UIS Homecoming 2025 Student, Faculty & Staff Events

UIS students are invited to join us for several fun events planned for homecoming. 

A crowd gathers outside of the Student Union

Monday, Sept. 15

Theme: Planet Pride Parade - Show pride in your campus organization, department or community by “orbiting together” in coordinated group gear, banners or parade-style displays. It’s a fun nod to our shared galaxy and diverse campus groups.

  • 12 p.m. Duck Hunt
    Academic advisors from the College of Health, Science and Technology will be hiding rubber ducks throughout campus. Each duck will include a note congratulating the finder and providing instructions on how to claim a prize. Students, faculty and staff who find a duck are encouraged to return it to BRK 475 to receive a reward.
  • 6 p.m. Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Flag Raising Ceremony
    Legacy Campus Courtyard
    Three flags representing the Latin American roots of the UIS community will be raised. As each flag goes up, a fellow student or campus member will share a brief story—either a powerful moment from that country's history or a personal connection to their heritage.

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Theme: Written in the Stars: Zodiac Day - Dress in the color of your zodiac sign. Participants can receive stickers, buttons or badges highlighting their sign traits.

  • 3 to 5 p.m. - Discover Your Story in the Stars
    Brookens Library
    Attendees can create their own star chart and explore books, eBooks and audiobooks related to their zodiac sign.

Wednesday, Sept. 17

Theme: Anything but a Bag Day - Carry your books and belongings in anything except a backpack. A student-favorite trend, open to faculty and staff too.

  • 7 p.m. - RecPalooza Street Party
    Rec Park
    The event will feature food trucks, games and more.

Thursday, Sept. 18

Theme: Retrograde Day - Throw it back with retro outfits from any decade — bell bottoms, windbreakers, platform shoes, you name it. Celebrate the past while looking ahead by dressing like your favorite decade, from the 1970s to Y2K. It’s a nod to UIS alumni and the eras that shaped our institution.

  • 7 p.m. - Flag Football Tournament
    Rec Park

Friday, Sept. 19

Theme: Prairie Stars Pride Day - Celebrate UIS by wearing blue and gold, Prairie Stars gear or face paint to showcase school pride and close out the week strong.

  • 1:30 p.m. - Library Commons Groundbreaking
    UIS quad, near the Student Union
  • 3 p.m. - Prairie Star Block Party
    Student Union South Patio
  • 5 p.m. - Women's Soccer vs. Quincy
    Kiwanis Stadium
  • 7:30 p.m. - Men's Soccer vs. Quincy
    Kiwanis Stadium
  • 8 p.m. - Friday Night Star Party
    UIS Observatory on the roof of Brookens Library
  • 9 p.m. - Homecoming Bonfire and Fireworks
    TRAC South Field

Saturday, Sept. 20

  • 8:30 a.m. - Prairie Stars 5K
    Outside of TRAC
    Register online
  • 4 p.m. - Women's Volleyball vs. Maryville
    TRAC