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
2025 Welcome Weekend Schedule
2025 Signature Events
New students should plan to attend events denoted with an asterisk (*)
Friday, August 15th, 2025
- Meet Your Major | 10 a.m. | Varied Locations *
- 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 2025-2026 academic year. This high energy ceremony will celebrate our newest class of students with music, e A favorite SIUE tradition, the parade through the Stratton Quad to the Cougar Statue for the new class photo will directly follow.
- Evan Gambardella: Hypnotist | 8:00 p.m. | Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
- Glo Bingo | 8:30 p.m.| Conference Center, 2nd Floor Morris University Center
Saturday, August 16th, 2025
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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.
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Cougar Kick-Off | 7:00 p.m. | Ralph Korte Stadium
Pack the stands as the campus community cheers on the SIUE men’s soccer team as they start the 2025 season! Great give-aways, snacks, and more!
- Student Activity Center Dance party | 8:30 p.m. | Student Activity Center
Grab your dancing shoes and big tops and joins us for a circus themed dance in the Student Activity Center! Not a dancer? You can stuff-a-critter, watch the stilt-walkers, get an animal from a balloon twisters, and have your fortune read by our fortune tellers!
Sunday, August 17th, 2025
- The Amazing Race Campus Challenge | 11:30 a.m. | Varied Locations
Teams will race around campus, completing various challenges while learning about campus life. The event will start at the Quad where everyone will be divided into teams and complete their first challenge. This is a great way to make some new friends and get used to different locations on campus. Prizes will be provided for the winning team!
- Start Strong | 1 p.m. | Lovejoy Library
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!
