Welcome to UNCG! Your college experience here at the G is the beginning of an incredible new journey, and we are thrilled to help you get started with a unique experience just for you!
1GNITE and NAV1GATE are special days for new students, designed to help you get to know the people, ideas, and opportunities that await you during your time here. We want you to get inspired about your college career and to get serious about the path ahead.
You will hear from our chancellor, Franklin D. Gilliam, Jr., and connect with faculty, staff, student leaders, and your peers, who will show you the resources and support systems available to help you have a successful first year. You will participate in Spartan traditions to mark the beginning of your college career. And while the day is designed to prepare you for the academic experience ahead, you’ll also have fun with your new friends and our welcoming faculty and staff. Your future is unlimited when you know how to NAV1GATE your journey.
1GNITE and NAV1GATE are required for all new first-year students. Be sure you are checking your UNCG email for more details and follow us on social media @ uncg_yfy for information and updates. Bring your SpartanCard for check-in. FREE parking for commuters will be in the Walker Avenue Parking Deck on both days.
Sunday, August 13
- It’s the annual class photo- wear your most spirited blue and gold
- Pick up your swag bag and free First Year Success Planner
- Celebrate at Live @ the G!
Monday, August 14
- Wear your gray UNCG t-shirt you received at SOAR
- Bring your SpartanCard to check in
- Breakfast first, then the sights and sounds of the pep band, cheer, and the Chancellor’s Welcome
- GPS and Deans Welcome to get ready for your first day of class!
- Alumni and Traditions Walk
- Spirited lunch at Fountain View Dining Hall
August 11 – 27
- Events on campus to celebrate your first weeks as a UNCG Spartan
- Click here for more Rawkin’ Welcome Week information
Sights & Sounds
Watch NAV1GATE
Hear NAV1GATE
Alma Mater
Instrumental
Fight Song
Instrumental
History Walk
FAQs
When are 1GNITE and NAV1GATE?
1GNITE is Sunday August 13
NAV1GATE is Monday August 14
Watch your UNCG email for all the deadlines of start times and locations.
Are first-year students required to attend 1GNITE and NAV1GATE?
Yes, all incoming first-year students are required to attend 1GNITE and NAV1GATE!
What is 1GNITE?
1GNITE kicks off the fun with your class photo and swag bag pick up – to include your free First Year Success Planner. Wear your most spirited blue and gold gear and bring your SpartanCard for check in!
What is NAV1GATE?
NAV1GATE is our required New Student Convocation for all first year students. During NAV1GATE, in addition to lots of spirit and traditions, you’ll hear from the Chancellor, meet your Deans, learn a bit to get ready for the first day of classes, and make new friends!
How do I check in for NAV1GATE?
You will need to bring your SpartanCard for check in – that’s it!
What do I wear to NAV1GATE?
For 1GNITE, wear your most spirited blue and gold gear and for NAV1GATE, wear your gray UNCG t-shirt you received at SOAR.
Will there be food at NAV1GATE?
Yes! You’ll have breakfast and lunch, with a blue and gold dessert bar, in the Fountain View Dining Hall.
Will I get free swag?
YES! You will get lots of free swag!
I’m a commuter student, where do I park? Can I attend breakfast at NAV1GATE?
For 1GNITE on Sunday, August 13 at 3:00 p.m.
Park in the Walker Avenue Parking Deck.
For NAV1GATE on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 a.m.
Park in the Walker Avenue Parking Deck.
Then, head on over to Fountain View dining hall for breakfast by 8:00 a.m. – and we’ve got you covered, so you won’t need a meal plan or cash for NAV1GATE.
University History & Traditions
The University Seal:
The seal featuring the head of Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, was first seen in 1894 on a State Normal and Industrial School diploma. The current seal was created in 1963 when Woman’s College became UNCG.
Class Colors:
Historically, classes had colors that rotated red, lavender, blue, and green every four years. When class governments were abolished in 1970, this tradition became less notable. However, these colors are still used by the Alumni Association on special occasions.
University and Academic Program Colors:
The original school colors were gold and white representing the school flower. The color navy was added in 1987. Each academic program has its own color. Students will receive a color-coded pass for this event – please be sure you follow the signs and marked seating for your college or school!
- Bryan School of Business and Economics – brown
- College of Arts and Sciences – yellow
- College of Visual and Performing Arts – pink
- Exploratory – gray
- School of Nursing – orange
- School of Education – light blue
- School of Health and Human Sciences – green
University Motto:
“Service.” This motto was adopted by the Alumnae Association in 1893.
University Mascot:
The athletic teams officially adopted the Spartan at UNCG in 1967. Men’s athletic teams, which were in their formative stages then, originally took on the nickname, and women’s teams soon followed. The Spartan is a symbol that embraces the University’s history and one of its original landmarks, the statue of the Roman Goddess Minerva, is still a part of the University logo today. The new Spartan mascot was unveiled in the fall of 2004 and given a refresh in 2019 to the image we know and love today. In the fall of 2011, the Athletics Department conducted a fan contest to officially name the Spartan. “Spiro,” the Greek word for spirit, was the official winner. In addition to providing spirit and excitement to Spartan sports venues, Spiro can be found at numerous events around the campus and in the Greensboro community.
School Flower:
The daisy was chosen as the school flower by the Class of 1893. During NAV1GATE, each student is given a daisy during the Alumni and Traditions Walk to place in the daisy chain fence outside of the alumni house.
Alumni House:
The Alumni House is your home on UNCG’s campus. Built in 1937, the House was beautifully restored and renovated in 2021 and has played host to countless events including weddings, receptions, meetings, and more.
University Bell:
The University Bell first sounded the opening of the State Normal and Industrial School in October 1892. For forty years, it rang to mark significant occasions, including a fire in the old Brick Dorm. It was replaced by electric bells in 1938 and was stored until 1953 when it was mounted at the corner of College Avenue and Spring Garden Street by the Class of 1923. In 1967, the student body financed a permanent arch and landscaping for the bell which is now known as Anniversary Plaza. The bell was taken from this spot for restoration in 1987 and was mounted on a rolling frame. It is used for University celebrations such as commencement. The Vacc Bell Tower now occupies the space that formerly housed the arch.
University Flag:
The University Flag bears the University colors and features the University seal. It was designed and introduced for the installation of Chancellor Patricia Sullivan in 1995.