PHOTOS: UC welcomes next class of Bearcats

UC lays out red carpet during Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena

The University of Cincinnati welcomed new students to campus during its annual fall convocation called Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena.

UC will welcome students back to campus Monday with the start of the fall academic semester.

To make new students feel welcome, UC recognized the new class with a formal welcome from President Neville Pinto and introductions to UC traditions such as Down the Drive and performances by the Bearcats Marching Band and the UC Dance Team, among others.

“We're glad you're here and we welcome each and every one of you,“ Pinto said. “We believe you will be the citizen leaders of tomorrow.

Pinto urged students to take advantage of all the opportunities offered at UC, both academically, professionally and socially.

Student body President Josh Copley and Vice President Wilaini Alicea also welcomed students. They urged students to join any of the 700 student organizations on campus.

“It's time to step out of your comfort zone and try new things,“ Copley said.

Featured image at top: First-year students gather at Fifth Third Arena for Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

Cheerleaders get hoisted into the air on the floor of Fifth Third Arena.

UC welcomed students to campus during Bearcat Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

UC officials talk at a podium on the floor of Fifth Third Arena next to a giant UC sign.

UC welcomed new students to campus at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

Students pose for a photo from their seats in Fifth Third Arena.

First-year students gathered in Fifth Third Arena for Welcome Week's official Bearcats Kick-Off ceremony. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

UC cheerleaders perform at Fifth Third Arena.

UC's Dance and Cheerleading teams performed at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

UC deans and administrators pose on stage.

UC officials gathered on stage at Fifth Third Arena during Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

The UC Dance Team performs at Fifth Third Arena.

UC's Dance Team performed on the floor of Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students perform on the floor of Fifth Third Arena.

UC welcomed first-year students to campus during Welcome Week's Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

The UC Marching Band performs on the field at Nippert Stadium.

The UC Marching Band performed for students as part of Welcome Week's Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

The UC Marching Band performs in matching black shorts and T-shirts.

UC's Marching Band took part in festivities during Welcome Week at Nippert Stadium. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

Joshua Copley and Wilaini Alicea pose for a photo together at Fifth Third Arena.

UC student body President Joshua Copley and Vice President Wilaini Alicea helped welcome students during Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

The scoreboard at Fifth Third Arena welcomes students.

UC welcomed first-year students to campus during Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

President Neville Pinto stands at a podium in front of thousands of UC students at Fifth Third Arena.

UC President Neville Pinto addresses first-year students at Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

UC students play cornhole on campus.

Students played games like cornhole on campus during Welcome Week. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

The Bearcat poses for photos with Mr. Redlegs and Who Dey.

Students pose with the reigning 2025 college mascot national champion UC Bearcat, the Cincinnati Reds' Mr. Redlegs and the Cincinnati Bengals' Who Dey. during Welcome Week. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

Students pack Fifth Third Arena.

UC celebrated Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand

Related Stories