Family and Friends

We know you are a key resource and support for your student’s success at UVA Wise! As a member of our extended Cavalier family, we invite you to join us on campus for a range of events showcasing the student experience, and we hope you’ll follow along with the College’s stories as the student you love grows and flourishes.

UVA Wise Family Weekend

Family Weekend and Homecoming - October 6 - 7, 2023

Are you looking to get a first-hand understanding of many of the events and moments the UVA Wise student you love has been experiencing in college? Join us for UVA Wise Family Weekend where you can become an active member of the UVA Wise community, check out regional amenities and cheer "GO CAVS GO" at Highland Cavalier athletics competitions!

Online registration for Family Weekend has closed. Onsite registration will be available on Friday during check-in. Onsite registration will not include admission to the football game on Saturday.

Family Weekend Schedule

Share pictures of the family with your student at their favorite UVA Wise spot using #uvawisefamily on social media.

Check-in Times/Locations

Friday, October 6, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. - C. Bascom Slemp Student Center Atrium

Saturday, October 7, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. - Cantrell Hall Patio

October 6, 2023

Academic Offerings

9:00 a.m. - Interpersonal Communication with Rachel Tighe, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Zehmer 109

11:00 a.m. - Classroom Management with Elizabeth Dotson-Shupe, Associate Professor of Education, UVA Wise Library 211

2:00 p.m. - Nonverbal Communication with Rachel Tighe, Associate Professor of Communication Studies, Zehmer 109

3:00 p.m. - Science Laboratory Tour with Mike Shell, Associate Professor of Biology, Leonard W. Sandridge Science Center Atrium

4:00 p.m. - Homecoming and Family Weekend Kick-off Celebration, Lawn by the Lake
Join us for our student kick-off to Homecoming and Family Weekend. We’ll have games and food trucks to enjoy.

4:45 p.m. - Student Chariot Race, Lawn by the Lake
This annual student Homecoming tradition is one that you won’t want to miss. Student organizations create their best "chariot” and compete in a two-lap race around a course on the McCraray Lawn.

6:00 p.m. - CAVS Volleyball vs. Anderson University, David J. Prior Convocation Center
Stop by the Chancellor’s Suite for a warm UVA Wise welcome!

October 7, 2023

9:00 a.m. -UVA Wise Visual & Performing Arts - Run for the Arts 5K

The Run for the Arts 5K and 1-Mile Walk event celebrates the visual and performing arts field and supports The University of Virginia’s College at Wise’s Department of Visual & Performing Arts curriculum and programming. Separate registration fee required.
Check in at 9:00 a.m. and race at 10:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m. - Enjoy a Campus Nature Walk or Local Hike*
Nature Walk with Ryan Huish, Associate Professor of Biology, Departs from Leonard W. Sandridge Science Center

Ethnobotanist Ryan Huish will teach you all about our fascinating plants, their traditional uses, and how they have drawn the attention of outside researchers for our rich genetic resources.

Our region is one of the most biologically diverse temperate areas in the world. In fact, we have several hundred acres on campus of native and altered ecosystems that support local plants, fungus, invertebrates, vertebrates, and other important organisms, including at least six endangered species. The variety of organisms on campus represent important connections to biocultural heritage of the Appalachian region. For example, students have performed ethnobotanical analyses of the more than 350 plant species on campus and have found that half of the native species have been used by Indigenous and other cultures in the region for food, medicine, and other purposes.

12:00 p.m. - Homecoming and Family Weekend Pre-Game Tailgate, David J. Prior Convocation Center

2:00 p.m. - CAVS Football vs. Emory & Henry, Carl Smith Stadium
Be sure to check your email for ticket information before the game!

7:00 p.m. - Enjoy the Town of Wise

October 8, 2022

10:30 a.m. - Family Brunch, Smith Dining Commons

* It is recommended to visit Flag Rock and High Knob in Norton, VA on Sunday due to the High Knob Hellbender 10K on Saturday, October 7.

Other activities: