About Bear Down Week
The first six weeks of college are widely regarded as a critical window for building the connections and sense of belonging that support persistence (Levitz & Noel, 1989; Tinto, 1975; Walton & Cohen, 2011; Hausmann et al., 2007). But around the six-week mark, the excitement of a new school year begins to fade. Homesickness can set in, midterms add stress, and first grades come back, and they may not be what a student expects.
That's why we started Bear Down Week in 2025: a week of mid-semester events to help Wildcats get involved and take care of themselves. Programming ranges from well-being, club, and resource fairs to Pilates on the Mall, petting zoos, free food trucks, movies, and music.
We intentionally pair Bear Down Week right with Family Weekend, so families can engage with some of the programming and learn about the many resources that support their student’s well-being and success.
At a point in the semester when things can feel hard, Bear Down Week is about caring for ourselves and each other, leaning into community, and discovering what it truly means to "Bear Down."
2026 Bear Down Week Events
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Join Us Next Year!
