A-Week for new students starts Monday, Aug. 16, and runs through Sunday, Aug. 22, with a combination of 60+ in-person and virtual events that will introduce new Razorbacks to the U of A.

"A-Week is designed to aid incoming first-year students in their transition from high school to college by providing programming focused on student success inside and outside of their classroom experience," said Quincy Spencer, director of New Student & Family Programs. "The initiative was also designed to coincide with topics covered in Destination Arkansas Blackboard Activities (DABA)."

A-Week begins at the conclusion of first-year student move-in and is filled with events and activities that will provide a great foundation for students' U of A experience. This year, more than 1,400 students signed up to participate in small groups (A-Teams) led by upper-class mentors trained to lead them in discussions and events related to program themes throughout the week. 

A-Week Themes 

• Monday, Aug. 16 — Academic Success 
• Tuesday, Aug. 17 — Spirit and Traditions
• Wednesday, Aug. 18 — Wellness
• Thursday, Aug. 19 — Diversity and Inclusion
• Friday, Aug. 20 — Involvement 
• Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 & 22 — Community

Highlighted events for the week include Academic College Open Houses, New Student Welcome, Beacon Candlelight Ceremony, Faith Fest, Taste of Fayetteville, New Student Mixers, UARK Cardinal Nights, Freshman Pep Rally and a Covid Vaccine Drive. A full A-Week schedule is available at aweek.uark.edu. 

A-Week is coordinated by New Student & Family Programs in conjunction with campus units including the Division of Student Affairs, Academic Colleges, Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, Chartwells, Razorback Athletics, Razorback Band, Razorback Spirit Squad, Student Success, University Libraries, University Recreation, Pat Walker Health Center, University Housing, Office of Student Activities, Arkansas Union, Council of Religious Organizations and Center for Community Engagement. A-Week sponsors include Amazon Prime Student, Veo, Insomnia Cookies, Associated Student Government and the U of A Parent & Family Association.