your official start as an EIU Panther

The weekend before classes begin, you’ll meet other new students, explore campus, learn more about academic and community expectations and take part in EIU traditions that help you feel connected from the start.

Yes, Welcome Weekend is required for new students. But with more than 150 activities offered throughout the weekend, you’ll have plenty of ways to find events that match your interests, meet people and start building your life at Eastern.

Still Need to Attend Orientation?

Welcome Weekend is your official kickoff before classes begin, but orientation is where you take care of important first steps like advising, course planning and registration.

Select the option that best describes you to learn more about your orientation requirements:

I’m a first-year student I’m a transfer student

2026 Welcome Weekend

Thursday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

What You’ll Do

• Meet other new Panthers

• Get familiar with campus before classes begin

• Connect with your academic areas

• Learn about campus expectations and resources

• Take part in EIU traditions and student events

Required Events

Some Welcome Weekend events are required for all new students, while others are required based on your student type, academic program or housing assignment. Review the categories below so you know what applies to you.

New Student Class Photo

Required for All New First-Year & Transfer Students

  • Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo

    Friday, 9 to 9:45 a.m.
    O’Brien Field

  • Academic Showcase
    Friday, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
    Location based on your major.

Full Schedule
First-Year Students

Required for First-Year Students

  • Panther Prep
    Friday
    Location based on your assigned advisor.
    Check your EIU email for your invitation. You’ll review important academic information and get ready for the start of classes.

Full Schedule
Connections Program Students

Required for Students Participating in Connection Programs

  • Freshman Connection Meet & Greet
    Saturday, noon to 2 p.m.
    South Quad
    Required for first-year students participating in Freshman Connection.
  • Transfer Connection Meet & Greet
    Saturday, noon to 2 p.m.
    South Quad
    Required for transfer students participating in Transfer Connection.

Full Schedule
Specific Groups

Required for Specific Groups

  • Lumpkin College of Business & Technology Living Learning Community Meeting
    Friday, 4 to 4:45 p.m.
    1120 Lumpkin Hall
    Required for students living in the Lumpkin Living Learning Community.
  • Arts, Music & Theatre Orientation
    Sunday, 2 to 4 p.m.
    Doudna Art Wing Concourse
    Required for new Art + Design, Music and Theatre students.
  • Residence Hall Floor Meeting
    Sunday, 7 to 8 p.m.
    All residence halls
    Required for students living in the residence halls. Meet your floor community and learn what to expect while living on campus.

Full Schedule
Moving In, Parking & Getting Around

After Welcome Weekend

Weeks of Welcome keeps the momentum going after Welcome Weekend with six weeks of events designed to help you meet people, explore campus and feel more at home at EIU.

Weeks of Welcome