The annual Welcome Week provides opportunities for all students to engage their campus interests while networking with the community.

“Every year there are new events because it’s organized by different groups,” said Director of Student Engagement Tyler Thompson. “We coordinate publicity like fliers and brochures, but they do everything else.”

Lion’s Night, organized by SGA, is one of the newer additions to Welcome Week that will introduce students to local shops and give them the opportunity to win scholarships and “Downtown Dollars,” Thompson said.

“I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many opportunities SGA will be offering up this year,” said SGA President KeKoria Greer. “One of those is Lion Night (where) students can sign up for a $1,000 scholarship drawing presented at 8:30 p.m.”

Students can listen to local artists like The Bear and the Bride beginning at 6:30 while entering the scholarship drawing, Thompson said.

“They’ll also be giving away (10) $100 gift cards to downtown shops,” he said.

In addition to new events, classic events like The Big Deal and Culture Fest are student favorites with high attendance.

“I always love the Big Deal,” said junior Johnna Dixon. “I like that it’s a good way for students to get to walk around and see a lot of what Florence and UNA have to offer.”

The Big Deal involves organizations, both RSO and within the community, that offer free food, T-shirts and other apparel to students who promptly show up.

“The Big Deal is always our most attended event,” Thompson said. “It’s just a great event for students to mix with the community and find the place where they belong.”