Winter Week of Welcome
The Winter Week of Welcome (WoW) is a week of FREE events welcoming back returning students and welcoming new students to Xavier University. Winter Week of Welcome is coordinated and promoted by the Office of Student Involvement, Gallagher Student Center and Commuter Services along with our partnering offices across campus.
January 12-17th, 2026 - Schedule
Monday, January 12
Snow-Off Course
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
Snow-off your skills...best moves…get ready to play the room! The CFJ is turning the entire space into a full-scale active playground featuring hopscotch, The Floor Is Lava, and Step on a Crack, where every step is part of the fun.
Center for Faith and Juctice (GSC 3rd Floor) | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Meet the Navigators
Navigators/CCO
Come meet members of the Navigators, a Christian group on campus. Our mission is to know Christ, make him known, and help others do the same.
Justice Atrium (outside Hoff Dining) | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Fair Trade Cocoa
Xavier Student Sustainability
Come stop by to warm up with some free fair trade hot cocoa! Get it while it's hot - while supplies last.
GSC 1st Floor | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Collages & Crafts
OIP-u: Xavier University
Join Xavier's Chapter of the Ohio Innocence Project (OIP) to create collages. Create a vision board for the new year, some new wall decor, or anything else you'd like and let your creativity shine!
GSC Arrupe Overlook (1st Floor) | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
GSC Speakeasy
Office of Student Involvement
Come vibe in the Gallagher Student Center as you enjoy music, mocktails, and more for an evening of suave sophistication. Bring your friends and feel free to dress for the occasion!
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Make a Bracelet and a Friend!
In the Loop
Join us to make bracelets and new friends! All materials and instruction will be provided!
Alter Hall 206 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday, January 13
Peppermint Milkshake Sampling
Xavier Dining
Come try a sample of our delicious peppermint milkshake while supplies last in front of True Burger!
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 11:00am - 12:30pm
Recycling and Refreshments!
Net Impact - Xavier University
Stop by to challenge yourself on your recycling knowledge while treating yourself to a warm winter beverage like hot chocolate or cider and learn about Net Impact's waste management strategies!
GSC Atrium (1st Floor) | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
GSC "Pool" Party
Gallagher Student Center
Help us break in our brand new pool table with a tropical-themed "pool" party! Stop by for some light refreshments, learn the "pool rules," and spend time in community with others.
GSC Pool Table (1st Floor) | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Where Wheel You Go?
Center for International Education
Come spin our wheel and answer study abroad trivia to win fabulous prizes! Plus, learn about what it takes to study abroad and why you should consider this opportunity!
GSC Atrium (1st Floor) | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Treat Yourself Tuesday - Airbrushed Beanies
Office of Student Involvement
Swing by and dive into the fun to snag a one-of-a-kind airbrushed, knitted beanie cap. Get 'em while they're hot and heep your head warm!
GSC Clocktower Lounge (3rd Floor) | 3:30pm - 6:00pm
Words for the New Year
Xavier Inclusion Club
Join us as we create encouraging New Year's bags filled with wishes, advice, and uplifting messages for the semester ahead. Participants will write notes, assemble the bags, and share them with one another at the end of the event. It's a simple, creative way to reflect, connect, and start 2026 with positivity and intention. Come craft, contribute, and leave with a message meant just for you!
GSC 330 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Xavier Women's Basketball vs. DePaul
Xavier Athletics & X-treme Fans
Join the fans as we cheer on the lady Musketeers in a heated game of hoops against DePaul University.
Cintas Center | 6:30pm
Justice Hall Jumpstart
Office of Residence Life & Justice Hall
Explore three themed lounges filled with art, food, video games, activities, and karaoke! Collect a stamp from each lounge, then head to the 4/5 lounge to enter a raffle for one of four prize baskets. Each lounge will feature its own special snacks and drinks. Stop by all of them for the full experience!
Justice Hall 4/5 Lounge | 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday, January 14
Cozy Commuter Breakfast
Commuter Services
Sample local flavors for a cozy breakfast selection in The Commuter Lounge. If you've seen our stories on Instagram, you will recognize some of your favorites! Come get comfortable and (re)connect with friends.
Commuter Lounge (GSC 3rd Floor) | 8:30am - 10:30am
Winter Club Day
Office of Student Involvement
Check out a wide selection of Student Organizations looking for new members just like you! Visit enough tables and qualify for Xavier-themed giveaways and prizes. You don’t want to miss this festive occasion.
GSC | 11:30am - 2:30pm
Cocoa & Community in Christ
All for JC
Join us in the Center for Faith and Justice for a delectable hot cocoa bar.
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice (GSC 3rd Floor) | 11:30am - 2:30pm
Hot Chocolate & Hot Topics
LGBTQ+ Alliance
Share your hot takes and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa!
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Vision & Vocation: Crafting Your Year Ahead
Student Wellbeing Services & Career Development Office
Kick off the new year with cozy vibes and big dreams! Join Student Wellbeing Services and Career Development for a mash-up of vision-boarding, career support, financial wisdom, and a hot chocolate/tea bar. Start your year with purpose (and marshmallows)!
GSC Arrupe Overlook (1st Floor) | 3:00pm - 5:00pm
International Coffee Hour
Center for International Education
Join us for the first International Coffee Hour of the semester! International Coffee Hour is held every week on Wednesday and is a time of good food, fellowship, and fun! Co-hosted every week by a different department or organization, it's a great time to meet new people and get connected to campus!
GSC Faces of the World Lounge (2nd Floor outside CIE) | 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Karaoke
African Student Association
Kick off the semester with good vibes, loud laughs, and unforgettable vocals! Join the African Student Association for a karaoke night full of music from every genre, friendly competition, and community. Whether you are hitting the high notes or cheering from the crowd, this is the perfect chance to meet new friends, start the semester off on the right note.
GSC Clocktower Lounge (3rd Floor) | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Wing It & Win It: Husman Trivia Showdown
Office of Residence Life & Husman Hall
Enjoy wings, sweet treats, and the chance to win prizes at this trivia showdown. Not into trivia? Relax in our quiet space with coloring pages and low-key activities. We cannot wait to see you there!
Husman Hall Basement Lounge | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
IM Sampler Obstacle Course & Gaga Ball
Recreational Sports
Come check out our XUIM Sampler Obstacle Course. Test your skills across 5 different mini-challenges, see what XUIM has to offer, and try to get the fastest time! The top 3 times will receive a 2025 XUIM champ shirt to kick off the Spring Semester! Plus, friendly games of gaga will be held.
HUB Basketball Courts (2nd Floor) | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday, January 15
Manresa Core on the Yard! Trivia with Orientation Leaders
OSI - Orientation & Transition Programs
Join Manresa Core at Bellarmine Circle for a fast-paced trivia experience inspired by Billy on the Street. They'll be posing questions that mix celebrity gossip, orientation trivia, and totally random scenarios - because why not? Have a laugh, win prizes, and learn more about joining the orientation team!
Bellarmine Circle | 11:00am - 12:30pm
#Challah and Chat
JLX (Jewish Leadership at Xavier) & Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
Come grab a challah for Shabbat, meet Rabbi Jen, and learn about upcoming events for the semester.
GSC Clocktower Lounge (3rd Floor) | 11:00am - 12:00pm
HOLA New Year's Banner Making
Hispanic Organization and LatinX Awareness
Embrace the Hispanic traditions of eating grapes on New Year's by painting grapes on our banner or writing New Year's resolution on cut-out grapes that you can add to the banner. This will be hung up in GSC for many to remember throughout January.
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Salt Co-Coa
The Salt Company of Xavier University
Join us for a hot chocolate bar! Come warm up with The Salt Co.
Justice Atrium (Outside Hoff Dining) | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
To Recycle or Not to Recycle
Laudato Si' Action Platform
Make it your New Year's resolution to learn what can and cannot be recycled on campus by playing a waste sorting game with the Laudato Si' Sustainable Lifestyles Committee.
GSC Atrium (1st Floor) | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Snuggle Up for Service
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
Learn about opportunities for service while making fleece blankets and enjoying winter treats! X-Change is a program that sends groups of students to engage in weekly service throughout Cincinnati for a whole semester. Learn about different justice issues in our community while making great friends along the way!
GSC Arrupe Overlook (1st Floor) | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Lights, Camera, THRIVE: Pajamas Edition
The THRIVE Center
Join us for a cozy winter movie night! Grab your comfiest PJs, settle in with popcorn and hot cocoa, and unwind with friends. It's the perfect chance to relax, connect, and beat the winter chill together.
THRIVE Center (2nd Floor) | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Xavier Men's Basketball vs. Butler University
Xavier Athletics & X-treme Fans
Root on the Musketeers as they face off against the Butler Bulldogs for this thrilling home game! Be one of the first 3,000 fans and receive a complimentary towel!
Cintas Center | 6:30pm
Women Empowerment Cycling in the HUB
SWEAT
Come join instructor Kendal Bolen for a cycling class in the HUB!
HUB Group Fitness Studio (Lower Level) | 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Nav Night
Navigators/CCO
Join us for our weekly night of community with the Navigators. We will play games, hear a short message, and spend time with one another. Our mission is to know Christ, make him known, and help others do the same!
HUB 102/103 | 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Holy Rollers
Life After Sunday
Lets go bowling! Get two rounds of bowling at Stone Lanes for free with the Catholic Community. We have 30 spots, so feel free to bring your friends. Make sure to sign-up on EngageXU, spots will go FAST. Plan to meet in Bellarmine Circle beforehand so we can walk over together.
Stone Lanes 3746 Montgomery Rd., Norwood, OH 45212 | 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Game Night Bingo w/ Manresa Core
Office of Student Involvement
Learn more about the Manresa Orientation Team with a night full of laughs, lucky numbers, and lively vibes. Great people, great prizes, & great food from Condado Tacos - don't miss out!
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday, January 16
Cocoa with Counseling Services
Xavier Counseling Services
Visit our hot cocoa bar with all the fixings, receive stress management tips, coping skills booklets, stress balls, and more!
GSC Atrium (1st Floor) | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Meet the Navigators
Navigators/CCO
Come meet members of the Navigators, a Christian group on campus. Our mission is to know Christ, make him known, and help others do the same.
Justice Atrium (Outside Hoff Dining) | 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Hot Wings WoW Celebration
Alchemyst Club
Come join the Alchemyst Club and indulge in some spicy wings and good conversation.
Logan Hall 100 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
The Wag Wheel
4 Paws for Ability
Spin the wheel to win candy, surprises, and even a visit with our 4 Paws pups! Quick, fun, and the perfect winter pick-me-up.
Justice Atrium (Outside Hoff Dining) | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
AB Bingo
Alternative Breaks
Learn about Alternative Breaks through trivia questions and bingo. You might even win a fun prize!
GSC Arrupe Overlook (1st Floor) | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Cozy Commuter Crafting
Commuter Activities Board
Design your own travel or makeup pouch and/or baseball hat at this hands-on DIY event. We'll have patches, paint, markers, and plenty of materials so you can create a look that fits your style! Plus, enjoy hot chocolate and winter treats while you work. Come make something useful, relax with friends, and leave with custom pieces you'll actually want to use!
GSC Ryan's Landing (Lower Level) | 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Kuhlman Winter Paint n' Sip
Office of Residence Life & Kuhlman Hall
Join us for a cozy build-a-mug bar! Paint your own mug, mix a custom hot cocoa, and treat yourself to a donut.
Kuhlman Hall 1st Floor Lounge | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Food Truck Friday - Cheesecake
Office of Student Involvement
Food Truck Friday is back with The Cheesecakery! Indulge in creamy, dreamy cheesecakes! We are serving the first 150 students, so get yours before it's all gone.
Scales of Justice | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
IM Friday Night Dodgeball
Recreational Sports
Join the XUIM program for some Friday Night Dodgeball. Feel free to drop in solo, or bring a team of friends! XUIM staff will organize games as people show up!
HUB Basketball Courts (2nd Floor) | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Buenger Hall Bingo
Office of Residence Life & Buenger Hall
Join the Buenger Hall RA staff for a lively night of bingo, prizes, and community fun!
Buenger Hall Lobby | 7:00pm - 8:30pm
GSC Movie Night
Gallagher Student Center
Come watch a blockbuster film on inflatable furniture and enjoy snacks with friends!
GSC Ryan's Landing | 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Saturday, January 17
Apartments Brunch Bar
Office of Residence Life & Apartments Community
The Apartments staff invites you to a Brunch Bar with a variety of brunch bites and a relaxed community activity. Come enjoy food, connection, and a warm space to gather.
Commons First Floor & Village Multipurpose Room | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Xplore Cincy - Ice Skating at Elm Street Plaza
Office of Student Involvement
Bundle up and skate into a winter wonderland with friends! Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink is the perfect spot for laughter, hot cocoa, and cozy memories. Looping shuttle service runs from Currito starting at 11:00 AM. The last pick-up from Elm Street Plaza is at 2:00 PM - hop on and off as needed!
Currito | 11:00am - 2:00pm
Xavier Women's Basketball vs. St. John's
Xavier Athletics & X-treme Fans
Join us for this special home game, as we celebrate the Blue Blob's birthday with pregame festivities! Come early for the excitement and stay for the game as we bring the energy for our lady Muskies!
Cintas Center | 1:00pm
Norwood After Dark w/ DJ Brian Guinness
Factory 52 Gatherall 2750 Park Ave., Norwood, OH 45212 | 7:00pm - 11:59pm
Sunday, January 18 - bonus day!
Sunday Shopping Shuttle
Office of Student Involvement
Welcome back, now time to stock up! Hop on the Sunday Shopping Shuttle to Oakley Station to visit all of your favorite shops including Kroger, Target, Meijer, and more! Shuttle pick up is in front of Currito at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm with return trips every half hour.
Currito | 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Student Mass
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
All are welcome to participate in Student Mass every Sunday at 4 PM.
Bellarmine Chapel | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Student Mass
Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice
All are welcome to participate in Student Mass every Sunday at 10 PM.
Bellarmine Chapel | 10:00pm - 11:00pm