2023 Welcome Week
Main Content
Request for Accomomodation
If you need disability related accommodations, please contact Gretchen Forman at 217-333-4057 or gforman@illnois.edu by August 14 at 5:00 pm. Accommodations include but are not limited to an ASL interpreter, live captioning, and transportation. Questions can be sent to newstudent@illinois.edu. Requests for accommodations will be accepted after August 14 but will not be guaranteed.
Download the Illinois app to your mobile device
This app will give you access to the Welcome Week / Fall Orientation schedule and many important university resources.
2023 Schedule of Events
Events are for students only.
Schedule information is tentative and subject to change.
All programs are designed specifically for new incoming students, unless otherwise stated.
Sensory Guide Key
Closed Caption Available
This event includes live closed captioning available on event screens.
Distance
Getting to or participating in this event may require traveling longer physical distance (greater than 0.5 mile).
Large Group
Event attendees may number in the hundreds.
Bright & Flashing Lights
This event may include visual stimulation such as bright lights, colors, or flashing/strobe lights.
Loud Noises
This event may include auditory stimulation such as extra loud sounds, music, and cheers.
Social Interaction
Event may include group activities, handshakes, and/or speaking or expression.
Thursday, August 17
Illinois Sights & Sounds and Illinois Traditions
Date: Thursday, August 17
Time: 7:30 pm (doors open at 6:45 pm)
Location: Memorial Stadium
Sensory Guide
- Closed Caption Available
- Distance
- Large Group
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
Come and join other new students begin their journey at Illinois for an evening of fun and traditions. Illinois Sights & Sounds is one of many programs that introduce students to the what it means to be an Illini and that you, the student, are Illinois. During Illinois Sights & Sounds, you will also begin to learn songs and chants sang at Athletic events or as a greeting when you see another Illini!
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Friday, August 18
OMSA Welcome Seminar
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 9:00 am
Location: SDRP Multipurpose Rooms ABC
The OMSA welcome seminar will be an opportunity for students to meet program staff and our OMSA student ambassadors, learn about our services while building community with other incoming students.
New Student Convocation
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 11:00 am (doors open at 10:30 am)
Location: State Farm Center
Sensory Guide
- Closed Caption Available
- Distance
- Large Group
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
New Student Convocation is the University of Illinois’ official welcome for all new incoming undergraduate students and marks the official start to your journey.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Welcome Celebration
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: directly after New Student Convocation
Location: Lot 31
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
After New Student Convocation, come join us in Lot 31 for the Welcome Celebration where you will have lunch* and the opportunity to learn about the various resources available on campus to students.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
College Meetings
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: after Welcome Celebration
Location: Various locations on campus (Orientation Leaders will guide you)
Sensory Guide
- Closed Caption Available
- Distance
- Large Group
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
Get ready to start your academic journey with your new college mates while meeting and learning more about the college you belong to. Hear from the dean of the college and other senior level administrators as they introduce you to the various opportunities available to you.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Mediterranean Lemonade Stand
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Salaam MENA Cultural Center (700 S. Gregory St, Suite E, Urbana)
A Salaam Middle East & North Africa Cultural Center welcome event.
Transfer Student Orientation
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Krannert Center for the Performing Arts
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
We understand that transferring to a new institution has its nerve wracking and challenging moments. This orientation is designed to help you connect with other transfers students, meet Illini Transfer Ambassadors (ITAs), and gain some insight into new resources and information that will help you as you prepare to begin your Illinois journey! Join us for an evening of food, connection, and fun!
Targeted audience: Transfer students
Illinois Leadership Center
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 7:00-11:00 pm
Location: Illinois Leadership Center, 290 Illini Union
The Illinois Leadership Center will be open from 7 pm to 11 pm, giving away free t shirts and merchandise to students with opportunities for students to tour our space and learn more about the services the Illinois Leadership Center provides UIUC students!
Late Nighter
Date: Friday, August 18
Time: 8:00 pm-Midnight
Location: Illini Union
Grab a roommate or bring yourself and enjoy lots of food, activities, games, entertainment, and fun at the annual Illini Union LateNighter! It's your chance to explore the Illini Union and see why it is the center of campus activity and involvement.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Saturday, August 19
Quest for Success
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: TBD
Location: Across campus
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Social Interaction
Accept this quest and get some Illini swag while learning about what our campus has to offer to help you be successful! Take this opportunity to learn all about our beautiful campus, gather useful resources, and meet new people along the way. Check your email the day before for your quest time and location information.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Controversies and Wicked Problems?
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 11:00-11:45 am
Location: Campus Instructional Facility (CIF)
In a society we don't all agree and there are problems that we cannot always solve. Like, who has the most impact? Ice Spice, Post Malone, A$AP Rockey or Taylor Swift? Who knows? Controversies and Wicked Problems is an intro experience that uses dialogue to explore where we can agree, learn, and begin to focus on solutions for social change.
Black-O.U.T.S.
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 12:30-2:30 pm
Location: Foellinger
Black O.U.T.S. is a student organization fair for Black Student Organizations sponsored by the Central Black Student Union. This event is held the afternoon of Saturday from 12:30-2:30 pm behind Foellinger Auditorium and right before BNAACC’s Wake Up Call program (3:00 pm that day in Foellinger Auditorium) where they welcome the new Black students to campus.
Wake-Up Call
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Foellinger
Wake Up Call is hosted by BNAACC's 100 STRONG and is an introduction to Black student life here at Illinois! Join us for an afternoon filled of introductions, traditions, and performances!
Illini Frenzy
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Activities & Recreation Center (ARC)
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
Interactive booths will be stationed throughout the ARC for students to receive information and free giveaways from various departments and businesses. Activities, games, samples, kayak races, and more will be onsite for students to enjoy. The first 2,000 students will also receive a FREE Illini Frenzy t-shirt. Come out and join the fun!
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Illini Vibes
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: Student Dining & Residential Program Building (SDRP), Alice Campbell Alumni Center, and Illini Union
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Bright & Flashing Lights
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
Welcome to Illini Vibes — a game night where you can meet new people and have some fun to end the long week.
Targeted audience: First year students; transfer students
Sunday, August 20
Quad Day
Date: Sunday, August 20
Time: Noon
Location: Main Quad area
Sensory Guide
- Distance
- Large Group
- Loud Noises
- Social Interaction
Quad Day is one of Illinois's largest traditions! Join us and explore the many opportunities to engage and connect with your fellow students.
Targeted audience: All students
Other Activities
Planning Your Research Journey Workshop
Registration: Register
Welcome incoming first-year students to the University of Illinois! Undergraduate research is widely recognized as one of the highest-impact experiences that a student can have during their time at university, but we know it can be intimidating. Join the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to address any concerns you may have about research, discuss how your interests are reflected in research around campus, and create your plan to get started! Space is limited and registration is required. Please view the calendar and register for one session.
Paleta Social
Date: Monday, August 21
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: La Casa Cultural Latina (1203 W. Nevada St., Urbana)
After the first day of classes, enjoy free paletas, meet over 30 Latine-based student organizations, music, dancing, and celebrating our Latinx campus cultura!
Panhellenic Council Recruitment Information Session
Date: Tuesday, August 22 or Monday, August 28
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Natural History Building 2079
Learn more about PHC's recruitment process and ask any questions you may have! You will hear from sorority members about their experiences and information about finances, diversity/inclusion, sisterhood and more!
Email contact: illiniphcvprecruitment@gmail.com
Women's Resources Center Welcome Back
Date: Thursday, August 24
Time: 10:00 am-12:00 pm
Location: Women's Resources Center (616 E. Green St. Suite 202, Champaign)
Stop by the WRC for the fuel and the knowledge you need to start the school year strong. FREE coffee, tea, donuts, and SWAG. All gender identities welcome!
Panhellenic Council Meet the Recruitment Counselors & PNM Recruitment Outfit Thrift Store
Date: Thursday, August 24
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Campus Instructional Facility (CIF) 3031
Come meet the women who will guide you through the recruitment process. You will also have the opportunity to purchase donated recruitment attire/outfits from PHC members. All proceeds benefit the Circle of Sisterhood.
Email contact: illiniphcvprecruitment@gmail.com
Asianation/AACC & International Education Open House
Date: Thursday, August 24
Time: 4:00-6:00 pm
Location: Asian American Cultural Center (1210 W. Nevada St., Urbana)
Come out to the 30th annual Asiantation / Asian American Cultural Center & International Education Open House! There will be performances, goody bags, over 40 Asian-focused student organizations and resources, and more!
We are Dye-ing to meet you!
Date: Friday, August 25
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
Location: Native American House (1206 W. Nevada St., Urbana)
Meet Native American House staff and campus partners. Bring your I-Card.
Part-Time Job Fair
Date: Wednesday, August 30
Time: 11:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Illini Union AB rooms
Employers from local business and on-campus will be recruiting students for paid, part time positions.