UVA Clubs are invited to host fun and casual Summer Socials as an opportunity for the entire UVA community in your area to connect with each other.
This series of events embraces the traditional summer student send-off and expands to include new and returning students, alumni, friends, and families in your region.
This is an exciting opportunity for all Hoos in your area to build their local UVA network and provide a warm welcome to new Hoos.
ENCOURAGED EVENT TIME FRAME: Saturday, June 27 - Sunday, August 16, 2026
EVENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Four (4) weeks before event date
Planning Your Event:
1. Download the planning guide:
2. Select your date + choose a theme + find a location that works for you.
Make sure to take cultural and/or religious considerations into account.
Don’t forget to add 30% to your event capacity to account for melt!
3. Fill out the UVA Clubs Summer Social Event Form to share your plans:
This form signals the Office of Engagement to prepare your event email invitation, create a registration page, and ship an event supply box prior to your event. Please submit your event no less than FOUR (4) weeks before the event date to ensure timely email communications and supply box shipment from the Office of Engagement.
Remember: The earlier you submit your form, the more we can assist you with planning and promoting your event.
4. Share your event on social media
5. Receive your event supplies. Make sure to provide a good address to receive the box.
6. Make a plan!
An Icebreaker Game is a great way to get people mingling and start conversations. Our Icebreaker Ideas page has a variety of options that are ready to go with very little prep, planning, or expense. Or feel free to create your own!
Prepare some brief remarks to welcome everyone to the event and introduce the hosts, board members, any UVA staff that are present (if applicable), and others as appropriate. Some clubs like to introduce the students that are attending to give them an extra special welcome to UVA. Not sure what to say? Talk to your REO for ideas. Please keep any announcements or programming to 15 minutes or less.
7. Have a blast!
Post-Event Checklist:
1. Send us some photos of the day:
2. Submit your itemized receipts for reimbursement:
- Cavalier Summer Socials should take place between Saturday, June 27 - Sunday, August 16, 2026
- Consult the calendar below for open dates and dates to avoid:
Itemized receipts are required for reimbursements. The Office of Engagement will reimburse up to $15.00 for each participant pre-registered online for live events. Reimbursements may not exceed the amount of money spent on the event. Itemized receipts are required for reimbursements.
NEW!: Charging admission is now optional but encouraged, and there is no longer a mandatory donation component. This does not apply to incoming students and their families, who will automatically be admitted for free.
RECEIVING YOUR REIMBURSEMENT:
- Click the link below and complete your reimbursement request form.
- Include itemized receipts for all expenses, whether they were charged to your UVA purchasing card or your personal accounts.
- If this is a personal reimbursement, a Clubs admin will contact you for your banking information, and funds will be direct deposited into the account you provide. The UVA Fund no longer issues checks for reimbursements.
- Itemized receipts are required for reimbursements.
For questions please email your REO.