Weeks of Welcome
The first four weeks of the semester are a big deal! It’s when students form friendships, explore campus life, and find their place in the CofC community. That’s what Weeks of Welcome (WoW) is all about! From January 5th to January 30th, we’re filling the calendar with events that spark connection, celebrate tradition, and invite everyone to get involved.
Your Campus, Your Community – Discover It During Weeks of Welcome!
Schedule of Events
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January 5 - January 10
Monday, January 5
No Events Currently Scheduled
Tuesday, January 6
Classroom Tours
Maybank Hall (165 Calhoun Street), Front Porch
1:30pm - 2:15pm
The orientation interns will provide tours of campus with special emphasis on the location of student’s classes. Students should bring along their spring 2026 schedule so the interns can help them prepare for their first week of classes.
Sponsored by: Office of New Student Programs
Classroom Tours
Maybank Hall (165 Calhoun Street), Front Porch
2:30pm - 3:15pm
The orientation interns will provide tours of campus with special emphasis on the location of student’s classes. Students should bring along their spring 2026 schedule so the interns can help them prepare for their first week of classes.
Sponsored by: Office of New Student Programs
Winter "Welcome Home" Event
College of Charleston
3:00pm
This is an invite-only event. It is for brand-new students to the College of Charleston, starting in the spring 2026 semester. Students will get to connect with other new students and faculty & staff at the College, play games, and enjoy a memorable introduction to the College!
Sponsored by: Student Affairs/Student Involvement Office
Meet the Greeks (NPHC Spring Edition)
Rita 101
6:00pm - 7:00pm
The program is offered at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semesters as an opportunity to learn more about NPHC and culturally based organizations’ intake processes and to visit all of the fraternities or sororities. Students must attend MEET THE GREEKS if they are planning to join in the 2025-2026 academic year order to be eligible for intake with any of the chapters.Sponsored by: Fraternity & Sorority Life, NPHC, and Higdon Center for Student Leadership
Wednesday, January 7
Information Table
Lightsey Center (160 Calhoun Street)
9:30am - 3:00pm
Orientation interns and Office of New Student Programs staff will be available to provide information and directions to students.
Sponsored by: Office of New Student Programs
Textbook Library Pop-up and Drive
Cougar Mall
10:00am - 3:00pm
The Textbook Library Pop-Up is an event where students can prepare for the Spring semester by grabbing whatever textbooks they need for free! All books are obtained through donations which we collect from students at the beginning and end of each semester. This pop-up will also be an opportunity for students with used textbooks to dispose of them with their fellow students in mind. Help yourself and others access information!
Sponsored by: Center for Sustainability and Library Student Ambassadors
Thursday, January 8
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art: Free for All
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and Hill Gallery in the Cato Center, 161 Calhoun St., 1st floor
6:00pm - 8:30pm
New Year Free-for-all where we let go, look forward, and make new friends in a one-night only event. New Year Free-for-all includes an hour of communal art-making followed by a party to celebrate the newly-made work on view in the Halsey Institute’s galleries! Art-making supplies will be on hand at the Halsey Institute, but attendees are also encouraged to let go of any materials and supplies that didn’t work out for them in 2025!
Sponsored by: Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art and School of the Arts
Friday, January 9
Textbook Library Pop-up and Drive
Cougar Mall
10:00am - 3:00pm
The Textbook Library Pop-Up is an event where students can prepare for the Spring semester by grabbing whatever textbooks they need for free! All books are obtained through donations which we collect from students at the beginning and end of each semester. This pop-up will also be an opportunity for students with used textbooks to dispose of them with their fellow students in mind. Help yourself and others access information!
Sponsored by: Center for Sustainability and Library Student Ambassadors
Lunch and Learn with Kara Peterson
Zoom
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Kara Peterson will discuss the Cougar Pantry programs and ways the CofC community can contribute.
Sponsored by: Office of Community Engagement
Saturday, January 10
No Events Currently Scheduled
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January 11 - January 17
Sunday, Janaury 11
No Events Currently Scheduled
Monday, January 12
CDS Open House
CDS Office (Lightsey Center, Suite 104)
12:00pm - 2:00pm
We will answer questions on...Need to Complete a Semester Request?How do I enter a booking for the Alternate Testing Site?What Do I Do If I Have New Documentation?Please bring your laptopSponsored by: Center for Disability ServicesWinter Fest
Life Design Center at 14 Green Way
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Winter Fest is a kickoff to the New Year's Life Design Week! Students can stop by for chili, hot coco, and s'mores, enjoy games, and participate in Life Design activities like bracelet making, vision board making, etc. We'll also have a limited crewneck giveaway while supplies last.
Sponsored by: Life Design Center
2nd Monday Concert: Voice Faculty Showcase
Simons Center Recital Hall, 54 Saint Philip St.
7:30pm - 8:30pm
The College of Charleston’s Department of Music will begin the spring season with a captivating evening of music as part of its 2nd Monday Series. The concert will showcase voice faculty: sopranos Saundra DeAthos, Amanda Castellone and Rebecca Krynski Cox; tenor Harold Meers; and baritone David Templeton; with pianist Lorna Barker. The program will highlight a refined blend of contemporary and traditional repertoire, offering a vibrant selection of art songs, operatic works and modern compositions that reflect the diverse musical strengths of each performer. Discounted tickets for CofC students are available by visiting https://charleston.edu/gsbo/students.php or calling 843.953.GSBO.
Sponsored by: Department of Music
Tuesday, January 13
LCWA's DONUTS WITH THE DEAN
Outside RITA
9:00am - 12:00pm
DONUTS WITH THE DEAN: Join the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs for donuts and an overview of departments, programs, and immersive language experiences. From international studies to study abroad, ancient Greek to modern languages, archaeology to African American studies -- the School of LCWA has 9 majors and 20 minors to help you become an engaged world citizen with cultural competence! Grab a passport and explore! Outside RITA – Tuesday, January 13, 9am – 12Noon.
Sponsored by: School of Language, Cultures, and World Affairs
History Club Welcome Back Party
Maybank Hall, Room 107
5:00pm
All students welcome! Not limited to just history majors/minors but it is a great way to learn more about these programs. A great time to meet other students with an interest in history or reconnect with members from last semester. Open discussion based with music, games, and more! Food and drinks provided.
Sponsored by: History Club
Wednesday, January 14
Gloss & Glow: DIY Lip Gloss Tabling
Cougar Mall
12:15pm - 1:30pm
Lip gloss creation table. Students mix lip gloss base + pigment + scent to create a custom gloss.
Sponsored by: Collegiate Curls
Narcan Training
Rita 102
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Learn how to reverse an overdose and save a life! Just bring your cougar card
Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being and FAVOR Lowcountry
Film Club - Trivia Night!
Maybank Hall - Room 100
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Come join us for some movie-themed trivia! And stay until the end to find out about our first screening of the semester!!
Sponsored by: CofC Film Club
Wellness Wednesday
Silcox 105
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Build, and connect with the camus through simple craft projects!
Sponsored by: Campus Rec and Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being
Thursday, January 15
Frozen Movie Night
Rita 101
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Join us for a cozy Frozen Movie night! Enjoy DIY winter crafts, hot cocoa, and a chance to win adorable plush giveaways—perfect for a chill night with friends!
Sponsored by: Cougar Activities Board
Friday, January 16
No Events Currently Scheduled.
Saturday, January 17
No Events Currently Scheduled.
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January 18 - January 24
Sunday, January 18
No Events Currently Scheduled.
Monday, January 19
No Events Currently Scheduled.
Tuesday, January 20
Dog Therapy
TBD
2:00pm - 4:00pm
De-stress at Dog therapy.
Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being
CDS Open House
CDS Office (Lightsey Center, Suite 104)
2:00pm - 4:00pm
We will answer questions on...Need to Complete a Semester Request?How do I enter a booking for the Alternate Testing Site?What Do I Do If I Have New Documentation?Please bring your laptopSponsored by: Center for Disability Services36th Black History Intercollegiate Consortium
The Simons Center for the Arts - Recital Hall 175
6:30pm - 9:00pm
We are celebrating the 36th Black History Intercollegiate Consortium Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program at the College of Charleston on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. The event will recognize Marla Cochran Robertson with the 2026 MLK Humanitarian Award for her commitment to equality and community, award the BHIC Scholarship to Trinity Pristley, and feature participation from CofC student organizations and a special performance by The Charleston Vibes.
Sponsored by: Office of Community Engagement
Wednesday, January 21
Watch it Wednesday: More Than a Fridge
RSS 241
9:15am - 4:15pm
A documentary showing all day about mutual aid and food insecurity. Refreshments will be provided.
Sponsored by: Office of Community Engagement
Make Your Own Salad
Liberty Dining Hall
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Make your own salad using local seasonal produce
Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being and Charleston Culinary Group
STI Testing
Arnold Hall Jewish Studies Building
3:15pm - 5:00pm
Winter means cuffing season. Make sure you and your boo are safe and get tested!
Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being and Palmetto Community Care
Studio Art Lecture by Painter Will Hutnick
Simons Center for the Arts, Room 380, 54 Saint Philip St.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Will Hutnick is an artist based in Sharon, Connecticut. He received his M.F.A. from Pratt Institute in 2011 and his B.A. from Providence College in 2007. A 2021 NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow in Painting, Hutnick has held solo exhibitions at the McDonough Museum of Art, Geary Contemporary, Pamela Salisbury Gallery and Elijah Wheat Showroom. His group exhibitions include the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art, High Noon and Hollis Taggart. Hutnick has participated in residencies such as Yaddo and the Elizabeth Murray Artist Residency. He was a co-director of Ortega y Gasset Projects from 2015 to 2020 and is currently the director of artistic programming at the Wassaic Project, focusing on art and education for social change.
Sponsored by: Department of Studio Art and School of the Arts
Thursday, January 22
Cougar Pantry Spring Open House
Cougar Pantry - 26 Coming St., Room 101
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Come by Cougar Pantry, grab some items, and meet us! See what we have to offer and learn about how you can get involved in the Cougar Pantry.
Sponsored by: Cougar Pantry
Friday, January 23
A Morning with Lowcountry Food Bank
Center for Civic Engagement
8:00am - 12:00pm
Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1v1PpQUVpsl0qlh1lvC8jJLUGtmHXp7kEiILdVBdMNTo/edit?pli=1We're packing and sorting fresh fruits and produce at the Lowcountry Food Bank for those in our community who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity. We'll provide the transportation ... you provide an extra set of hands to help Lowcountry Food Bank get food to local people who need it. Slots are limited and registration is required.Sponsored by: Center for Civic Engagement
CofC Theatre: The Pages Festival
Simons Center for the Arts, Emmett Robinson Theatre, 54 Saint Philip St.
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance has a long-standing tradition of training and showcasing student playwrights. The Pages Festival will feature new works written by student playwrights and performed by a cast of student actors. Recommended for ages 14+ (Content advisory: may contain profanity and adult themes) Discounted student tickets available: https://go.charleston.edu/nowplayingSponsored by: Department Theatre and Dance and School of the Arts
Saturday, January 24
Habitat for Humanity Build Day
Center for Civic Engagement, Lightsey Center, 2nd Floor
11:30am - 3:30pm
Join us to kick off our 2026 Habitat for Humanity Build Days! We provide lunch and transportation; you provide an extra set of hands to help build a home and hope for a local family. No experience necessary, but slots are limited and registration required. Register here - https://charlestonhabitat.charityproud.org/VolunteerRegistration/Calendar/10145 - or on Cougar Connectby Thursday, 1/22/26. Please include this passcode: cofc2026. Check out our HUB site for more info or email us at volunteer@cofc.edu.Sponsored by: Center for Civic Engagement
CofC Theatre: The Pages Festival
Simons Center for the Arts, Emmett Robinson Theatre, 54 Saint Philip St.
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance has a long-standing tradition of training and showcasing student playwrights. The Pages Festival will feature new works written by student playwrights and performed by a cast of student actors. Recommended for ages 14+ (Content advisory: may contain profanity and adult themes) Discounted student tickets available: https://go.charleston.edu/nowplayingSponsored by: Department Theatre and Dance and School of the Arts
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January 25 - January 30
Sunday, January 25
CofC Theatre: The Pages Festival
Simons Center for the Arts, Emmett Robinson Theatre, 54 Saint Philip St.
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance has a long-standing tradition of training and showcasing student playwrights. The Pages Festival will feature new works written by student playwrights and performed by a cast of student actors. Recommended for ages 14+ (Content advisory: may contain profanity and adult themes) Discounted student tickets available: https://go.charleston.edu/nowplayingSponsored by: Department Theatre and Dance and School of the Arts
Monday, January 26
Cooking Class with HLC
Rita 102
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Learn a new healthy recipe that's also dorm-safe!Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being and Hispanic Latino Club
CofC Theatre: The Pages Festival
Simons Center for the Arts, Emmett Robinson Theatre, 54 Saint Philip St.
7:00pm - 9:00pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance has a long-standing tradition of training and showcasing student playwrights. The Pages Festival will feature new works written by student playwrights and performed by a cast of student actors. Recommended for ages 14+ (Content advisory: may contain profanity and adult themes) Discounted student tickets available: https://go.charleston.edu/nowplayingSponsored by: Department Theatre and Dance and School of the Arts
Tuesday, January 27
No Events Currently Scheduled.
Wednesday, January 28
Cards and Connections w/ ASA
TBD
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Connect over games and snacks.Sponsored by: Office of Student Wellness and Well-Being and Asian Student Alliance
Legos Cars Night
Education Center 118
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Race to Education Center Room 118 for CAB’s x Student Involvement annual Lego Night. Enjoy a screening of Cars while building some of your favorite lego sets!
Sponsored by: Cougar Activities Board
Thursday, January 29
No Events Currently Scheduled.
Friday, January 30
No Events Currently Scheduled.