SIUE Set to Kick Off Fall Semester with Convocation, Welcome Weekend and Student and Family Events

SIUE Set to Kick Off Fall Semester with Convocation, Welcome Weekend and Student and Family Events

August 17, 2026, 4:34 PM

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is starting the fall semester with an events lineup for SIUE students to connect, get involved and make the most of campus life. From Welcome Weekend festivities to a full slate of Cougar Welcome Camp Cougar events and exciting campus traditions like Late Night with Campus Recreation and Homecoming & Family Weekend, the first six weeks of the semester bring an abundance of exciting activities.

Convocation
On Friday, Aug. 21, more than 1,000 new Cougars will gather at the Vadalabene Center for new student convocation. Beginning at 3 p.m., Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, will welcome the incoming class during the ceremony marking the official opening of SIUE's 2026-27 academic year, followed by a parade through the Stratton Quad to the Cougar Statue for the new class photo-a signature SIUE tradition marking the start of the new class's journey. The entire SIUE community is welcome to stay around for the Sweet Treat Social on the Stratton Quadrangle immediately following the class photo.

"The start of a new semester is one of my favorite times on campus," said Miriam Roccia, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "For our new Cougars, this is your first chance to find your place here. For our returning students, it's an opportunity to dive deeper into the community you've already started building. From student organizations to campus traditions to the everyday moments in residence halls and apartments, Center Court and classrooms, the Quad and Korte Stadium, this fall is full of chances to connect, get involved, and know that you belong at SIUE."

Welcome Weekend
Welcome Weekend activities begin Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23, with opportunities for new and returning Cougars for academic introductions and entertainment. Highlights include Meet Your Major, an academic meet-and-greet on Friday morning; evening entertainment with DJ Phat Mack and Glo Bingo; Cougars in the Community, a day of service on Saturday; an SIUE volleyball exhibition match; a Silent Disco dance party; and Start Strong, a Sunday wind-down with therapy dogs ahead of the first day of classes.

The full schedule with updates is available on the Welcome Weekend website.

University Housing
First-year students are ready to arrive and move into SIUE's residence halls. On Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20, faculty and staff volunteers, along with the student Move-In Crew, will welcome first-year students and their families to Bluff, Prairie, and Woodland Halls, and a first-year community within Cougar Village Apartments. Upperclass students will return to Evergreen Hall and Cougar Village Apartments on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22.

"Housing move-in days serve as the official welcome to the university and are full of excitement and energy. This is a great opportunity for students and their families to connect with the vibrant campus life and community that makes campus feel like home," said Mallory Sidarous, Director of University Housing and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Assessment and Planning.

Cougar Welcome
Cougar Welcome - Camp Cougar runs Aug. 24 through Sept. 4 and includes a range of activities, from field days and movie nights to fairs, socials and more.

• Engagement Fair: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  Set for Wednesday, Aug. 26, the Engagement Fair-sponsored by the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub brings together the Involvement Fair, Volunteer Fair, Student Employment Fair and Resource Fair in one exciting event. Meet student organizations, connect with campus departments and community partners, explore volunteer opportunities and learn about on-campus jobs-all while finding your place on campus.

• Volunteer & Student Employment Fair: 3-5 p.m.
  Students can connect with campus departments and community partners, explore volunteer opportunities and learn about on-campus jobs-all while finding your place on campus.

• Student Organization & Resource Fair: 4-6 p.m.
  Cougars can meet the student organizations and learn about campus resources and support services across the Stratton Quad, Goshen Lounge and Meridian Ballroom.

Homecoming & Family Weekend
Just as students settle in, SIUE extends the hearty welcome with Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 23-27. The "All Roads Lead Home" free campus-wide event recognizes the SIUE community and travel memories connected to the historic Route 66. As part of the landmark's centennial celebration, the University will host Edwardsville's first drone show, along with food trucks, live performances and sports activities all weekend long. Visit the Homecoming & Family Weekend registration page to join the fun.

With so much happening across campus this fall, students are encouraged to bookmark the SIUE Events Calendar.

Also available is the new app Engage, powered by Suitable, and curated by the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, where students discover student organizations, upcoming events, free food, giveaways and numerous opportunities to get involved throughout the semester. Developed in partnership with the Career Development Center (CDC), Engage also captures students' involvement in a co-curricular transcript, helping them align their engagement with career-readiness. To get started, students may download the Suitable app, login with SIUE credentials and select Engage. Through Engage, Cougars new to campus or returning can fully explore the total campus experience.

Welcome to SIUE, Cougars!

PHOTO: Photos by Howard Ash