Welcome to UIS!
Welcome Week is a signature UIS tradition designed to kick off each academic semester with energy, connection, and Prairie Star pride. Throughout the week, students—new and returning—are invited to participate in programs that help them build community, explore campus resources, and feel at home at UIS.
Welcome Week features programs hosted by our amazing faculty, staff, and student organization leaders who are committed to creating meaningful, impactful experiences for students.
Fall 2026 Welcome Week
August 20, 2026 - August 29, 2026
Kick off the semester where new beginnings meet unforgettable experiences.
2026 Fall Welcome Schedule of Events
Thursday, August 20th
Prairie Star Family Sweet Send-Off | 12pm-4pm | Student Union Osbourn Lounge
Crafts & Paths with the Career Center | 4:30pm-6pm | Student Leadership Center
Residence Hall Floor Meetings (New Student Required Session) | 6:30pm-7:30pm
Commuter Connections (New Student Required Session) | 6:30pm-7:30pm | Student Leadership Center
Connection on the Quad | 7:30pm-9pm | Quad
Mentalist Show featuring Chris Carter | 9:30pm | Student Union Ballroom
Friday, August 21st
Community Sessions (New Student Required Session) | 10am-12:45pm | Student Union
New Student Class Photo | 2pm-2:30pm | Quad
New Student Convocation | 2:30pm-3pm | Sangamon Auditorium
Party on the Quad | 3pm | Quad
Movie Night on the Quad | 8:00pm Showtime | Student Union Quad
Saturday, August 22nd
Model Illinois Government Fall Kickoff | 3pm | UHB 2021
Volleyball Scrimmage | 6pm | TRAC Arena
Late Night @ TRAC | 8pm-11pm | TRAC Arena
Sunday, August 23rd
Freshman Hangs & Games | 7pm | Recreation Park
Monday, August 24th
Prairie Star Kick-Off Celebration | 11am-3pm | Student Union North Patio
UIS Library: Chill & Check It Out | 3pm-5pm | Brookens Library
Campus Olympics | 7pm-9pm | Student Union Center Ballroom
Tuesday, August 25th
Freshman Breakfast | 8:30am-10:30am | Lincoln Residence Hall Great Room
Involvement Expo | 4pm-6pm | Quad
5th Annual 20,000 Water Balloon Fight | 8:30pm-10pm | Recreation Park
Wednesday, August 26th
Get Social @ UIS | 11am-2pm | Student Union North Entrance Table
Speed Friending & Dinner | 6pm-8pm | Student Union Center Ballroom
Rec Under the Lights | 8pm-10pm | Recreation Park
Thursday, August 27th
Plant a Study Buddy | 12pm-2pm | Brookens Overhang
Jobs, Internships, & Service Fair | 3pm-5pm | Student Union Ballroom
Friday, August 28th
Service-A-Thon | Multiple Shifts | RSVP for specific Projects on UISConnection
New International Student Welcome Party Fall 2026 | 5pm-7pm | Student Union Ballroom
Saturday, August 29th
Service-A-Thon (TENTATIVE) | Multiple Shifts | RSVP on UISConnection
For additional details and RSVP information, please visit UISConnection
Student Orientation
More information regarding these programs can be found on the First-Year Student Orientation Website.