New Argo | University of West Florida

Welcome, New Argo

Welcome to the New Argo: Getting Settled Series. This website and newsletter (subscribe below) are designed to help you, our newest Argo, find your way, connect with new friends, and discover the best spots to hang out between classes at UWF.

Getting Settled in January

Build a strong support system for this semester early on. Your support system can include classmates, professors, and staff—all of whom are here to help you navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and make your college experience unforgettable.

Here are some opportunities and deadlines to keep an eye on this month:

On-Campus Housing: Housing contracts for the Fall/Spring open on February 3, 2026.
Study Abroad This Summer: Explore your options and start planning your adventure!
Campus Jobs: Handshake is UWF’s online career management database for students. Browse openings and apply for jobs.

Let’s make this semester unforgettable!

Spring It On starts January 7

Spring It On is the UWF's official Spring welcome season for our new and returning students. Spring It On events are free for all current students with a valid Nautilus Card, so come check it out!

Use the Student Health Clinic to be well and stay well

UWF’s clinic is a primary health facility that serves actively enrolled UWF Students. Make an appointment by calling 850.474.2172, option 1.

Find new friends while doing something you already love, or while trying something new

Join a Student Organization, Fraternity and Sorority Life, join or form your own Sports Club, or play a team sport with Intramural Sports. Are you looking for a job? Find an on-campus job so you can work with your peers.

non-perishable foods ready to be distributed to the Argo Pantry

Visit the Argo Pantry

The Argo Pantry is a free resource that provides nutritious and healthy food options for currently enrolled UWF students. The Argo Pantry is located within the Dean of Students Office in Building 960 (upstairs) and is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Students may visit the pantry once a week with their Nautilus Card.

Calling all Transfer Students!

Transfer Task Force (TTF) is the transfer student organization on campus! This student-led group is not only a great place to connect with fellow transfer students, but also serves as a way to get involved with incredible service projects. TTF is currently working hard to raise two service puppies, Veracruz and Wryland with Canine Companions right here at UWF. Check out ArgoPulse to join the Transfer Task Force and learn more about how you can get involved. You just might be the next TTF Puppy Raiser!

Person showing their cell phone screen with the Guardian mobile app pulled up

Download helpful Campus Mobile Apps

Use your phone to get more connected to campus. UWF offers mobile apps for a variety of things: Registering for Group Fitness classes, Outdoor Adventure trips or Intramural Sports, attending athletic events, campus safety and contacting UWF police, finding out what events are happening on campus, and more. See the list of apps below.

UWF Campus Mobile Apps
Mobile Application	Google Play Download Links	App Store Download Links
Argo Pulse: Campus events and student organizations	Argo Pulse	Argo Pulse
Argo Armada: The official mobile app for University of West Florida Athletics	Argo Armada	Argo Armada
Handshake: Find a better job or internship	Handshake	Handshake
IMLeagues: Register for Group Fitness classes, Outdoor Adventure trips or Intramural Sports	IMLeagues	IMLeagues
RecWell: Access the Gym in the HLS Facility with the app	RecWell	RecWell
TalkCampus: 24/7 real-time support, provided by UWF Counseling and Psychological Services	TalkCampus	TalkCampus
UWF Rave Guardian: Campus safety and UWF police	Guardian	Guardian

Set yourself up for success

Upcoming Fall Events

Spring It On: Chill and Cheer - Jan. 7
Spring It On: FSL Freeze Fest - Jan. 8
Spring It On: Slide into Spring with SGA - Jan. 13
Spring It On: Cozy Cinema - Jan. 13
Spring It On: Spring Student Involvement Fair - Jan. 14
Spring It On: CAB Mystery Pop-Up - Jan. 15
Spring It On: MLK Jr Day of Service - Jan. 16
2026 Law School Fair - Jan. 30

Weekly events

International Coffee Hour
Thursdays Bldg. 71, 5:30-7 p.m.
Campus Activity Board events

Find events year-round

Argo Pulse
Handshake

Students and staff interacting at the Commuter Hub

Find your favorite places

On-campus dining
- Choose from a variety of dining and food options
Commuter Hub
- Come use amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, charging stations or the quiet study space. This space is specifically designed for students who are living off-campus and commute to UWF
The Rec in the Health, Leisure and Sports Facility
- Access "the Rec" in the HLS Facility with your Nautilus Card and/or with the RecWell mobile app
Game Room in the Commons
- Visit the Service Desk and Ticket Center and use your Nautilus Card to rent board games, cards, or equipment to play ping pong, air hockey, foosball

Take care of your academics

Get to class!
- Actively participate in your classes and get to know your professors and classmates
Check Classmate to confirm your attendance
- Confirming your attendance in the first week is important for your financial aid distribution, if applicable, and also serves as a way for your advisor to ensure you're on track academically
Drop/Add Week is January 7–13, 2026
- You can make class schedule adjustments with no penalty during the drop/add week. After January 13, schedule adjustments for first-term classes are no longer permitted
Utilize subject-based tutoring services
- Drop-in style and virtual appointments are offered throughout the semester
Request a Peer Academic Coach
- Academic Coaches are student staff trained to help you develop the necessary skills to become a successful and self-directed lifelong learner
Attend an Academic Success Workshop

What's an Argonaut?

The myth that our beloved mascot, Argie, is based on is called Jason and the Argonauts Quest for the Golden Fleece. Parts of the myth are illustrated below by UWF alumnus Dylan Nadsady. Click through the panels to read the highlights.

Homecoming Boat Race in the aquatic center

Real life Argonauts!

Little bits of this myth are woven into UWF’s culture. For example, our Homecoming concert is called ‘Colchis’, and if you look closely around campus, you’ll find references to boats (Homecoming boat race anyone?), voyaging (the voyager student-run newspaper), teamwork, and of course, the Golden Fleece.

Jason’s mission: get the Golden Fleece

Jason was the son of a king who was usurped by his brother, Jason’s uncle. Jason grew up somewhere outside of the kingdom and returned when he was 20 years old to reclaim the throne. His uncle promised to return the throne to Jason if he brought him the Golden Fleece which was in the possession of another King in a different country: King Aietes of Colchis.

The Argonauts sailing toward the Golden Fleece

Jason and the Argonauts

Jason and his band of Argonauts sailed with the boat “Argo” to Colchis. On their long journey they had to work together to overcome many obstacles along the way.

Jason and Medea defeating the challenges

Jason completes the challenges

When they finally arrived, King Aietes told Jason he could have the fleece if he completed three challenges, all of which were designed to kill Jason. Jason worked with the King's daughter, sorceress Medea to face the challenges.

Success!

With some magical help from the sorceress Medea, Jason successfully completed the challenges, retrieved the fleece, and upon his arrival back home was made king.

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Jason and the Argonauts earned fame and glory by capturing the golden fleece. On our campus, the golden fleece is a reminder of the glory that awaits you as an Argonaut and a symbol of good luck along your journey.

Win a lucky Golden Fleece sticker: use this form to answer a two-part question about your goals as a new Argo.

New Argo January 2026