Back 2 School: Cougar Cove
January 12-22, 2026
Monday, January 12
Wake Me Up Before You Cocoa!
Lobby Area of each Residence Hall and Cougar Village
Starting at 10:00 a.m.
Warm up that cool walk to class with Free Cocoa! Enjoy this little sweet treat provided from University Housing and Dining Services.
Sponsored by: University Housing and Dining Services
Cougar Cove Kickoff and Resource Reef
MUC Goshen Lounge
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m
Dive into the Cougar Cove Kickoff & Resource Reef, SIUE’s ultimate Back 2 School Kickoff and Resource Fair! Explore the “reef” of campus resources where you can meet departments, get your questions answered, and discover all the ways SIUE supports you. Enjoy food, music, and grab your Cougar Cove Survival Kit with free school supplies (while supplies last), courtesy of the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub and Cougar Cupboard. Dive in and start the semester off right!
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
Tuesday, January 13
Volunteer Village
MUC Goshen Lounge
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Step into Volunteer Village, our Back 2 School Volunteer Fair, and explore all the ways you can leave your mark on campus and beyond. Meet local nonprofits and community groups, ask questions, and discover meaningful opportunities to get involved and give back.
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
TropiGlow Bingo
MUC Legacy Room
3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join us for TropiGlow Bingo! Enjoy a bright and energetic bingo experience complete with glow-up accessories, fun prizes for bingo winners, and plenty of excitement to kick off the new semester. It's the perfect way to start the year with friends, fun, and glowing good times!
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board
Wednesday, January 14
Cougar Cove Marketplace
MUC Goshen Lounge
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Step into the Cougar Cove Marketplace, our annual Back 2 School Merchant Fair where campus meets community! Explore a variety of local vendors, enjoy fun and giveaways, and pick up a complimentary sweet treat (while supplies last) as you browse. Visit each vendor to fill up your Cove Pass. Once it’s complete, you’ll be entered into a raffle for exciting prizes!
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
Thursday, January 15
Cove Clubs
MUC Goshen Lounge
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Dive into Cove Clubs, our Back 2 School Involvement Fair, and discover all the ways you can get connected on campus! Meet student organizations, explore new interests, and find your community in the heart of Cougar Cove.
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
Affinity Student Welcome Celebration
Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub invites you to join us for free food and games at our Spring Affinity Student Welcome Celebration! This event is free and open to all students, we can't wait to see you there!
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub
Under the Sea Movie Night
MUC Meridian Ballroom
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Make a splash at Under the Sea Movie Night, brought to you by the Campus Activities Board! Cozy up in your PJs with blankets and friends, enjoy pancakes with fruit toppings, and dive into the adventure of Finding Dory. Bring your sleepover vibes and get ready for a night of fun, food, and fins!
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board
Friday, January 16
Annual Teddy Bear Toss at the Club Ice Hockey vs. Arkansas University Game
East Alton Ice Arena
7:00 p.m.
Join us for our annual Teddy Bear Toss game! Bring a new teddy bear or stuffed animal and throw it onto the ice after the first SIUE goal. All donations will go to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Free admission for SIUE students with their Cougar ID.
Sponsored by: Campus Recreation
Saturday, January 17
Skate with the Cougars at the Club Ice Hockey vs. Arkansas University Game
East Alton Ice Arena
3:00 p.m.
Join us after the Club Ice Hockey game for our Skate with the Cougars event! Enjoy free admission to the hockey game, free skating afterward, and two FREE concession items (drink & snack). Continuous shuttle transportation will run from the Student Fitness Center to the East Alton Ice Arena beginning one hour before the game and returning after the skating event. Come out for a fun event on the ice with your fellow Cougars!
Sponsored by: Campus Recreation
Tuesday, January 20
Paper Petal Workshop
MUC Goshen Lounge
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Step out of the winter chill and into Cougar Cove! Join us for a tropical-themed Paper Petal Workshop, where students can craft their own vibrant, handcrafted flowers that thrive even in the coldest seasons. Customize your bloom with bright colors, island-inspired designs, and warm-weather creativity. Come relax, create, and bring a little tropical sunshine to campus—while supplies last!
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board
Wednesday, January 21
Speed Friending
MUC Conference Center
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Join us for Speed Friending. Attend this engaging event to meet and interact with fellow SIUE students. We will provide activities, conversation starters, and low-key strategies to connect with your peers.
Sponsored by: SIUE Health Promotions
Thursday, January 22 - I <3 SIUE / 100th Day of School
The Golden Years Bingo
MUC Goshen Lounge
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join Campus Activities Board (CAB) and New Student and Family Programming (NSFP) for The Golden Years Bingo, a celebration of I <3 SIUE and the 100th Day of School!
This event brings a playful retirement-community-in-paradise vibe to the MUC, complete with flamingos, palm trees, Hawaiian shirts, and sunny décor. Make your way to the Goshen Lounge from 11-1PM for themed bingo, until the prizes run out. Winners can take home exclusive event shirts, fun Amazon goodies, and giveaway packs from NSFP. Come celebrate 100 days of SIUE with a laid-back afternoon of bingo, prizes, and tropical charm!
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board and New Student and Family Programming
Additional Events
Sponsored by: Campus Recreation
Stay updated on event details by following @siuecab on Instagram.
