FIRST YEAR FOREFRONT

Begin your Akron experience with the affinity, knowledge and motivation you need to have a successful college career!

Check out these exclusive programs offered by the Oﬃce of Orientation & First-Year Programming to kick off your ﬁrst year as an Akron Zip!

UNLOCK AKRON

Unlock Akron oﬀers you the chance to meet other new Zips before classes start and to get the lowdown on college life at UA from the current students who lead the activities.

Both events are free for new students and spots are limited. Register here

Painting Zippy at the Akron Art Museum

Show oﬀ your UA pride and love for Zippy through art. New Zips will receive a canvas, art supplies and templates to inspire your UA creation. Tour the museum, learn more about its history, and how you can get in for free!

Friday, July 18 at 2:30 pm (Arrive to campus at 5:45 pm)
Check-in: Simmons Hall (269 E. Buchtel Ave.) at 5:45 pm for ice breakers and travel downtown.

Night Downtown at the Ballpark

Get ready for a night at the ballpark! New Zips will receive Duck Bills for concessions and enjoy ﬁreworks after the game.

Friday, August 1, at 7:05 pm (arrive to campus by 5:45 pm)
Check-in: Simmons Hall (269 E. Buchtel Ave.) at 2 pm for ice breakers and travel downtown.

MENTORSHIP

Get paired with a Forefront Mentor who serves as a connection to resources and involvement opportunities around campus! New students and mentors are matched based on similar majors & interests, maintain regular communication with each other, and attend events together during the fall and spring semesters. The more engaged you are, the more you get out of it!

Fill out your First Year Forefront Mentor questionnaire and be matched with a mentor. Pairings will be announced on a weekly basis beginning in late June and throughout the summer.

FIRST YEAR SPEAKER SERIES

Find inspiration, motivation, and purpose from guest speakers during your ﬁrst year of college. Each year, The University of Akron hosts guest speakers who are experts in areas focused on student success, such as mental health, ﬁnancial literacy, resilience, motivation, independence and more.

Join us at on Thursday, September 25, 2025 as beloved mental health advocate Wes Woodson kicks off the 2025-2026 First Year Speaker Series by sharing his personal story of transforming anxiety into purpose. Wes is the author of I Have Anxiety (So What?) and is known for helping students navigate anxiety, build confidence, develop self-love, and believe one simple but powerful message: You are enough!

Wes' guest lecture will take place at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 6:30 PM. Entry is free for members of the UA community with a valid Zip Card.