Family Weekend Schedule

Family Weekend Check-In, 11 a.m.– 6 p.m. 

Tyler Haynes Commons - The Current 

Welcome to Family Weekend! We’re so glad you’re here!

Visit the Family Weekend Welcome Center to check-in and pick up your name tag and schedule.

Lunch, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. 

Heilman Dining Center   

Has your student raved about how good the food is in D-Hall? Try it for yourself! Cash or credit card accepted. 

Weinstein Learning Center Open House, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. 

Boatwright Memorial Library - First Floor - Weinstein Learning Center 

Join us for an open house at the Carole and Marcus Weinstein Learning Center, the go-to destination for academic support at the University of Richmond. Explore our newly constructed space, designed to support collaborative, peer-led learning experiences, and meet the dedicated staff and peer educators who help Spiders thrive at every stage of their academic journey.

Visitors will be able to view demonstrations in our 3D printing, virtual reality, photography, and podcasting service areas, as well as tour spaces where students attend tutoring, writing, speech, academic coaching, English language learning, and quantitative and programming services.

Light refreshments will be served!

Masterclass: What is the Secret Sauce to Netflix?, 1:00 - 1:50 p.m.  

Joel Mier, Lecturer of Marketing, Robins School of Business | Program Director, Bench Top Innovations

Tyler Haynes Commons - Alice Haynes Room 

For nearly 30 years, Netflix has been the innovation leader in home entertainment. DVDs to streaming to original content to games to live events. It has become a global phenomenon. What is it about this company that allows it to continue to innovate year after year for three decades? Professor Joel Mier, former Director of Marketing at Netflix during its formative first decade, will share with you some perspectives of his time there that will try to answer the question.

Jumm’ah Prayer, 1 – 2 p.m. 

Wilton Center - Multifaith Room 

Friday/Jumm’ah Prayer is a weekly congregational worship for Muslims. The regular dhuhr (midday) prayer on Friday is replaced by a khutbah (sermon) followed by prayer. Students, families, and guests are invited to attend.

Lora Robins Gallery Open House, 1 – 3 p.m. 

Boatwright Memorial Library - Lora Robins Gallery 

Drop into the Lora Robins Gallery, with a collection of over 100,000 pieces ranging from Jurassic dinosaur fossils to rare gems, minerals, prehistoric shells, coral, fluorescent rocks, and coins. The new installation draws on the strengths of the permanent collection to showcase hundreds of minerals, rocks, fossils, and coins.

A guided tour will begin at 1:30pm.

Center for Global Engagement Open House, 2 – 4 p.m. 

Carole Weinstein International Center - Carole Weinstein International Center, Suite 103

Drop by the Center for Global Engagement to learn about UR’s numerous study abroad programs, international student support and services, and how Spiders can be globally engaged on campus — all while enjoying an international treat!

Be sure to join us at 3pm in Jepson Hall Room 118 for a special Study Abroad Information Session for parents and families.

Disability Services Open House, 2 – 4 p.m. 

The Refectory - Suite 127

Students and families are invited to the Office of Disability Services Open House. Attendees will be able to tour the Testing Center which is a resource for students and faculty to implement testing accommodation(s) that have been approved by our office. The Director of Disability Services, Dr. Cort Schneider, and Julia Kelly, Accessibility Specialist, look forward to chatting with you.

Refreshments will be provided!

Masterclass: The Developmental Significance of Peer Relationships in School, 2:15 - 3 p.m. 

Dr. Karen Kochel, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology 

Tyler Haynes Commons  - Room 305

The peer ecology within classrooms and schools has important implications for children’s development. In this class session, we will explore both the “dark side” of children’s peer relationships, with an emphasis on peer bullying, as well as the protective function of friendship. Come learn what child developmental science has taught us about why peers matter so much for children’s scholastic success and overall well-being.

Professional Opportunities for Leadership Studies Major, 2 – 2:50 p.m. 

Dr. Kerstin Soderlund, Associate Dean for Student & External Affairs

Jepson Hall - Room 118

What do you do with a leadership studies degree? Join the Jepson School’s associate dean for student and external affairs and current Jepson students to learn about all of the fields, industries, and professions that Jepson graduates pursue and the professional development opportunities provided by the Jepson School. 

AI & the Student Expierence: A Behind-the Scenes Look at How Students Use AI, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. 

Session Facilitators:

• Dr. Saif Mehkari, Professor of Economics
• Dr. Keith (Mac) McIntosh, Vice President and Chief Information Officer 
• Dr. Joan Saab, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Tyler Haynes Commons - Alice Haynes Room

Curious about how AI is showing up in your student’s life? Join this conversation with UR administrators, professors, and students for a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how students are using AI to support learning, creativity, and problem-solving—along with the skills they’re building to use these tools. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of how AI fits into today’s college experience and what it means for the future and how the University of Richmond is supporting the development of these skills.

Study Abroad Information Session for Parents and Families, 3 – 3:50 p.m. 

Jepson Hall - Room 118

Is your student interested in studying abroad? Join us to gain an overview of the numerous study abroad options and hear from students about their global experiences.

Masterclass: From Shakespeare to Hunger Games: TV, Film, and Questions of Leadership, 3 – 3:50 p.m. 

Dr. Kristin Bezio, Jepson School Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Professor of Leadership Studies

Jepson Hall - Room 109

What are the media images that we see of leaders and leadership actions in major Hollywood films and popular television series? How do these images inform and change the way we view our leaders in “real life”? How do films and television help to shape and change the demands we have of leaders, of ourselves, and of our society?

Dr. Kristin Bezio, professor of leadership studies and associate dean for academic affairs at the Jepson School, integrates the study of literature into the leadership studies curriculum. Her areas of specialization include leadership in literature and film, leadership in performance, and cultural and political history in Early Modern England. Her teaching and research focus on the ways in which literature, drama, and film have influenced society and the way people think about issues of leadership and followership.

City Excursion with the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement: Virginia State Capitol, 3 – 5 p.m. 

Meet at the Transportation Hub (Outside the Tyler Haynes Commons between the Library and the Lake) to take the shuttle to the Virginia State Capitol 

The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement invites students and their families to join us for a downtown excursion to explore the State Capitol and meet with Richmond alumni who will share how their college experiences shaped their civic engagement journey. Come ready to walk the beautiful Capitol grounds and learn about Richmond through the eyes of your fellow Spiders!

Spots are limited. Please RSVP here. 

Involvement Matters, 3 – 3:50 p.m. 

Kerry Fankhauser, Senior Assoicate Dean of Westhampton College 

Dr. Heather Sadowski, Director of Health Promotion 

Tyler Haynes Commons - Room 305

Join Student Development professionals and current students for a discussion around ways you can support your new Spider’s involvement on campus. This session will give families a better understanding of the opportunities available to their Spider while providing tips for support and growth as they explore and build their UR community. Families will leave this session with practical strategies for encouraging their student’s engagement throughout the college journey!

Meet the Faculty: Robins School of Business, 3 – 4 p.m. 

Robins School of Business - Moelchert Commons 

A unique aspect of a UR education is the close connection with faculty, small classes, and ability to engage with ideas and concepts in a dynamic context. Come meet faculty and staff from the Robins School of Business’ accounting, analytics-operations, economics, finance, international business, management, and marketing departments, and learn more about preparing your student for success at Richmond and beyond.

Masterclass: Go with the Flow: A Study of Our Local Watershed, 3 – 4 p.m. 

Dr. Todd Lookingbill, Professor of Geography, Environment, & Sustainability, Professor of Biology, Faculty Director of the Richmond Scholars Program

Westhampton Lake - Gazebo 

Rain Location: Weinstein 204   

Richmond is the River City. Do you want to learn more about UR’s approach to place-based, community-centered education? Come hear about the connections between the river and the University. Wear comfortable shoes for this outdoor class, which will focus on the concept of watersheds as we explore the physical and human connections within the Westhampton Lake watershed. We will follow the flow of water onto campus, into the lake, and eventually out to the James.

UR Arts Afternoon, 3 – 4:30 p.m. 

Modlin Center for the Arts

Before dinner with your student, join in for an Arts Afternoon at the Modlin Center – UR’s arts neighborhood. Listen to music and chat with DJs from WDCE UR Radio, take a tour of UR’s major arts venues and facilities, peek in on an open dance rehearsal, join a student-guided tour of UR’s latest art exhibitions, and more!

Complimentary snacks and beverages provided.

Career Development at Richmond: Making the Most of Every Year, 3:15– 4:15 p.m. 

Damon Yarnell, Associate Provost & Executive Director of Career Development

Tyler Haynes Commons - Alice Haynes Room 

Whether your student is a first year discovering possibilities or a senior preparing to launch, Career Services has something to offer. We can help them clarify their interests, identify opportunities, make valuable connections, and develop action plans.

Join us to learn how the Richmond Guarantee, our career advisors, and our employer relations team support student success across all four years. Current Spiders will share their experiences, and you will leave knowing concrete steps to support your student’s next move.

Paint. Pour. Party, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 

Kaitlin Stasiunas, Health Promotion Coordinator 

Well-Being Center - Mind Body Studio

Join us for a special Family Weekend Paint, Pour, Party, designed for students and their families, offering a relaxed and creative way to spend time together. Guided by an instructor, participants will create their own painting step-by-step—no experience needed—while enjoying a selection of beverages and light refreshments. This laid-back event is the perfect opportunity to unwind, share laughs, and spend time with your family, all while leaving with a unique piece of art to remember the weekend.

Space is limited to the first 30 participants. Please arrive early.

Meet & Greet with the Richmond College Deans, 4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Whitehurst - Whitehurst Living Room 

Join the Richmond College Deans for a reception.

Meet & Greet with the Westampton College Deans, 4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Westmapton Center - Westhampton Living Room & Courtyard

Join the Westhampton College Deans for a reception.

Hillel Welcoming Shabbat, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. 

Wilton Center - Multifaith Room 

Students and their loved ones are invited to join Jewish Life at UR to welcome Shabbat with candles, kiddush, and challah. We will hold a brief ritual to celebrate the arrival of Shabbat, followed by time to mingle over light appetizers.

Men’s Club Rugby vs CNU, 7 - 9 p.m.  

Intramural Field #1

Come cheer on Men’s Rugby as they take on Christopher Newport University!

SpiderBoard: Movie Under the Stars. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 

University Forum 

Rain Location: Tyler Haynes Commons - Alice Haynes Room 

In celebration of Latinx Heritage Month, SpiderBoard welcomes you to join them at their Movie Under the Stars event! Enjoy free blankets & snacks, while supplies lasts. We hope to see you there!

The movie will be announced in the fall.

Department of Music’s Family Weekend Concert, 7:30 – 9 p.m. 

Modlin Center for the Arts -  Booker Hall of Music - Camp Concert Hall

Enjoy the talents of the Music Department’s large ensembles at this annual event, featuring Schola Cantorum, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphony Orchestra.

This concert is free and offered as part of the Department of Music Concert Series.

Seating is general admission. All will be welcomed as space allows. Register now! 

Cellar Night: Family Weekend Edition, 8 - 10 p.m. 

 Tyler Haynes Commons - Lower Level - The Cellar 

Ready to rock the night away? Join us at The Cellar for a special Family Weekend edition of everyone’s favorite campus tradition! Grab a drink, grab your spot at a booth or on the dance floor, and get ready to sing along to the high-energy rock and country hits of one of our campus band’s. It’s the perfect way to spend your Friday night on campus!