Weeks of Welcome

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Last Updated: Aug 04, 2025, 01:20 PM

Our goal is to provide students with an immersive, educational, and exciting experience as they transition to — or back to — SIU. Each event is designed to be fun and help students engage with the community and learn what makes SIU so special.
Jen Phillips, Director of New Student Programs

Your SIU Journey Starts Here

Weeks of Welcome is your gateway to an unforgettable start to your semester. Whether you’re new to campus or returning, this series of exciting events is designed to help you dive into university life, make new friends, and feel at home in the Saluki community.

What’s In Store:

Academic and Campus Life – Get the inside scoop on your academic path and discover the wealth of campus resources available to support your success.

Social Events and Adventures – Enjoy game nights, outdoor experiences, and cultural events that help you connect with other students and create lasting memories.

Saluki Traditions and Spirit – Join the fun at pep rallies, embrace SIU traditions, and celebrate the Saluki pride that makes our campus come alive!

More to Explore

We invite you to explore the essential services and facilities on our campus that will enhance your student experience. Check out these areas at your convenience and visit their websites for detailed hours and locations:

For students and family members with disabilities, accommodations can be made for events and programs upon request. Please contact the Office for Access and Accommodations at 618/453-5738 to discuss your request. 

Weeks of Welcome Schedule

August 18 - 24

Monday, August 18

  • Information Stations: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Not sure where you need to go? Stop by an Information Station and get directions, a campus map, and meet some new Saluki faces! Hosted by New Student Programs.  
    • Locations: Anthony Hall, Lawson Hall, Agriculture Building Lawn 
  • Muffins & Mocha Monday: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Enjoy muffins, mochas, and lawn games! Enter a raffle for a $50 gift card to the University Bookstore and have fun & fellowship! 
  • Game Night with Newman Catholic Student Organization: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Come join us at the Newman Center (next to the REC) for some games! We will have volleyball, spike ball, and more!

Tuesday, August 19

  • Information Stations: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Not sure where you need to go? Stop by an Information Station and get directions, a campus map, and meet some new Saluki faces! Hosted by New Student Programs. 
    • Locations: Anthony Hall, Lawson Hall, and Agriculture Building Lawn
  • Ask-A-Librarian Table: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Got a question on the first day of class? Ask a librarian!
  • Dawg Lounge Open House: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Check out our stress management lounge, which features three themed relaxation rooms, coping and art therapy tools, and our popular support dogs. Take a Back to School selfie! Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services. 
    • Location: Dawg Lounge, Student Health Center
  • Treat Yo' Self Tuesday: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Enjoy sweet & salty treats and lawn games. Come out for fun, fellowship, and enter a raffle for a gift card! 
  • Candlelight Mass and Adoration: 5:15 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Come join us for mass and adoration by candlelight! Confessions will be offered during adoration.

Wednesday, August 20

  • Ask-A-Librarian Table: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Got a question on the first day of class? Ask a librarian!
  • Wellness Wednesday Tabling: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. - Our first weekly table features skills and resources to help you transition and adapt to campus life! Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services. 
    • Location: Student Center, South Entrance
  • Waffle Cone Wednesday: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Who doesn't love some ice cream & sherbet on a hot August day? Come out for a waffle cone, games, and a chance at a $100 gift card to the University Bookstore!
  • Queer Cinema Presents "The Critic": 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. - Free movie, popcorn, and candy! A vengeful critic's schemes entangle an actress and newspaper owner in 1930s London, leading to unforeseen consequences and shifting fates. Hosted by the Paulette Curkin Pride Resource Center.
    • Location: Faner Auditorium, Next to Sharp Museum

Thursday, August 21

  • School of Health Sciences Welcome Walk: 8 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. - Come enjoy a walk around campus lake, lead by faculty and students from the School of Health Sciences.
    • Location: Becker Pavilion at Campus Lake
  • Saluki Check-In Wellness Workshop: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Feeling anxious about the semester? In need of support, encouragement, and resources? This workshop will discuss how to cope and teach strategies for daily challenges. Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services.
    • Location: Student Services Building Room 150/160
  • Thirsty Thursday: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Mix it up with mocktails, games, and music! Come see what we're all about, have some fun, and enter a raffle for a gift card to the University Bookstore!
  • Fall Involvement Fair: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Ready to get involved? Meet with hundreds of representatives from Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus! 
    • Location: Faner Plaza 
  • Thursday Night Dinner at Newman Center: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Come join us for a home cooked meal! A great opportunity for some good food and meeting new friends.
  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - InterVarsity Christian Fellowship meets together on Thursdays at 7pm for time spent building community, engaging Bible study, small and large group discussions and fun!
    • Location: Kaskaskia/Missouri Room in Student Center, 2nd Floor

Friday, August 22

  • Calming Crafts: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Join us for the first Calming Craft of the year! Make and take home your own relaxing and mesmerizing Calming Jar to help you regulate when you are feeling stressed. Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services.
    • Location: Dawg Lounge, Student Health Center 
  • School of Health Sciences Welcome Walk: 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Come enjoy a walk around campus lake, lead by faculty and students from the School of Health Sciences.
    • Location: Becker Pavilion at Campus Lake
  • International Coffee Hour: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Share conversation and refreshments with students from around the world. Hosted by the Center for International Education. 
    • Location: Center for International Education, Woody Hall
  • Frosted Friday: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Come one, come all to this final day of parking lot treats at Wesley! Get cupcakes, cookies, and anything with frosting. Last chance to enter to win a University Bookstore gift card!
  • Bonfire at Newman Center: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Come join us for a bonfire with s'mores and refreshments!

Saturday, August 23

  • Hike with Newman Center: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Meet at the Newman Center to go hiking with us! Transportation and lunch provided.

Sunday, August 24

  • Taste of Carbondale: 4 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Come experience foods from all over Carbondale! Sample cuisine from various restaurants in the area- there's so much to enjoy!
  • Kosher BBQ with Chabad Jewish Center: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Welcome (back) to Chabad Jewish Center. Start the school year off with a kosher BBQ and games.

August 25 - 31

Monday, August 25

  • Semester Survival Kits: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Learn about resources and tools to help you care for yourself this academic year while you create your own survival kit full of health and wellness necessities for students. Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services.
    • Location: Morris Library Lincoln Head Statue
  • Belonging Week - Student Multicultural Resource Center Welcome Back Bash: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Belonging Week Kick-off, enjoy special appearances by Honey Beez Snow Cones and Mr. Twist Balloons, along with great food, fun activities, and exciting prizes. Sponsored by Student Multicultural Resource Center
    • Location: Student Services Building Pavilion

Tuesday, August 26

  • Belonging Week: Variety of events and activities throughout the week offering meaningful opportunies to engage with others, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. (Clink link for details)
  • GI Bill Orientation: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Students using Military and Veteran education benefits are invited to learn about how benefits are processed. Hosted by Veteran Services.
    • Location: Woody Hall Room 391 
  • HEROES Headquarters Open House: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Tour the HEROES Headquarters to learn all the HEROES program, Peer HEROES mentoring, the HEROES Hideaway zen den, campus resources, and basic needs store!
    • Location: HEROES Headquarters, Student Center Basement 
  • Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Open House: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Visit us at the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute to learn more about our events and student opportunities, while enjoying Tropical Sno and a chance to win some fun swag!
    • Location: 1231 Lincoln Drive, Forestry Building Parking Lot
  • Candlelight Mass and Adoration: 5:15 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Come join us for mass and adoration by candlelight! Confessions will be offered during adoration.

Wednesday, August 27

  • Belonging Week: Variety of events and activities throughout the week offering meaningful opportunies to engage with others, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. (Clink link for details)
  • Paws for 5: 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Stop by for FREE coffee and donuts while supplies last. Hosted by the SIU Alumni Association. 
    • Location: Woody Hall C-Wing
  • Tour the TEC: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Come tour the TEC! We will meet at the south entrance of the building to start the tour. See you there! Hosted by the School of Automotive.
    • Location: Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center
  • GI Bill Orientation: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Students using Military and Veteran education benefits are invited to learn about how benefits are processed. Hosted by Veteran Services.
    • Location: Woody Hall Room 391 
  • Wellness Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. - This week's table features important information on how to party safer and reduce the risk of harm related to alcohol. Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services.
    • Location: Student Center, South Entrance
  • Tour the TEC: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Come tour the TEC! We will meet at the south entrance of the building to start the tour. See you there! Hosted by the School of Automotive.
    • Location: Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center
  • College of Arts & Media: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Kick off the semester with CAM. Meet fellow students, connect with Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), and explore what each School in the College of Arts & Media has to offer. Whether you're new to campus or returning, this is your chance to find your place in the CAMunity. Free popcorn will be available and participants will have a chance to win a new CAM T-shirt.
    • Location: Communications Building Courtyard & Hallway, Room 1012
  • College of Business & Analytics Welcome BBQ: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Food, giveaways, & networking with faculty, staff, current students. The CoBA Student Organizations will be available as well. Limted to College of Business & Analytics students. 
    • Location: Rehn Hall, East Lawn
  • College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, & Mathematics Registered Student Organization Fair: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Come join CoECTM to learn more about opportunities for student organizations within our college.
    • Location: Engineering Building Breezeway 
  • School of Education Ice Cream Social: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Calling all School of Education majors! The SoE is hosting an ice cream social to welcome our students back to campus. Join us for a sweet treat and good company! Limited to students enrolled in School of Education program. 
    • Location: Wham Building Lawn (Between Wham & Morris Library)
  • School of Health Sciences Welcome Walk: 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Come enjoy a walk around campus lake, lead by faculty and students from the School of Health Sciences.
    • Location: Becker Pavilion at Campus Lake
  • College of Liberal Arts Breezeway Blast: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Meet other CoLA students and faculty. Ice cream provided by American Ice Cream food truck. Giveaways to help students settle into the Fall semester. Limted to College of Liberal Arts students. 
    • Location: Faner Hall Breezeway, North End
  • Open House at Morris Library: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Meet people who can help you with your research, writing, math, D2L, technology issues, tutoring, and more! Enjoy refreshments! Enter to win prizes!
    • Location: Morris Library 

Thursday, August 28

  • Belonging Week: Variety of events and activities throughout the week offering meaningful opportunies to engage with others, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. (Clink link for details)
  • Coffee and Donut Social: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. - Enjoy a delightful morning filled with FREE coffee and Donuts! Hosted by University Housing. 
    • Location: Grinnell Hall
  • Wellness Garden Craft: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Remind yourself of your goals and strengths. Paint your own Affirmation Rocks in the Student Health Center Wellness Garden, an environmental wellness and Covid memorial space. Hosted by Wellness & Health Promotion Services.
    • Location: Student Health Center
  • Thursday Night Dinner at Newman Center: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Come join us for a home cooked meal! A great opportunity for some good food and meeting new friends.
  • InterVarsity Christian Fellowship: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - InterVarsity Christian Fellowship meets together on Thursdays at 7pm for time spent building community, engaging Bible study, small and large group discussions and fun!
    • Location: Kaskaskia/Missouri Room in Student Center, 2nd Floor

Friday, August 29

  • Belonging Week: Variety of events and activities throughout the week offering meaningful opportunies to engage with others, share experiences, and strengthen the bonds that make our community thrive. (Clink link for details)
  • Green Zone Training: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. - All Students, Faculty and Staff are invited to learn about military culture and how to interact successfully with veteran students. Hosted by Veteran Services.
    • Location: Student Services Building Room 150/160 
  • International Coffee Hour: 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Share conversation and refreshments with students from around the world. Hosted by the Center for International Education. 
    • Location: Center for International Education, Woody Hall

Saturday, August 30

  • Saluki Sprint: 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. (New Students) - Take part in SIU's long-standing tradition of welcoming students to the Saluki Family!  All new students are invited to "sprint" across the field at Saluki Stadium before the first home football game! Register here
    • Location: Saluki Stadium
  • Saluki Football Game: 6 p.m. - Cheer on the Salukis as the play against Thomas More University. 
    • Location: Saluki Stadium