Orientation Schedules

Attending Orientation is one of the most important steps before your first semester. You will get to know campus, meet faculty and staff, and connect with other students who are starting right alongside you. You will also meet with an academic advisor and register for classes, making sure your schedule fits your goals from day one.
Students walk by Lumpkin Hall on the campus of Eastern Illinois University

First-Years

First-Year Student Schedule 

8:00 to 8:30 am: Check In & Breakfast - Alumni Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

8:30 to 9:15 am: Welcome to Orientation & Advising Presentation - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

Start your day with a warm Panther welcome and an overview from the New Student and Family Programs team.

9:15 to 11:30 am: Morning Programing/Color Group Rotation

Locations Vary
Meet other new Panthers and learn the ins and outs of campus life from students who have been where you are.

11:30 am to 11:45am: Financial Aid - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
Hear directly from our Financial Aid staff about FAFSA, scholarships, and the steps to keep your aid on track.

11:45 to 12:30 pm: Lunch - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union 

12:30 to 3:00 pm: Afternoon Programming/Color Group Rotation

Locations Vary
Meet other new Panthers and learn the ins and outs of campus life from students who have been where you are.

 

* Some students may be required to stay until 4:30 P.M. to complete their Advising appointment.

** Students who complete their Math Placement Exam and Academic Advising appointment prior to Orientation have the best chances of being able to depart prior to 3 P.M. 

First-Year Family Schedule 

8:00 to 8:30 am: Check In & Breakfast - Alumni Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

8:30 to 9:15 am: Welcome to Orientation & Advising Presentation - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

Start your day with a warm Panther welcome and an overview from the New Student and Family Programs team.

9:15 to 11:30 am: Morning Programing

11:30 am to 11:45am: Financial Aid - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
Hear directly from our Financial Aid staff about FAFSA, scholarships, and the steps to keep your aid on track.

11:45 to 12:30 pm: Lunch - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union 

12:30 to 3:00 pm: Afternoon Programming

 

* Some students may be required to stay until 4:30 P.M. to complete their Advising appointment.

** Students who complete their Math Placement Exam and Academic Advising appointment prior to Orientation have the best chances of being able to depart prior to 3 P.M. 

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 - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

9:05 - 9:35 am: Academic Advising Session - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
A clear look at advising for transfer students and how to stay on track to graduation.

9:40 - 9:55 am: Meet & Greet - 3rd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
Connect with other transfer students in a relaxed setting.

9:55 - 10:20 am: EIU 101 - 3rd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
Learn about the tools and resources you will use as an EIU student.

10:30 - 11 am: MANDATORY Meeting for Education Majors - 1895 Room, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
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 - 3rd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

  • 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 - University Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
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 - Bridge Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
  • Campus tour - Bridge Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

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 - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

9:05 - 9:35 am: Academic Advising Session - Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
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, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
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 - 1895 Room, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
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 - 3rd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

  • 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 - University Ballroom, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union

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 - Bridge Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union
  • Campus tour - Bridge Lounge, 2nd Floor, MLK Jr. Union