Skip to main content
Search
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Logo
Apply to SIUE
SIUE students with Eddie the Cougar

New Student and Family Programs Sub MenuDismiss

  Orientation Cougar Connectors Families and Supporters Welcome Weekend Student Celebrations Contact Us

Welcome Weekend

New Student and Family Programs Welcome Weekend
Schedule & Activities Welcome Leaders Volunteers FAQs

Schedule and Activities

Celebrate the beginning of your SIUE journey with Welcome Weekend! This weekend is packed with exciting activities designed to introduce you to campus life, help you connect with your peers, and make you feel right at home. Whether you're meeting new friends, learning about campus resources, or participating in fun events, this weekend will set the stage for a successful semester. 

What to Expect

  • “Ask Me” Volunteers: Look for our friendly “Ask Me” volunteers all around campus. They are here to help you navigate your new environment, answer questions, and point you in the right direction. Don’t hesitate to ask if you need assistance!
  • Meet New People: From icebreakers to group activities, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet other students and make new friends.
  • Explore Campus: Discover all the resources, clubs, and services that SIUE offers to make your student experience exceptional.
  • Fun and Relaxation: Enjoy various events designed for fun, including music, games, and more. Take a break from your busy schedule and kick off your college experience in style!

Convocation Livestream Link

Coming Soon! 2026 Welcome Weekend Schedule

Welcome Weekend Schedule

 

2026 Signature Events

New students should plan to attend events denoted with an asterisk (*)

Friday, August 21st, 2026
  • Meet Your Major | 10 a.m. | Varied Locations *
Connect with faculty and current students in your area of study as you begin your SIUE experience.  Our faculty will deliver a meaningful opportunity to immerse yourself in the community of scholars within your chosen major. You’ll get the chance to connect with faculty members and fellow students who share your academic interests and start building connections that will help you throughout your studies. Confirm your chosen major and RSVP in your Orientation Portal. 

  • New Student Convocation, Parade, and Class Photo | 3 p.m. | Vadalabene Center *

Chancellor James T. Minor and Provost Denise Cobb invite you to join more than 1,000 of our newest Cougars at the official opening of the 2026-2027 academic year. This high energy ceremony will celebrate our newest class of students with music, followed by a favorite SIUE tradition, the parade through the Stratton Quad to the Cougar Statue for the new class photo.  

  • DJ Phat Mack | 7:00 p.m. | Quad
Make a night to remember dancing  with new friends under the string lights on the Quad with DJ Phat Mack!
  • Glo Bingo | 8:30 p.m.| Conference Center, 2nd Floor Morris University Center
Ready to light up the night? Join us for Glo-Bingo, where the cards glo, music pumps, and people perform for prizes that POP! 
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026

  • Cougars in the Community | 8:00 a.m. Check-in | Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center *

    Start off your SIUE journey with a meaningful impact on the community! Cougars in the Community is an annual tradition that kicks off the new student experience and academic year. Students share in community service activities on or close to campus the Saturday before fall semester begins. Service opportunities include activities that impact animals, the environment, senior citizens, disabled individuals, food insecurity, literacy, and more! Sign up today for Cougars in the Community. 

  • SIUE Volleyball | 6:00 p.m. | Vadalabene Center

    Pack the stands as the campus community cheers on the SIUE women's volleyball team as they start the 2026 season! 

  • Silent Disco Dance party | 8:00 p.m. | Student Activity Center

Grab your dancing shoes and joins us for a silent disco dance in the Student Activity Center! Not a dancer? You can stuff-a-critter and have your fortune read by our fortune tellers! 

Sunday, August 23rd, 2026

 

  • Start Strong | 1 p.m. | Lovejoy Library 
Focus, re-center, and set your intention for a great first day of classes.  Meet the therapy dogs, engage in mindfulness activities, and relax with coloring pages.  Relax and get ready for a successful semester! 

We can’t wait to help you kick off your time at SIUE and we hope you're ready for an unforgettable weekend!

Full schedule will be posted to the SIUEAPP soon! 

 

 

© 2026  SIUE, Edwardsville, IL 62026 Accessibility Contact SIUE Privacy Notice | Consumer Disclosures Complaints Equal Opportunity Employer Employment Emergency Notification (e-Lert)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the  Illinois Board of Higher Education.