Recent Searches

Close

History

Close

Recent Pages

Recent Searches

EIU Welcome Weekend

2024 Welcome Weekend

2024 WELCOME WEEKEND

Thursday, Aug. 15 - Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024

In the weekend ahead, you’ll get an idea of what makes this place tick. We'll show you around campus, talk about standards and expectations and introduce you to long-held university traditions.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Aug. 15
  • 8 am - 4 pm:  Information Booth
    Library Quad
  • 4 pm: New Student and Family Welcome
    Groniger Arena
    Each fall, EIU’s Opening Convocation celebrates the start of the academic year. Join administration, faculty, staff and students as we formally open the beginning of the academic year and officially welcome all of our entering students to the Eastern Illinois University family. Mandatory for all incoming first-year and transfer students.
  • 6 pm - 11 pm: EIU The Greatest School on Earth! Fall Fair
    Tarble Arts Center Field
    Free unlimited carnival rides with Panther Card! Food and games discounted with coupon. Sponsored by EIU University Board.
  • 7 - 8 pm: Residence Hall Floor Meeting
    All Residence Halls

    Mandatory for students living in the residence halls. Come meet your floor community while learning how to navigate on-campus living.
  • 8 pm: GLOW Foam Party
    Tarble Arts Field

    The ultimate foam party experience featuring a non-stop display of glow-in-the-dark fun, foam, music, contests, giveaways, and more.
Friday, Aug. 16
  • 8 am - 4 pm: Information Booth
    Library Quad
  • 9:30 - 10 a.m. Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo
    O’Brien Stadium
    Mandatory for new first-year and transfer students.
  • 10 - 11:30 am: Academic Showcase
    Mandatory for freshman and transfer students.
    • College of Health & Human Services
      Charleston/Mattoon Room, MLK Jr. Union
    • Lumpkin College of Business & Technology
      Roberson Auditorium (Room 2030), Lumpkin Hall
    • College of Education
      Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
    • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
      Doudna Concourse, Doudna Fine Arts Center
    • Undeclared
      University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
  • 11:30 am - 1 pm: Community Picnic
    South Quad
    Join the university community for lunch! Be prepared to show your Panther Card.
  • 1 - 2 pm: Panther Prep
    Location Based on Student’s Assigned Advisor
    Check your Panther Mail for invite. Review academic information and get prepared for the start of classes. Mandatory for all first-year students.
  • 2 - 3:30 pm: Booth Library Welcome Party
    Think you know libraries? Think again!
    • Library-wide scavenger hunt
    • Therapy dogs
    • Refreshments
    • Prizes
    • ... and a whole lot more fun!
  • 2 - 4 pm: School of the Arts Orientation
    Doudna Art Wing Concourse
    Mandatory for new Art+Design, Music, and Theater Students.
  • 3 - 5 pm: Find Your Classes Tours
    Depart from Library Quad Information Booth
    Find your way around campus! Bring your class schedule.
  • 6 pm - 11 pm: EIU The Greatest School on Earth! Fall Fair
    Tarble Arts Center Field
    Free unlimited carnival rides with Panther Card! Food and games discounted with coupon. Sponsored by EIU University Board.
  • 8 pm: GLOW Laser Tag
    Tarble Arts Field

    Experience the heart-pumping excitement of an epic glow laser tag battle and glow-in-the-dark face-off in an inflatable arena with glowing pillars, arches, and passageways.
Saturday, Aug. 17
  • 9 am - 1:30 pm: JumpStart Community Service Projects
    (On- and off-campus options)
    Please see your email for check-in location. Mandatory for first-year students.
  • 1 - 3 pm: Find Your Classes Tours
    Depart from Library Quad Information Booth
    Find your way around campus! Bring your class schedule.
  • 2 - 5 pm: Information Booth
    Library Quad
  • 3 - 5 pm: Mindfulness and Meditation
    MLK Union, University Ballroom
    Join Director of Campus Recreation, Sarah Daughtery, for a calming and grounding meditation session. Please note: Mindfulness sessions will begin every 30 minutes. Please wait to join until a new session begins.
  • 3 - 5 pm: Feeling Safe with EIU's Therapy Dogs
    MLK Union, Charleston-Mattoon Room
    Pop in for a break from the heat and hang out with EIU therapy dogs Penny and Koji.
  • 3 - 6 pm: Get Active at the Student Recreation Center
    Student Rec Center, Lantz Complex
    Lace up your gym shoes and get your heart pumping at the Student Recreation Center. Take advantage of the workout machines or shoot some hoops with your friends. Panther Card required for entry.
  • 6 pm - 11 pm: EIU The Greatest School on Earth! Fall Fair
    Tarble Arts Center Field
    Free unlimited carnival rides with Panther Card! Food and games discounted with coupon. Sponsored by EIU University Board.
  • 8 pm: GLOW Movie Night: Inside Out 2
    Tarble Arts Field

    Time to grab blankets and lawn chairs to light up the night under the stars with a movie on a big inflatable screen featuring glow-in-the-dark giveaways, snacks, and more.
Sunday, Aug. 18
  • 12 - 5 pm: Information Booth
    Library Quad 
  • 3 - 5 pm: Find Your Classes Tours
    Departs from Library Quad Information Booth
    Find your way around campus! Bring your class schedule.
  • 1 - 3 pm: Freshman Connections Meet and Greet
    South Quad
    Mandatory for all first-year students participating in the program.
  • 1 - 3 pm: Transfer Connections Meet and Greet
    South Quad
    Mandatory for all transfer students participating in the program.
  • 3 - 5 pm: Find Your Fit
    Meet students with similar interests and start creating connections. Drop-in at your leisure and attend as many of these open houses as you want!
    • LGBTQIA+ Community, Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity
      Stevenson Hall (Lower Level)
    • First Gen Students
      McAfee Room 2631, McAfee Gymnasium
    • Transfer Students
      Stevenson Hall Lobby
    • Christian Faith Communities
      Library Quad
      The first 250 students get a free taco!
    • Multicultural Community
      Gregg Technology Center
  • 8 - 9 pm: First Night Spirit Rally
    O'Brien Field
    It's a must attend event! Start the new year with live student performances, Billy the Panther, First Night T-shirt giveaways, contests, prizes, and more! Sponsored by EIU Student Government.

Related Pages


Take the next step

apply now
schedule a visit