Orientation Schedules
First-Years
First-Year Student Schedule
8 to 8:30 am: Check In
Alumni Lounge, MLK Jr. Union
8:30 to 8:45 am: Welcome to Orientation
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Start your day with a warm Panther welcome and an overview from the New Student and
Family Programs team.
8:45 to 9:15 am: Financial Aid Session
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Hear directly from our Financial Aid staff about FAFSA, scholarships, and the steps
to keep your aid on track.
9:15 am to 12 pm: Color Group Rotations
Locations Vary
Meet other new Panthers and learn the ins and outs of campus life from students who
have been where you are.
12 to 12:50 pm: Lunch
1 to 1:30 pm: New Student Mixer
University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Relax, have some fun, and make new connections through interactive activities.
1:30 to 2:15 pm: Academic Advising Overview
Locations Vary, MLK Jr. Union
Learn what to expect in the classroom, how advising works at EIU, and how to plan
your first semester.
2:15 to 2:30 pm: The Big Finish
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Show your Panther spirit as you learn campus traditions and receive your EIU Panther
Card.
2:30 to 5 pm: Academic Advising & Class Registration
McAfee Gymnasium
Meet with an advisor and get registered for your first semester of classes!
2:30 to 5 pm: Optional Activities
Across Campus
- Campus tours
- Residence hall tours until 4 pm
- Help finding offices and campus resources
First-Year Family Schedule
8 to 8:30 am: Check In
Alumni Lounge, MLK Jr. Union
8:30 to 8:45 am: Welcome to Orientation
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
8:45 to 9:15 am: Financial Aid Session
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
9:15 to 9:45 am: Family Program Introduction
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
Meet other Panther families and get a look at the day ahead.
9:45 to 10:15 am: Breakout Session One
MLK Jr. Union
- Housing & Dining
- University Police and Campus Safety
- Athletics for families of student athletes
10:15 to 10:45 am: Breakout Session Two
MLK Jr. Union
- Student Accounts
- Dean of Students
10:45 to 11:15 am: Supporting Your Student from Home
Charleston-Mattoon Room, MLK Jr. Union
Practical Ideas to help your student adjust and succeed.
11:15 to 11:30 am: Panther Family Association
MLK Jr. Union
The Panther Family Association gives families a meaningful way to stay connected with
Eastern Illinois University. It helps you stay informed about campus resources, build
relationships with other EIU families, and support your student throughout their college
journey.
11:30 am to 12 pm: EIU 101
MLK Jr. Union
A helpful guide to campus services, important dates, and everyday life at Eastern.
12 to 12:50 pm: Lunch
1:00 to 1:30 pm: Family Program Wrap Up
MLK Jr. Union
1:30 to 2:15 pm: Academic Advising Overview
Locations Vary, MLK Jr. Union
2:15 to 2:30 pm: The Big Finish
Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union
2:30 to 5 pm: Advising & Registration or Optional Activities
Advising & Registration: McAfee Gymnasium
Optional Activities Across Campus
- Campus tours
- Residence hall tours until 4 pm
- Help finding offices and campus resources
Transfers
Transfer Student Schedule
8 - 8:45 am: Check In & Breakfast,Alumni Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
Enjoy breakfast while getting to know faculty from your college.
8:45 - 9 am: Welcome to Orientation
9:05 - 9:35 am: Academic Advising Session
A clear look at advising for transfer students and how to stay on track to graduation.
9:40 - 9:55 am: Meet & Greet
Connect with other transfer students in a relaxed setting.
9:55 - 10:20 am: EIU 101
Learn about the tools and resources you will use as an EIU student.
10:30 - 11 am: MANDATORY Meeting for Education Majors
MLK Jr. Union, 1895 Room
ONLY FOR THOSE WITH RED NAME TAGS: The purpose of the session is to orient candidates
who desire to be teachers in the areas of early childhood, elementary, middle level,
secondary, special education, and PK-12 to EIU's teacher education programs and requirements.
Emphasis will be placed on key steps needing to be completed within the first semester
at EIU, grade point requirements, and strategies that can be used to promote academic
success and "belonging". Candidates are encouraged to have their phones available
during the session to access session information.
10:30 to 11:35 am: Breakout Sessions
- Career Services, Martinsville Room
- Student Accounts, Effingham Room
- Housing & Dining, Charleston Mattoon Room
- Student Involvement, Arcola Tuscola Room
11:35 to 11:50 am: Transfer Connections
Discover the mentoring program designed just for Transfer Panthers.
11:50 am to 12:00 pm: Wrap Up
Afternoon Options
- Meet with an advisor
- Lunch in the Union
- Housing tour
- Campus tour
Transfer Family Schedule
8 - 8:45 am: Check In & Breakfast, Alumni Lounge, 2nd Floor MLK Jr. Union
Enjoy breakfast while getting to know faculty from your student's college.
8:45 - 9 am: Welcome
9:05 - 9:35 am: Academic Advising Session
A clear look at advising for transfer students and how to stay on track to graduation.
9:40 - 10:20 am: Academic Support Center, Grand Ballroom
The Academic Support Center at Eastern Illinois University is dedicated to empowering
students to achieve academic and personal success. They provide a student-centered
environment where individuals can access essential academic skills, including test-taking,
note-taking, organization, time management, and strategies for overcoming procrastination.
EIU's team of caring and knowledgeable professionals and certified peer educators
is committed to supporting students in their transition to college and holding them
accountable to their goals, fostering growth, and inspiring lifelong learning.
9:45 - 10:15 am: MANDATORY Meeting for Education Majors
MLK Jr. Union, 1895 Room
ONLY FOR THOSE WITH RED NAME TAGS: The purpose of the session is to orient candidates
who desire to be teachers in the areas of early childhood, elementary, middle level,
secondary, special education, and PK-12 to EIU's teacher education programs and requirements.
Emphasis will be placed on key steps needing to be completed within the first semester
at EIU, grade point requirements, and strategies that can be used to promote academic
success and "belonging". Candidates are encouraged to have their phones available
during the session to access session information.
10:30 - 11:35 am: Breakout Sessions
- Career Services, Martinsville Room
- Student Accounts, Effingham Room
- Housing & Dining, Charleston Mattoon Room
- Student Involvement, Arcola Tuscola Room
11:35 - 11:50 am: Transfer Connections
Discover the mentoring program designed just for Transfer Panthers.
11:50 am - 12:00 pm: Wrap Up
Afternoon Options
- Meet with an advisor
- Lunch in the Union
- Housing tour
- Campus tour