Weeks of Welcome

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Welcome to Fall 2025!

ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø is thrilled to welcome our students to campus with a series of events designed to create community, inspire school spirit and set students up for success this academic year. Unless an event is designed to accommodate a particular group of students (i.e. residents of The Nest) all currently enrolled ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø students are welcome to join in the fun! The majority of events will take place on the Main Campus.

Week 1: Aug. 25 - 29

Monday, August 25

I Love Mondays 

3:00 p.m. — Village Square

Stop by the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Programming Board table and get some free school supplies while they last.

Tuesday, August 26

Ollivanders Pop Up 

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Village Square

Step into the magic and craft your very own custom wand! Choose your materials, decorate to your style, and leave with a one-of-a-kind creation worthy of any witch or wizard.

Student Health Services Wandering Welcome Wagon

Various times all day

Track down the Student Health Services Wandering Welcome Wagon and get a free giveaway. Cart will be traveling around campus.

Wednesday, August 27

Student Health Services Wandering Welcome Wagon

Various times all day

Track down the Student Health Services Wandering Welcome Wagon and get a free giveaway. Cart will be traveling around campus.

Wizards & Wagers Game Night

5:00 - 8:00 p.m. — Golden Eagles

Test your magical knowledge and luck in this wizard-themed trivia and other games! Team up, place your wagers, and see who will claim the title of the wisest witch or wizard of the night.

Barbershop Talk 

4:30 - 6:40 p.m. — Pedroso Center

Barbershop talks are weekly facilitated circle conversations that leverage the existing social atmosphere at NEIU to create a supportive environment where individuals can engage in open and honest conversations about various topics, particularly focusing on mental health and community well-being. These gatherings are designed to be safe spaces where Black and Brown men are centered and can feel comfortable sharing their experiences, seeking advice, and building connections with others on campus. Open to everyone.

Thursday, August 28

Munchies & Fates

Noon - 4:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Enjoy tasty muggle snacks while discovering what the fates have in store for you with a mystical tarot reading. A perfect blend of treats and a touch of magic!

Career Development Open House

Noon - 4:00 p.m. — B 119

Join us for the Career Development Open House! Stop by for 15-minute drop-in resume reviews, grab some snacks, and get to know our team. Have questions about jobs, internships, or anything career-related? We’ve got answers! We look forward to seeing you there.

Health Services Open House

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Village Square

Snacks, giveaways and puppies. Come meet our team and learn about our free resources. We are here to help you stay healthy, so you can fully participate in and enjoy college life.

Student Counseling Services Open House

2:00 - 5:00 p.m. — B119

Stop by to learn about the free services offered by Student Counseling Services.

First Year Experience (FYE): Golden Eagle Launch FRESHMEN Meet Up

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. — Golden Eagles Room (SU 103)

All first year students are invited to mingle with FYE peer mentors and each other, take part in engaging activities, and grab some elevated snacks/beverages to celebrate the start of the semester and beyond!

Week 2: September 2-5

Tuesday, September 2

SLD Student Organization Fair

Noon - 4:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Discover your campus vibe at the Org. Fair, where you can meet student organizations, make new friends, and dive into exciting activities!

Wednesday, September 3

SLD Student Organization Fair Day 2

Noon - 4:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Discover your campus vibe at the Org. Fair, where you can meet student organizations, make new friends, and dive into exciting activities!

Student Health Services-Tea Ceremony

Noon - 2:00 p.m. — Cafeteria SU 003

Experience the art of mindfulness and tradition at our tea-making ceremony, where every sip invites calm, connection, and cultural appreciation.

SLD Transfer Express

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. — Pedroso Center

Meet fellow transfer students, connect with campus resources, and get tips for a smooth journey at NEIU. 

Barbershop Talk

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. — Pedroso Center

Barbershop talks are weekly facilitated circle conversations that leverage the existing social atmosphere at NEIU to create a supportive environment where individuals can engage in open and honest conversations about various topics, particularly focusing on mental health and community well-being. These gatherings are designed to be safe spaces where Black and Brown men are centered and can feel comfortable sharing their experiences, seeking advice, and building connections with others on campus. Open to everyone.

Thursday, September 4

Campus Rec Kickoff

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Join Campus Recreation for lawn games and volleyball, and learn what we have to offer including club sports, recreation, and fitness activities!

Picnic at the Quad with NPB and UGC

3:00 - 7:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Kick back on the quad and meet the fraternities and sororities at NEIU and the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Programming Board (NPB). Enjoy fun foods, grove to live DJ music and play games.

Saturday, September 6

SLD Service Saturdays Foster Beach Clean Up

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Foster Beach

Join us for Service Saturday for a community beach clean-up at Foster Beach. Make a difference, enjoy the fresh lake breeze, and help keep our shoreline beautiful. 

Week 3: September 8-13

Monday, September 8

Golden Snitch Scavenger Hunt

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Meet at the Pedroso Center to receive your clues, then set off to track down hidden Golden Snitches across campus! Find them all to claim magical prizes and bragging rights.

Q-Spot

3:00 - 5:00 p.m. — Pedroso Center

Q-Spot (LGBTQ2IA+ Affinity Group) is a weekly social support group for queer students at NEIU. This is meant to be an informal space for queer people to build community, discuss lived experiences, and give/receive support. Open to everyone.

Tuesday, September 9

Water Balloon Fight

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Cool off and have a blast with an epic water balloon showdown on the quad! Grab your friends, dodge, splash, and soak up the fun. Yellow and blue t-shirts for the first 100 students.

Wednesday, September 10

Tie-Dye Shirt

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — University Commons (Quad)

Get creative and colorful! Design your own tie-dye shirt and take home a wearable work of art. All materials provided (while supplies last).

Barbershop Talk

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. — Pedroso Center

Barbershop talks are weekly facilitated circle conversations that leverage the existing social atmosphere at NEIU to create a supportive environment where individuals can engage in open and honest conversations about various topics, particularly focusing on mental health and community well-being. These gatherings are designed to be safe spaces where Black and Brown men are centered and can feel comfortable sharing their experiences, seeking advice, and building connections with others on campus. Open to everyone.

Thursday, September 11

Show Your NEIU Spirit!

1:00 - 4:00 p.m. — Village Square

Colleges and Student Organizations are invited to showcase their NEIU pride with posters, images, and artwork that reflect their latest news, exciting updates, and milestones.

Friday, September 12

NEIU Trivia Night

4:00 - 7:00 p.m. — Alumni Hall

Put your NEIU knowledge to the test! Join the Alumni Relations team for a fun, interactive evening of brain-teasing questions and food. 
This event is open to alumni, students, faculty, and staff

Homecoming Dance Cruise on Lake Michigan

11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Party the night away on a moonlight cruise aboard the Odyssey. Enjoy stunning nighttime city views from Lake Michigan. Savor chef-prepared late-night bites and dance under the stars for an unforgettable evening on the water. There will also be casino games for prizes.

Ticket cost for current students is $20.  Students may purchase 1 additional ticket for a guest.

Tickets will go on sale beginning August 25. 

Saturday, September 13

La Copa Soccer Tournament

9:00 a.m. - Noon — PE Complex Soccer Fields

The Angelina Pedroso Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs invites students, faculty and staff to register to play at this year's La Copa soccer tournament. La Copa, will be held at the Physical Education Complex soccer fields.

NEIU Fitness Fest

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — PE Complex

Fitness classes from local organizations and health and fitness vendors. The fitness fest is sponsored by the H&PE Student Organization.

Poetry and Pancakes

9:30 - 11:30 a.m. — D Courtyard (outside B building)

Join the NEIU English Department for the 8th annual gathering of poets and pancake enthusiasts. Breakfast served with live poetry readings.

Where it All Began: A Walking History Tour of NEIU

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. — Main Campus

Explore and rediscover campus landmarks, learn about upcoming building projects and hear about NEIU’s history with an exclusive walking tour designed for the NEIU community.

Soul Line Dancing Workshop

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. — Alumni Hall

Calling students and alumni to join the fun and learn all the classics and some new steps of soul line dancing, hosted by NEIU’s Black Caucus and Black Student Success Committee! There will be a mini competition at the end. Refreshments will be served.

Questions?

Need More Information?

  • Contact Student Leadership Development at sld@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4660 for all events other than those for residents of The Nest.
  • For events for residents of The Nest, please reach out to your resident assistant or call (773) 442-4663.

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