Weeks of Welcome

Monday, August 17

Campus Information Stations - Not sure where you need to go? Stop by an Information Station and get directions, a campus map, and meet some new Saluki faces!
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Anthony Hall, Agriculture Building Lawn, & Lawson Hall 

Mocha Monday - Come check out the Wesley Foundation for some casual games, and get a free iced mocha latte! Each day you come to Wesley’s Week of Welcome, you can enter to win a $50 gift card to the SIU campus store! Hosted by Wesley Foundation of SIU!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | The Wesley Foundation, 816 S Illinois Ave (next to Quigley Hall)

Game Night - Join us at the Newman Center for outdoor games! Hosted by Newman Catholic Student Organization!
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | 715 S Washington St Carbondale

Tuesday, August 18

Campus Information Stations - Not sure where you need to go? Stop by an Information Station and get directions, a campus map, and meet some new Saluki faces!
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Anthony Hall, Agriculture Building Lawn, & Lawson Hall 

Calming Crafts - Make and take home your own stress ball to help you through the semester, tour the Dawg Lounge, and meet our support dog! Hosted by Wellness and Health Promotion Services.
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Student Health Center, Dawg Lounge

Transfer Student Welcome Lunch - Transfer students are invited to join First Year Experience and Non-Trad Student Services for a FREE welcome lunch. Meet other new transfer students and learn about SIU resources. Come & go as your schedule allows. Register here (walk-ins welcome). 
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Student Services Building 150/160

Treat Yourself Tuesday - Come get a sweet treat and enjoy some relaxation at Wesley, and enter to win a $50 gift card to the campus store! Hosted by The Wesley Foundation!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | The Wesley Foundation, 816 S Illinois Ave (next to Quigley Hall)

Mass and Adoration - Join us for daily mass and adoration at the Newman Center! Hosted by Newman Catholic Student Organization!
5:15 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | 715 S Washington St Carbondale

Wednesday, August 19

Bagel Wednesday - Free bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee while supplies last. Grab breakfast before class and hang out with other students in the atrium or courtyard. Held every Wednesday throughout the semester. Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. 
7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Faner Atrium, Second Floor (near Faner 2427)

Victory Dream Center Food Pantry Open House Week - Newroomgmc.org/victorydreamcenter     Hosted by Campus Ministries/Victory Dream Center Foodbank!
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 607 E. College, Carbondale

Waffle Cone Wednesday - Come cool off at Wesley with a free waffle cone! Each day you come to Wesley’s Week of Welcome, you can enter to win a $50 gift card to the SIU campus store- two names will be drawn at the end of the week! Hosted by Wesley Foundation of SIU!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | The Wesley Foundation, 816 S Illinois Ave (next to Quigley Hall)

Sweet Treats - Join University Housing for a free and casual event. A great way for students to enjoy sweet treats and meet the ResLife staff.
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Grinnell Hall 

Thursday, August 20

Garden Craft - Join Wellness and Health Promotion services for an interactive workshop and take home your own DIY Nurture Pet!
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Student Health Center COVID and Memorial Wellness Garden

Thirsty Thursday - Choose one of three free mocktails to try at the Wesley Foundation- a great way to keep cool! Each day you come to Wesley’s Week of Welcome, you can enter to win a $50 gift card to the SIU campus store! Hosted by The Wesley Foundation!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | The Wesley Foundation, 816 S Illinois Ave (next to Quigley Hall)

Fall Involvement Fair - Ready to get involved? Come out to Faner Plaza to meet with over 300 representatives from Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus! Hosted by Office of Student Engagement. 
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Faner Plaza 

Thursday Night Dinner - Join us for dinner at the Newman Center! Hosted by Newman Catholic Student Organization!
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | 715 S Washington St Carbondale

InterVarsity Chapter Night Bible Study - Join us for a weekly welcoming community where SIU students can explore the Bible, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith! Our large group Bible study includes teaching, discussion, fun, and opportunities to connect with other students.
7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. | Student Center Kaskaskia/Missouri Room

Friday, August 21

Popcorn Fridays - Come mingle with fellow Salukis, check out University Honors just inside the Morris Library Thompson Woods entrance, enjoy some popcorn and explore our 20 popcorn seasonings! Held each Friday during the academic year. Hosted by University Honors Program.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | University Honors Lounge, Morris Library Room 180

Downward Dog Yoga - Join us for a begginer friendly yoga class with breathing exercises, gentle yoga poses, and guided mindfulness-based practices. Hosted by Wellness and Health Promotion Services.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Student Health Center- Dawg Lounge

International Coffee Hour - Enjoy free refreshments, friendly conversation, and a chance to make new friends  from around the world! International Coffee Hour is open to everyone.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Frosty Friday - Come round out the Week of Welcome at Wesley with a free root beer float and a final chance to enter to win a $50 gift card to the SIU campus store! Hosted by The Wesley Foundation!
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. | The Wesley Foundation, 816 S Illinois Ave (next to Quigley Hall)

Queer Cinema: National Anthem - Fall 2026 Showings hosted by the Pride Center at SIU
Doors at 6 p.m., Starts at 6:30 p.m. | Faner Auditorium by the Sharp Museum

Bonfire - Join us for a bonfire and s'mores at the Newman Center! Hosted by Newman Catholic Student Organization!
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | 715 S Washington St Carbondale

Saturday, August 22

Saluki Family Carnival - Students with spouses/partners/children/dependents are invited to a family carnival at the Rec Center. Join Non-Traditional Student Services for family-friendly activities, snacks, and information about SIU and community resources for children and family members of Salukis. Registration Preferred.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Student Recreation Center

Victory Dream Center Food Pantry Open House Week - Food Pantry Open House Week with Student Giveaways @Dream Center (leave with a grocery cart of Food!) 4:30 Trivia w/ prizes, 5:00 Free Dinner Church Sue’s Lasagna, 6:30. Food Pantry. Hosted by Campus Ministries/Victory Dream Center Foodbank!
4:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | 607 E. College, Carbondale

Sunday, August 23

Student Volunteer Day - Join fellow volunteers for a rewarding day of service at Touch of Nature. Volunteer with us to support meaningful projects and help make a positive difference while gaining experience, relationships, and volunteer hours. Lunch provided!
Register Here
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Touch of Nature

Welcome Dinner For International Students - Special morning worship service welcoming international students followed by dinner and volley tennis. Hosted by New Room Global Methodist Church/Campus Ministries
10:15 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 607 East College Street Carbondale

Monday, August 24

Week of Belonging Kick-Off Event - Southern. You Belong Here. 
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Student Services Building Pavilion

Tuesday, August 25

Week of Belonging: Belongingness Impacts and Improves Mental Health - Explore how campus engagement builds belonging and supports mental health. Through interactive activities, games, and reflection, discover how connecting with the SIU community promotes well-being, resilience, and student success. Hosted by Student Multicultural Resource Center and Counseling and Psychological Services.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Student Services Building Rooms 150 & 160

Safe Zone Training - Safe Zone training to educate our campus and community about LGBTQIA+ terms, etiquette, culture, and history. Hosted by the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center. 
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Student Services Building, Room 170

Women in Action Ceremony 2026 - Join the Women's Resource Center for the Fifth Annual Women in Action Ceremony celebrating the everyday sheroes who lead, inspire, and serve while advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at SIU and in the community. 
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. | Morris Library, Guyon Auditorium

Wednesday, August 26

Bagel Wednesday - Free bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee while supplies last. Grab breakfast before class and hang out with other students in the atrium or courtyard. Held every Wednesday throughout the semester. Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. 
7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Faner Atrium, Second Floor (near Faner 2427)

Open House at Morris Library - Join us for a meaningful tradition that invites new and returning students into the library building where they will find a vibrant community of supportive people and services.
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Morris Library, Information & Cafe Commons

Floats with Folx - Socialize with other queer folx, make your own ice cream float & get the scoop on all things LGBTQIA+ at SIU! Hosted by the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center.
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Student Services Building, Room 170

College of Business and Analytics Welcome BBQ and Student Organization Fair - Join the College of Business & Analytics for food, giveaways, & networking with faculty, staff, & current students. The CoBA Student Organizations will be present as well. For College of Business Analytics Students. 
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Rehn Hall, East Lawn

School of Education Ice Cream Social and Concert on the Lawn - The SoE is hosting an ice cream social and concert on the lawn to welcome our students back to campus! Preregistration is encouraged, but drop-ins are also welcome. For School of Education undergraduate and graduate students.
2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Wham Building, South Lawn 

Thursday, August 27

Wellness Workshop - Join Wellness and Health Promotion Services for an informative and fun workshop on consent and healthy decision making.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Student Services Building Rm. 150/160

College Connection - Welcome College of Health & Human Sciences students, kick off the new academic year at CHHS College Connection! Come enjoy free pizza, snow cones, music, games, and prize giveaways.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Mae Smith

InterVarsity Chapter Night Bible Study - Join us for a weekly welcoming community where SIU students can explore the Bible, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith! Our large group Bible study includes teaching, discussion, fun, and opportunities to connect with other students.
7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. | Student Center Kaskaskia/Missouri Room

"Almost Total" Lunar Eclipse Viewing Party - All but a small sliver of the Moon will be shadowed by the Earth, and the Moon will turn a dark shade of maroon or orange. Free telescope viewing and family-friendly activities. Everyone is welcome. Hosted by School of Physics
8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. | Lawn to the SW of the Neckers building

Friday, August 28

Popcorn Fridays - Come mingle with fellow Salukis, check out University Honors just inside the Morris Library Thompson Woods entrance, enjoy some popcorn and explore our 20 popcorn seasonings! Held each Friday during the academic year. Hosted by University Honors Program.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | University Honors Lounge, Morris Library Room 180

International Coffee Hour - Enjoy free refreshments, friendly conversation, and a chance to make new friends  from around the world! International Coffee Hour is open to everyone.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Saturday, August 29

Underway Adventures in Bell Smith Springs - Join Underway Adventures and experience the hidden beauty of Bell Smith Springs as we hike through towering rock formations, and explore scenic streams and swimming holes in the breathtaking landscapes in the Shawnee National Forest. Registration is required!
Register Here
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Bell Smith Springs

Off the Rails Concert - Join the City of Carbondale downtown for a FREE concert!  
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | New Era Events Plaza, 200 S. Washington St. 

Sunday, August 30

Monday, August 31

Donut Mondays - Donuts in Schneider Hall Lobby for the College of Liberal Arts Living Learning Community (and any students living in Schneider). Check in with Recruitment & Retention Staff concerning your first weeks of classes. Typically held the first Monday of each month.
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. | Schneider Hall Lobby

Tuesday, September 1

Are You Really Winning Campaign - BetWell Salukis hosts an informational table on sports betting and gambling awareness. Students can pick up swag, take an optional anonymous self-check, and learn about campus and helpline support resources.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Between Student Center and Faner

Wednesday, September 2

Bagel Wednesday - Free bagels, fruit, juice, and coffee while supplies last. Grab breakfast before class and hang out with other students in the atrium or courtyard. Held every Wednesday throughout the semester. Sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts. 
7:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Faner Atrium, Second Floor (near Faner 2427)

Paws for 5 - The SIU Alumni Association will be giving out FREE COFFEE AND DONUTS to students.
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Alumni Center, Woody Hall, C-Wing

Study Abroad Fair - Come learn about how you can become a Saluki Abroad! The Fall 2026 Study Abroad Fair will feature faculty who lead our short-term programs, Salukis who have studied abroad and representatives from a number of our study abroad partners.
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Student Center, 1st Floor, Art Gallery Area

Create and Connect: Pennants & Postcards - Incoming first-year students are invited to Undergraduate Admissions to color the SIU pennant (to decorate their room) and send post-cards to someone back home (friend or family member) encouraging them to apply for Fall 2027/fill out inquiry form for younger students. 
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Student Services Building Lobby, Undergraduate Admissions

Thursday, September 3

Paradise Bingo - Enjoy an evening of fun and prizes! Hosted by the Student Programming Council.
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Student Center Ballrooms

InterVarsity Chapter Night Bible Study - Join us for a weekly welcoming community where SIU students can explore the Bible, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith! Our large group Bible study includes teaching, discussion, fun, and opportunities to connect with other students.
7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. | Student Center Kaskaskia/Missouri Room

Friday, September 4

Popcorn Fridays - Come mingle with fellow Salukis, check out University Honors just inside the Morris Library Thompson Woods entrance, enjoy some popcorn and explore our 20 popcorn seasonings! Held each Friday during the academic year. Hosted by University Honors Program.
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | University Honors Lounge, Morris Library Room 180

International Coffee Hour - Enjoy free refreshments, friendly conversation, and a chance to make new friends  from around the world! International Coffee Hour is open to everyone.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Off the Rails Concert - Join the City of Carbondale downtown for a FREE concert!  
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | New Era Events Plaza, 200 S. Washington St. 

Saturday, September 5 - Monday, September 7