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University of North Georgia (¹û¶³´«Ã½) President Michael Shannon and other university leaders welcomed students to campus at Nighthawk Kick-off events during the first week of classes. In addition to the university's administrators, Student Government Association officers and other student group leaders spoke at the events.  

A celebration of the start of the 2023-24 academic year, Nighthawk Kick-off was held at ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses on Aug. 21 and the Oconee Campus on Aug. 23. The Cumming Campus event is at noon on Aug. 28, and the Blue Ridge Campus event is set for noon on Aug. 30. 

"Welcome to the most innovative, dynamic, legacy-making university in the country," Shannon said.  

¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Division II softball national championship team was at the events in Gainesville and Dahlonega to sign championship posters and pose for photos with the championship trophy. 

The Nighthawk Kick-off provided free T-shirts for students and included games and fun activities. 

"We're here for you. We're incredibly proud of you," Shannon said. "We know you're going to do great things. The best is yet to come." 

The ¹û¶³´«Ã½ pep band played under the direction of Dr. Ashley Jarrell, associate professor of music and director of bands, at the events on the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses. 

"You are essential to this university. You are the reason we are here," Dr. Steven Smith, vice president of regional campuses, told students.  

Nighthawk Kick-off is part of Weeks of Welcome, held Aug. 21 to Sept. 1, to offer opportunities to meet other students, interact with faculty and staff, and become better acquainted with university resources, opportunities and expectations. 

These events, sponsored by the Office of Student Involvement, can foster campus community engagement, promote local culture and traditions, and create a sense of unity and pride among ¹û¶³´«Ã½ students. There are more than 100 Weeks of Welcome events university-wide this academic year.