Student Affairs introduces new classification system for Pillar Events
Student Affairs’ Pillar Events have been defined as large-scale, thoughtfully curated events designed to serve as cornerstones of the college experience. They aim to cut through the noise of hundreds of campus events and provide students with consistent, high-impact experiences to look forward to each year. This fall, Student Affairs is taking the next step: formally classifying Pillar Events into three categories—social, belonging, and health & wellness.
Why it matters: The new structure clarifies expectations for students, creates a balanced mix of events throughout the year, and helps students make more intentional choices about where to spend their time. “By offering a variety of Pillar Events, we’re giving students the opportunity to customize their experience and determine which events become meaningful traditions for them,” said Erica Andersen, Senior Associate Dean for Student Engagement & Leadership. “Our hope is that every student finds at least one event that resonates—whether that’s making a new friend, celebrating their identity, or prioritizing their well-being.”
For Student Affairs, categorizing Pillar Events also helps the Engagement and Belonging Committee (formerly the taskforce) ensure events align with our strategic priorities and allows us to measure their effectiveness. Each category has its own post-event survey tailored to evaluate the specific type of student impact we intend to achieve. By customizing each survey, we can better assess how well our events are meeting their goals and identify who is—and isn’t—participating, based on event category.
Here is an official list of Pillar events for the 2025-2026 school year:
Social Pillar Events
Events that bring the campus together around entertainment, tradition, and school spirit.
- Get Involved Fair – Aug. 21, 2025
- Crimson Nights – Aug. 22, 2025; Apr. 10, 2026
- Legacy of Lowell – Sept. 13, 2025
- Student Parent Week – Sept. 15, 2025
- Unight – Sept. 19, 2025
- Octoberfest – Oct. 1, 2025
- Redfest – Oct. 17, 2025
- Homecoming Week – Oct. 17–25, 2025
- Silent Disco – Jan. 9, 2026
- Casino Night – Feb. 27, 2026
- Red Shred – Mar. 20, 2026
- Grand Kerfuffle – Apr. 17, 2026
Belonging Pillar Events
Events designed to help students engage in cultural celebration and provide opportunities for students to connect through recognition and shared experiences.
- Festival of Cultures – Aug. 27, 2025
- Korean Cultural Festival – Sept. 27, 2025
- Latine Heritage Month – Sept. 15, 2025
- Ute Proud Football Tailgate – Sept. 20, 2025
- LGBTQ+ History Month – Oct. 1, 2025
- Native American Heritage Month – Nov. 1, 2025
- Veterans week: Nov. 10-15, 2025
- Native Winter Arts Market & Social Dance – Dec. 6, 2025
- MLK Week – Jan. 1, 2026
- Black History Month – Feb. 1, 2026
- Neurodiversity & Disability Week – Feb. 12, 2026
- Women’s Week – Mar. 2, 2026
- Pride Week – Mar. 30, 2026
- Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) History Month – Apr. 1, 2026
- Powwow – Spring 2026
Health & Wellness Pillar Events
Programs, events and week/month-long campaigns that promote health, safety, and overall well-being.
- Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – Sept. 2025
- Woofs & Wellness – Sept. 17, 2025
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month – Oct. 2025
- Wellness Fair - Nov. 18, 2025
- Build-A-Friend Mixer – Feb. 11, 2026
- Banff Mountain Film Festival – Feb. 18 – 25, 2025
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month – Apr. 2026
- Financial Wellness Month – Apr. 2026
- BNC Birthday Party – Apr. 14, 2026
Students can find details and RSVP for Pillar Events on Campus Connect.