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
UC welcomed students to campus during Bearcat Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC welcomed new students to campus at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
First-year students gathered in Fifth Third Arena for Welcome Week's official Bearcats Kick-Off ceremony. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC's Dance and Cheerleading teams performed at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC officials gathered on stage at Fifth Third Arena during Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC's Dance Team performed on the floor of Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
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 performed for students as part of Welcome Week's Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC's Marching Band took part in festivities during Welcome Week at Nippert Stadium. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC student body President Joshua Copley and Vice President Wilaini Alicea helped welcome students during Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC welcomed first-year students to campus during Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
UC President Neville Pinto addresses first-year students at Bearcats Kick-Off. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
Students played games like cornhole on campus during Welcome Week. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
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
UC celebrated Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena. Photo/Kelly Bennett/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
PHOTOS: UC welcomes next class of Bearcats
August 22, 2025
UC welcome new students to campus during a convocation ceremony called Bearcats Kick-Off at Fifth Third Arena.
UC growth continues as Big 12 newbie admits largest class
September 15, 2023
It's now official. The University of Cincinnati enrolled 50,921 students for the fall semester. Growth has been continuous with the student body increasing by 19% during the past decade.
Back to School 2025: UC’s sustained growth
August 25, 2025
The University of Cincinnati will continue to see growth in enrollment as classes begin Monday, Aug. 25, with a projected 54,000 students — a 1.4% increase over last year.