Expedition
Find Your Direction
Expedition is the all-encompassing kick-off to the UVA Wise experience for all new students that will begin Friday, August 14th and go through Monday, August 17th.
A students-only event, Expedition incorporates a multitude of educational, social, community service, and leadership opportunities geared toward student success.
Who is Expedition for?
All new first-year students (both residential and commuter) are required to participate throughout the entirety of the Expedition. Expedition is optional for transfer students, but is highly encouraged. Please do not make other plans, such as vacation or work hours, during this event.
What will I do during Expedition?
Prepare for excursions and activities with peers and campus community members. Expedition participants will get to pick an excursion to venture off on, hear award-winning speakers, engage in interactive sessions with UVA Wise staff, and engage in small-group activities with peers and Expedition Leaders.
You will be placed in Expedition Excursions on a first come first serve basis so make sure you sign up early to get your top selection! Expedition Excursion sign ups coming soon!
Who are the Expedition Leaders?
First Year Experience Leaders, or FYEX Leaders, are upper-class student leaders who guide new students through Expedition. As team leaders, your FYEX Leaders will give you helpful information and resources and personally guide you to a successful transition to campus life. Building connections with your FYEX Leader and Expedition team is crucial as these people will also be in your first year seminar during the Fall semester.
What is the Expedition schedule?
Students will receive a full Expedition schedule upon check-in Friday, August 14th. Additional details will be emailed to students closer to August 14th and will also be available on the UVA Wise Involve app under the Expedition page. You can also view an abbreviated schedule.
Download the Involve app for updates and schedule changes. Students will use the app to participate in Expedition and other events.
What else should I know about Expedition?
- Dress is casual. Wear comfortable shoes; there will be a lot of walking! Check the weather in case you need an umbrella or jacket.
- Meals are included. Residential student meals are included in their meal plan, and all commuter students will receive tickets for all meals at check-in.
- No supplies needed. All needed supplies & materials are provided, including a bag, schedule, and name tag.
- Park in your regular designated lot with a valid parking decal on your car.
- When do I get my Cavs Card? Residential students will receive their Cavs Card upon housing check in and commuter students will receive their Cavs Card at Expedition check in on Friday, August 14th. If you have not already done so, upload your photo to Mail Services at least 3 days prior to the start of Expedition. Learn more about your Cavs Card .
- When do I receive my iPad? All new students will receive an iPad, Apple pencil, and smart keyboard as part of the College’s innovate2elevate initiative during Expedition. Additional details will be provided by your FYEX Leader at Expedition.
Expedition 2026 Abbreviated Schedule
Friday, August 14th, 2026
9 a.m-4 p.m., New Student Move-In
Main Campus
Residential Students move into their halls.
12-3 p.m., Early Expedition Check-In
Slemp Student Center 1st Floor (Atrium)
Students moving in can come check in early at Move-In.
4:30-6 p.m., Dinner
Smith Dining Commons
5-6 p.m. - Expedition Check-In
David J. Prior Convocation Center
6-6:30 p.m., Expedition Kick Off
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Learn the ins and outs of Expedition and meet your team leader.
6:30-8:30 p.m., Loved One Send Off
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Celebration for all students and parents.
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
8-9:30 a.m., Breakfast
Smith Dining Commons*
Breakfast provided.
9:30-10 a.m., Sessions Check-In
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Check in for the day and be sure to grab your Fall Convocation shirt for a picture following the breakout sessions.
10-11:30 a.m., Breakout Sessions
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Learn more about what it means to be a UVA Wise Highland Cavalier.
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m, New Student Group Picture
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Join us at the Convocation Center to be pictured in this year’s new student group photo for the UVA Wise media pages. Don’t forget to wear your Convocation Shirt provided earlier in the day.
12-1:30 p.m.,Brunch
Smith Dining Commons*
2-4 p.m., First-Year Success
David J. Prior Convocation Center
4:30-5:30 p.m., Team Time
Various Locations
5:30-7:30 p.m., Dinner
Smith Dining Commons
Sunday, August 16th, 2026
10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Brunch
Smith Dining Commons*
Sleep in & enjoy brunch before your busy day begins! Residential students: Swipe your Cavs ID Card. Commuting Students: Present cashier with dining voucher.
1:30-2:30 p.m., Team Time
Various Locations
Get to know your group, ask any questions, and learn all about the Expedition Journey!
3-5 p.m., Excursions
Various Locations & Meeting Times
Excursions are pre chosen. See email sent by OSE about Expedition for more details.
5:30-7:30 p.m., Dinner
Smith Dining Commons*
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Café!
Monday, August 17th, 2026
7:30-9 a.m., Breakfast
Smith Dining Commons*
Fuel up for your day with breakfast in the dining hall, available until 9:30 A.M. .
9 a.m.-2 p.m., Pad Pickup & Team Time
Various Times & Locations
Learn your team time & location during Check-in & Kickoff on Friday (08/15).
11 a.m.-1 p.m, Lunch
Smith Dining Commons*
Enjoy lunch at the Cafe before heading out to take care of other items needed to begin classes.
12-5 p.m., Taking Care Of Business
Main Campus
Complete any last minute tasks that are needed to start a successful semester!
3-4 p.m., Year In Wise Meeting
Science 122
Year in Wise ONLY
4:30-7:30 p.m., Dinner
Smith Dining Commons*
Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Cafe!
6-9 p.m., Block Party
McCraray Lawn*
Kick off Welcome Week 2026 at the Block Party
Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
9:15-10:45 a.m., Fall Convocation
Henson Lawn
Fall Convocation celebrates the beginning of the academic year. Join campus community members in a processional to the Convocation Center. Students should arrive to campus no later than 9:15 a.m. to line up. Be sure to wear your Convocation Shirt given to you on Sunday!
11 a.m.-1:20 p.m., Student Activities Fair
David J. Prior Convocation Center
Get connected at the annual Student Activities Fair! Meet with local businesses in Wise, Norton, and Big Stone Gap and UVA Wise clubs and organizations.
