Bulldog nation originated in Athens, Georgia but expands across the country– each dawg bleeds red and black. Regardless of where you live, it’s important to recognize and participate in some of the UGA traditions. Woof!

Ringing the Chapel Bell

A bell tower originally crowned the roof of the Chapel, but in 1913, it was found to be rotten and removed. The bell, which rang for religious services, for the beginning and ending of classes and in emergencies, was then housed in the wooden tower where it now stands.

Be sure to ring the bell to mark athletic victories, academic accomplishments (like passing that final) and other special occasions.

Visiting the Arch

Often the location of photo sessions, the iconic Arch was installed in the 1800s. The Arch serves as the official symbol of the university as well as the gateway between North Campus and downtown Athens.

Recognized as one of the school’s finest icons, students today hold the Arch in high regard as its three pillars represent the virtues of wisdom, justice, and moderation. Upon graduating from UGA, you should embody these qualities representing your institution. Until then, snap a picture of yourself by the Arch.

Calling the Dawgs

GOOOOOOOOOO Dawgs! Sic ‘em! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Cheer on the football team by yelling “Go” and holding the “o” until the ball is kicked, then yell “Dawgs” and chant “Sic ‘em! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!” Throw your arm up in a fist and wave it around as you call the Dawgs!

Participating in the Dawg Walk

Head football coach Mark Richt began today’s version of the Dawg Walk in 2001 after he appointed a Spirit Committee to find new ways to build fan enthusiasm. That committee created the Dawg Walk from the existing Redcoat Band pregame warmup, which had taken place in the Tate Center parking lot for several years. Football players exit the buses from Lumpkin Street and walk into the stadium through Gate 1 amidst a cheering crowd.

The Dawg Walk begins approximately two hours before home football kickoffs at the Tate Student Center parking lot. Be sure to be there, be loud and be proud.

Sitting with Bernard Ramsey

Bernard B. Ramsey was one of UGA’s most charitable benefactors. His passing in 1996 executed a gift funding the Honors Program, the Foundation Fellows scholarships and the Ramsey Scholarship. Ramsey’s gifts also have endowed professorships and construction projects including the Performing Arts Center and the Butts-Mehre Athletic Heritage Hall. Portions of a gift from his estate also were allocated for the Bernard B. Ramsey Foundation Fellowship. Ramsey’s dedication to the university is honored by the Ramsey Student Center for Physical Activities.

On a sunny day, go and grab a photo with the Bernard Ramsey statue in front of Moore College on North Campus.

Finding the Dawgs

More than 36 bulldog statues appear all over the Athens area, each with a different personality and unique appearance. The “We Let the Dogs Out” project resulted in the bulldog statues being placed all over Athens, including on campus. Athens-Oconee Junior Woman’s Club member Linda Ford and fellow club member Julie Walters established the project. Find as many Dawgs as you can, snap that selfie and take a moment to appreciate the diversity they represent.

Attending Homecoming

Homecoming week provides a time for the whole Bulldog Nation to come back together in Athens to share in our love for UGA. Participate in the activities hosted by the University Union throughout the week including a concert, carnival, game night and much more. Friday night, grab your friends and fellow Bulldog family members and head downtown to see the Redcoat Marching Band, football team and floats paint the town red and black at the Homecoming parade. On Saturday during halftime of the Homecoming game, the king and queen are announced.

Homecoming week begins October 14-18. The football game will be vs. Kentucky on Oct. 19.