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• 8 am - 4 pm: Information Booth 
  Library Quad 
• 7 - 10 pm: Up All Night: Paradise in Motion Big Screen Movie – Lilo & Stitch (2025)
  Pre-Movie Activity: “Make a Blanket for a Cause”
  Library Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union)
  Bring a blanket for the ultimate big screen movie-goer experience featuring the “live action” movie: Lilo & Stitch (2025) under the stars. The 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch movie is set in Hawaii and is centered around the unlikely friendship between a lonely Hawaiian girl, Lilo, and a mischievous, genetically engineered alien named Stitch. The film explores themes of family, belonging, and the importance of “ohana,” which means “family” in Hawaiian. Highlights of the night include snacks, a smoothie truck, and giveaways. The pre-movie activity, “Make a Blanket for a Cause,” begins at 6:00 PM. Make a no-sew blanket for a local cause and receive a free Welcome Weekend t-shirt. Sponsored by the University Board (UB) and EIU Housing & Dining Services. 

• 8 am - 4 pm: Information Booth 
  Library Quad 

• 9:30 - 10 a.m. Welcome Weekend Check-In & New Student Photo 
  O’Brien Stadium 
  Mandatory for new first-year and transfer students. 

• 10 - 11:30 am: Academic Showcase 
  Mandatory for freshman and transfer students. 

• • College of Health & Human Services:
    Charleston/Mattoon Room, MLK Jr. Union 

• • Lumpkin College of Business & Technology: 
    Roberson Auditorium (Room 2030), Lumpkin Hall 

• • College of Education: Christy Hoosier 
    Grand Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union 

• • College of Liberal Arts & Sciences:  
    Dvorak Concert Hall, Doudna Fine Arts Center 

• • Undeclared Majors
    University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union 

• 11:30 am - 1 pm: Community Picnic 
  South Quad 
  Join the university community for lunch! Be prepared to show your Panther Card. 

• 1 - 2 pm: Panther Prep 
  Location Based on Student’s Assigned Advisor 
  Check your Panther Mail for invite. Review academic information and get prepared for the start of classes. Mandatory for all first-year students. 

• 2 - 4 pm: Booth Library Welcome Party 
  Think you know libraries? Think again!
  • Library-wide scavenger hunt
  • Therapy dogs
  • Refreshments
  • Prizes
  • ... and a whole lot more fun! 

• 2 – 4 pm: Panther Quest
  Booth Library
  This isn’t just any resource fair — it’s your first epic mission as a new Panther. Conquer a path of campus departments, uncover hidden gems of support and success, and collect all the tools you’ll need to thrive at EIU — and don’t forget to enter the drawing for a chance to win an awesome prize! Please note: This event will run in conjunction with the Booth Library Welcome Party. Your Panther Card will be needed to take attendance, please be sure to bring it with you!

• 4-4:45 pm: Lumpkin College of Business and Technology Living Learning Community Meeting Lumpkin Hall, Room 1120
  Required of all students living in the Lumpkin Living Learning Community. 

• 7 - 10 pm: New Student Mixer: A Night in Paradise 
  Grandballroom, University Ballroom, and Union Bowling Lanes, MLK Jr. Union 
  Feeling lucky? EIU students can try their luck at this lively, Vegas-inspired atmosphere featuring casino games blackjack, roulette, poker, craps, slot machines, and keno for a chance to win great prizes! Throughout the night, EIU students can enjoy a grab & go snack, mocktail bar, make-your-own sundae bar, photo booth station, and more! This unforgettable night of fun includes mini-gold, laser tag, and bowling. Sponsored by University Board (UB).

• 11 am – 2 pm: Pantherpalooza Student Involvement Fair
  South Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom and University Ballroom, MLK Jr. Union)
  The Pantherpalooza Student Involvement Fair is a great opportunity for new and current EIU students to connect with over 125 clubs, civic organizations, and EIU departments across the university. This event is designed to help EIU students discover their passions, meet like-minded peers, and get engaged in campus life beyond the classroom. Whether you are interested in community service, cultural groups, academic societies, or special interest clubs, there’s something for everyone. Sponsored by EIU Student Government Association (SGA). 

• 2 - 4 pm: Find Your Classes Tours 
  Depart from Library Quad Information Booth 
  Find your way around campus! Bring your class schedule. 

• 2 - 5 pm: Information Booth 
  Library Quad 

• 6 pm - 10 pm: Quakin’ in the Quad: Bluau in Paradise
  South Quad (Rain Location: Grand Ballroom, University Ballroom, Bridge Lounge Walkway, Vending Lounge and Rathskeller, MLK Jr. Union)
  It's time to zip, bounce, ride, and climb at Quakin’ in the Quad- Bluau in Paradise! EIU students can conquer the adrenaline-pumping inflatable attractions, featuring the Hippo Bungee Grab, 3 Lane Bungee Run, Meltdown, Mechanical Shark, Ultimate Wave Photos, Dual Axe Throwing, Cash Cube, and Bouncy Boxing. Highlights of the event include bingo with prizes, airbrush, glitter tattoos, caricature artists, and Welcome Weekend t-shirt giveaways. Light refreshments include Kona Ice, popcorn, mocktails, grab and go snacks, and Kep’s Catering. Sponsored by University Board (UB).  

• 12 - 5 pm: Information Booth 
  Library Quad  

• 12 - 4 pm: Find Your Classes Tours 
  Departs from Library Quad Information Booth 
  Find your way around campus! Bring your class schedule. 

• 1 - 3 pm: Freshman Connections Meet and Greet 
  South Quad 
  Mandatory for all first-year students participating in the program. 

• 1 - 3 pm: Transfer Connections Meet and Greet 
  South Quad 
  Mandatory for all transfer students participating in the program. 

• 2 - 4 pm: School of the Arts Orientation 
  Doudna Art Wing Concourse 
  Mandatory for new Art+Design, Music, and Theater Students. 

• 7 - 8 pm: Residence Hall Floor Meeting
  All Residence Halls
  Mandatory for students living in the residence halls. Come meet your floor community while learning how to navigate on-campus living

• 8 - 9 pm: First Night Spirit Rally 
  O'Brien Field 
  EIU students will gather at O’Brien Field to showcase their school pride at the first spirit rally of the new EIU school year! The event will feature MC Omar Solomon, special appearances by EIU Student Government leaders, EIU President Jay Gatrell, Vice President for Student Affairs Anne Flaherty, and Head Football Coach Chris Wilkerson, EIU Dancers and EIU Prestigious Pantherettes. This event will also include live performances by EIU Panther Marching Band (PMB) EIU Cheer Team, and EIU Pink Panthers. First Night highlights include roll calls, contests, competitions, t-shirt giveaways and a grand prize drawing. Sponsored by EIU Student Government Association (SGA). 

Looking for something to do on Sunday? See below for some ideas! 

Spiritual Wellness: 

• ACTS Campus Ministry: 11:00 AM, Buzzard Hall Auditorium 

• Baptist Collegiate Ministries/Campus Outreach: 10:00 AM, 1706 Community Drive, Charleston, IL 61920 

• Christian Campus House: 10:30 AM, 2231 4th Street, Charleston, IL 61920 (Across from Lawson Hall) 

• Immanuel Lutheran Campus Ministry: 8:00 AM, 902 Cleveland Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920 (Across from Tarble Arts Center off 9th Street) 

• Latter-Day Saints Student Association: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 7426 West Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938 

• Newman Catholic Center:  

• Wesley Foundation: 10:00 AM, 2202 4th Street, Charleston, IL 61920 (Next to “W” Parking Lot) 

Social and Physical Wellness: 

• Take a walk on the Panther Trail  

• Go fishing at the Campus Pond 

• Take the Panther Shuttle to the Square (downtown Charleston) and explore new shops and restaurants  

• Visit Lake Charleston for a hike, to fish, or to hammock  

• Play disc-golf on the campus course  

• Visit the very first Burger King in Mattoon, IL 

• Snap a picture with Gracie the Shark on the outskirts of Charleston 

• Go for a hike at Fox Ridge State Park 

• Explore the Douglas Hart Nature Center in Mattoon, IL 

• Find geocache locations around campus