UAFS New Student & Family Programs

09/23/2026

FORT SMITH & RIVER VALLEY BUSINESSES — WE NEED YOU!

New Student & Family Programs is getting ready for UAFS Family Weekend, October 16–17!

We’re bringing our Lions and their families together for a weekend of fun, connection, and making memories — and we want to include the amazing businesses that make our community so special!

We’re looking for local businesses willing to donate door prizes or giveaways for Family Weekend!

Think you have something our families would love? We’d be excited to have it!

Gift cards
Restaurant certificates
Tickets or experiences
Products or merchandise
Business services
Or just something FUN!

Your donation will help us make Family Weekend even more memorable, while giving us an opportunity to show some love to the local businesses that support our UAFS community.

Interested in donating?
Comment below or email [email protected] to get involved!

NOT A LOCAL BUSINESS? YOU CAN HELP TOO!

Tag a Fort Smith or River Valley business you’d LOVE to see donate to Family Weekend!

Maybe it’s your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, boutique, salon, activity spot, or local business you just love supporting.

Tag them below!

09/21/2026

Lace up for NUMA’s Pumpkin Dash 5K!

Make the most of UAFS Family Weekend and join us for a fun-filled morning at the NUMA’s Pumpkin Dash 5K!

Saturday, October 17
UAFS Bell Tower
Check-in: 8:15 AM| Race starts at 9:00 AM
$25 registration — includes a race shirt!

Bring your family, grab your friends, and get ready to run, walk, or stroll your way through Family Weekend! Whether you’re racing for a PR or just here for the fun, we’d love to have you join us!

Registration is open!
Link in our bio or google UAFS Family Weekend 2026

09/08/2026

SAVE THE DATE, LION FAMILIES!

Family Weekend is coming to UAFS! Mark your calendars for October 16–17, 2026 and get ready for a weekend full of family, fun, food, fall activities, Lion Pride, and plenty of memories!

Bring your family back to campus and get ready to experience UAFS together! We have lots of fun planned, and we can’t wait to share all the details with you!

October 16–17, 2026
UAFS Family Weekend

Keep watching our social media platforms for more details! Registration will be opening soon, so make sure you’re following along so you don’t miss it!

We can’t wait to celebrate with our Lion families!

07/27/2026

Stay Connected with Lion Family Connection!

Supporting a college student is a team effort, and we're here to help! Lion Family Connection is your one-stop resource for important campus updates, upcoming events, family newsletters, helpful resources, and tips for supporting your student throughout the year.

Whether your student is just starting at UAFS or preparing for graduation, Lion Family Connection helps you stay informed and connected.

We’re so excited to share our new family engagement portal: The Lion Family Connection!

Sign up to stay up to date on your student’s major deadlines and important events, and connect with fellow parents, mentors and supporters.

Read more and sign up now at: https://uafs.edu/news/2026/uafs-launches-lion-family-connection.php

07/23/2026

CAMP COLORS ARE OUT NOW! 🥳🎉🎊

Make sure to check your email for future updates!!

If you still haven't registered for Cub Camp 2026, Register before July 31st when prices increase! We can't wait to see you there!

06/23/2026

June 19 Mane Event Recap! 🦁

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a day of connection, preparation, and Lion pride! 💙

Haven’t registered yet? There’s still time to attend an upcoming Mane Event:

🌀 July 17
🌀 July 31
🌀 August 6

We can’t wait to welcome more future Lions to campus!

05/13/2026

Meet your Summer Orientation Leaders 🦁✨

We are officially LESS THAN ONE WEEK away from our first Mane Event of the summer!! 🎉

If you haven’t signed up for our upcoming Summer Mane Events yet… this is your SIGN 👀

Come meet new friends, make memories, and show your Lion pride! 💙

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from New Students and Family Programs!

03/20/2026

These lions are on spring break mode! 🦁🌴

Spring Break is March 23–27—we’ll see you back soon! 😎

02/11/2026

It’s not too late 👀

Apply to be a Mane Event leader before Feb 13 @ 11:59 PM‼️
Don’t miss your shot. 📣