambda Theta Alpha Sorority Inc.
  • Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Inc.
  • Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity Inc.
  • Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc.
  • and Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority Inc.

Free event open to all students. Hosted by Jacks Get Involved and Fraternity and Sorority Life. Jacks Get Involved Week is designed to promote involvement in student organizations and showcase student-led events.

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Stay social

The fun doesn't stop after Weeks of Welcome — there always are opportunities to get involved and balance your academic/social life.