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EIU Welcome Weekend

2024 Welcome Weekend

2026 WELCOME WEEKEND

Thursday, Aug. 20 - Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

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. 20
  • 7 - 9 pm: The Great Dubois
    Library Quad 
    Get ready for an unforgettable experience as The Great DuBois bring their fast-paced, high-energy circus show to campus! Perfect for all ages, this one-of-a-kind performance features jaw-dropping feats of juggling, hula hoops, unicycling, aerial artistry, contortion, magic, and plenty of audience interaction. Recently featured in The Greatest Showman, major television appearances, and international tours, this award-winning duo combines generations of circus tradition with modern theatrical flair. The Great DuBois deliver a truly spectacular show you won’t want to miss. Sponsored by University Board (UB). 
Friday, Aug. 21
  • 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: Christy Hoosier 
      Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union 
    • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences:  
      Dvorak Concert Hall, Doudna Fine Arts Center 
    • Undeclared Majors
      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 - 4 pm: Booth Library Welcome Party 
    Think you know libraries? Think again!
    • Library-wide scavenger hunt
    • Stump the Librarian
    • Refreshments
    • Prizes
    • ... and a whole lot more fun! 
  • 2 – 4 pm: Panther Quest
    Booth Library
    This isn’t just any resource fair — it’s your first epic mission as a new Panther. Conquer a path of campus departments, uncover hidden gems of support and success, and collect all the tools you’ll need to thrive at EIU — and don’t forget to enter the drawing for a chance to win an awesome prize! Please note: This event will run in conjunction with the Booth Library Welcome Party. Your Panther Card will be needed to take attendance, please be sure to bring it with you!
  • 4-4:45 pm: Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Living Learning Community Meeting Lumpkin Hall, Room 1120
    Required of all students living in the Lumpkin Living Learning Community. 
  • 7 - 10 pm: Up All Night:  Big Screen Movie – The Greatest Showman
    Pre-Movie Activity: “Make a Blanket for a Cause”
    Library Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union)
    Bring a blanket for the ultimate big screen movie-goer experience featuring The Greatest Showman under the stars. The pre-movie activity, “Make a Blanket for a Cause,” begins at 7:00 PM. Make a no-sew blanket for a local cause and receive a free Welcome Weekend t-shirt. Sponsored by the University Board (UB)

Saturday, Aug. 22
  • 11 am – 2 pm: Pantherpalooza Student Involvement Fair
    South Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom and University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union)
    The Pantherpalooza Student Involvement Fair is a great opportunity for new and current EIU students to connect with over 125 clubs, civic organizations, and EIU departments across the university. This event is designed to help EIU students discover their passions, meet like-minded peers, and get engaged in campus life beyond the classroom. Whether you are interested in community service, cultural groups, academic societies, or special interest clubs, there’s something for everyone. Sponsored by EIU Student Government Association (SGA). 
  • 2 - 4 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 
  • 6 pm - 10 pm: Quakin’ in the Quad – Carnival Spectacular
    South Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom, University Ballroom, Bridge Lounge Walkway, Vending Lounge and Rathskeller, MLK Jr. Union)
    It’s time to experience the excitement of a classic carnival right on campus! Play your way through a lively street fair packed with games, challenges, and chances to win awesome prizes. Test your luck at bingo, show off your skills at classic carnival games, and walk away with fun surprises all night long.

    Get into the spirit with colorful face painting, festive activities, and plenty of entertainment around every corner. Whether you're aiming for prizes, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone in South Quad.

    Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of carnival magic, laughter, and EIU spirit!

    Sponsored by University Board (UB).  

Sunday, Aug. 23
  • 12 - 5 pm: Information Booth 
    Library Quad  
  • 12 - 4 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. 
  • 2 - 4 pm: School of the Arts Orientation 
    Doudna Art Wing Concourse 
    Mandatory for new Art+Design, Music, and Theater Students. 
  • 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 - 9 pm: First Night Spirit Rally 
    O'Brien Field 
    EIU students will gather at O’Brien Field to showcase their school pride at the first spirit rally of the new EIU school year! The event will feature MC Omar Solomon, special appearances by EIU Student Government leaders, EIU President Jay Gatrell, Vice President for Student Affairs Anne Flaherty, and Head Football Coach Chris Wilkerson, EIU Dancers and EIU Prestigious Pantherettes. This event will also include live performances by EIU Panther Marching Band (PMB) EIU Cheer Team, and EIU Pink Panthers. First Night highlights include roll calls, contests, competitions, t-shirt giveaways and a grand prize drawing. Sponsored by EIU Student Government Association (SGA). 

Looking for something to do on Sunday? See below for some ideas! 

Spiritual Wellness: 

  • ACTS Campus Ministry: 11:00 AM, Buzzard Hall Auditorium 
  • Baptist Collegiate Ministries/Campus Outreach: 10:00 AM, 1706 Community Drive, Charleston, IL 61920 
  • Christian Campus House: 10:30 AM, 2231 4th Street, Charleston, IL 61920 (Across from Lawson Hall) 
  • Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry: 8:00 AM, 902 Cleveland Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920 (Across from Tarble Arts Center off 9th Street) 
  • Latter-Day Saints Student Association: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 7426 West Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938 
  • Newman Catholic Center:  Mass at Noon followed by an icecream social, 500 Roosevelt Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920 (right behind Lawson and Andrews Halls)
  • Wesley Foundation: 10:00 AM, 2202 4th Street, Charleston, IL 61920 (Next to “W” Parking Lot) 

Social and Physical Wellness: 

  • Take a walk on the Panther Trail  
  • Go fishing at the Campus Pond 
  • Take the Panther Shuttle to the Square (downtown Charleston) and explore new shops and restaurants  
  • Visit Lake Charleston for a hike, to fish, or to hammock  
  • Play disc-golf on the campus course  
  • Find the Butterlfy Hotspots on campus through the Urban Butterfly Initiative
  • Find geocache locations around campus 

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