Welcome Week 2026: Your Guide to Starting the Semester Strong
Marist Cheerleading with fireworks at Marist. Photo by Carlisle Stockton.
August 25, 2026 — Whether you're new to Marist or returning for another year, Welcome Week is your opportunity to connect, build community, and start the semester strong.
With campus traditions, social events, and plenty of opportunities to explore, students can look forward to Hudson River boat cruises, Red Fox Rumble, outdoor movies, fireworks, the Welcome Back Block Party, Friday Night Lights home football game, and more.
“Your next comfort zone starts just outside the one you're in, and you’re all in it together,” said Robin Diller Torres, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs for Student Engagement & Leadership and Director of First Year Experience. “So, make the most of Welcome Week. Go to the events. Join the clubs. Start the conversations. Take the empty chair. Eat the pizza. The future stories you'll be telling about your time at Marist might begin this week.”
Pro Tip: Check Out Marist Groups
Before you arrive, bookmark Marist Groups, the University's new campus engagement platform. You'll use it to browse Welcome Week events, register for programs, and discover clubs and organizations throughout the year.
Settle In Before You Jump In
Over 500 volunteer students help make Move-In Day a success by helping families move into Marist residence halls. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
Move-In Day is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Unpack the essentials first, organize your space, stay hydrated, and remember that your room doesn't have to be perfect on day one.
For families, saying goodbye isn't always easy, but after move-in, students begin an exciting new chapter as Welcome Week officially gets underway.
Show Up and Stay Open
Students walk together past the James A. Cannavino Library. Photo by Nelson Echeverria/Marist University.
The quickest way to feel at home is to get involved.
Throughout the week, students can attend the New Student Social, Opening Night Comedy Show, Petting Zoo, Hudson River Boat Cruises, Student Center Takeover, the Welcome Back Block Party, Outdoor Movie Night, fireworks, and dozens of other events designed to help students build community before classes begin.
No matter where you are on your Marist journey, challenge yourself to attend something new. Introduce yourself to someone in your residence hall, reconnect with classmates, or simply say yes to an event that catches your interest.
Discover What's New on Campus
Fox and Found, Marist's Move-In Market. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
As you settle into the semester, be sure to check out a few additions around campus.
The Yard at Steel Plant is a new outdoor dining destination. With a food truck and trailer, fire pits, dining tables, Adirondack chairs, and string lights, it's the perfect place to grab a meal, meet friends, or unwind between classes. Read more about it here!
A new sidewalk installed at the north entrance connecting to residence halls makes it even easier to access the grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and other local businesses directly across Route 9.
Students can also stop by Fox & Found, a sustainability initiative from the Center for Civic Engagement and Leadership. Through the Semester Sweep Out program, gently used dorm essentials have been cleaned, organized, and made available free of charge. Visit 74 West Cedar, across from the Lower West Townhouses, during Welcome Week to pick up everything from storage bins and décor to everyday dorm necessities while giving items a second life.
Take Advantage of Campus Resources
The Student Fitness Center at Marist University. Photo by Carlo de Jesus/Marist University.
Welcome Week is also your introduction to the people and services that will support you throughout your Marist experience.
Check out some of Marist’s resources below:
Stop by the Red Fox Resource Fair to learn about campus offices, wellness resources, academic support, and student organizations. It's one of the easiest ways to discover opportunities outside the classroom and find your place on campus.
Experience Marist Athletics
Marist University Football 2025 home opener. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist University.
One highlight of Welcome Week is the football home opener on Friday night, Sept. 4, right after the first full week of classes. Grab your friends, wear your Marist gear, and enjoy an evening of Red Fox football capped off with a fireworks show.
Be sure to check the GoRedFoxes.com schedule throughout the year for upcoming games and events.
Make the Most of Marist Traditions
Class of 2029 photo taken for Welcome Week 2025. Photo by Bobby Oliver/Marist University.
Some of the biggest Welcome Week moments quickly become favorite college memories.
Incoming students will gather for the New Student Welcome, take the annual Class of 2030 photo, participate in Convocation, and compete in the spirited Red Fox Rumble before classes officially begin. These traditions mark the start of another memorable year as a Red Fox.
