Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Cougar Welcome - Camp Cougar

August 24, 2026 - September 4, 2026

 

Thursday, August 6, 2026

School of Dental Medicine Welcome
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Building 282/283 - Alton School of Dental Medicine Campus
Join us for the annual School of Dental Medicine Welcome and connect with fellow students while enjoying Dairy Queen Blizzards, build-your-own protein bowls, DIY Polaroid photos and frames, and more. Learn about campus resources and services designed to support your success throughout the year.
Sponsored by: Student Affairs, Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, Campus Recreation, Health Promotions

 

Monday, August 24, 2026

Poster Sale
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Browse hundreds of posters featuring everything from music and movies to art, pop culture, nature, and more!
Stratton Quad
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Cougar Welcome Kick-Off
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Stratton Quad
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Outdoor Movie Night
7:00 PM
Get ready for a movie night as we kick off the semester with an outdoor screening of The Parent Trap. This is an outdoor event, so don’t forget to bring your own lawn chair or blanket to stay comfortable. To add to the fun, we’ll be giving away blankets, plus offering kettle corn, ice cream, and drinks while supplies last, with a valid student ID. There will also be chances to join our raffle for a prize! 
Dunham Lawn
Sponsored by:  Campus Activities Board

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Poster Sale
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Browse hundreds of posters featuring everything from music and movies to art, pop culture, nature, and more!
Stratton Quad
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Merchant Fair & Ice Cream Social
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Fun, entertainment, giveaways, and prize drawings!  Stop by to see what area merchants have to offer! Take a break from classes and enjoy a complimentary mini Dairy Queen® Blizzard®  with a few surprise guests!  (While supplies last)
Goshen Lounge, Morris University Center
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub/Campus Activities Board

School Supply Giveaway
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Start the semester prepared with free school supplies from the Cougar Cupboard! Bring your SIUE student ID and stop by while supplies last. 
Oak/Redbud Room, Morris University Center, Second Floor
Sponsored by:  Cougar Cupboard

Camp Cougar Field Day
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Kick off Cougar Welcome with an afternoon of fun at Camp Cougar Field Day! Grab a free event T-shirt while supplies last and customize it at our tie-dye station. Challenge your friends to throwback field day games, cool off with water games and inflatable water slides, enjoy a refreshing Kona Ice, and get creative with rock painting. Whether you're looking to meet new people, make memories, or simply have fun before the semester begins, Camp Cougar Field Day is the perfect way to start the year.
Woodland Bowl
Sponsored by:  Campus Activities Board and Residence Housing Association 

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Engagement Fair 
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Discover all the ways to get involved at SIUE! The Engagement Fair 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.
Student Organization & Resource Fair: 4–6 p.m.
Stratton Quad, Goshen Lounge, Meridian Ballroom
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Deadline to register for Panhellenic Recruitment - REGISTER HERE
1:00 PM
Sponsored by:  Panhellenic Council

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Camp Cougar Jam
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Wrap up your day with an evening of music, creativity, and fun at Camp Cougar Jam! Unleash your inner artist with Sip & Paint, grab the mic for karaoke, and dance along to music from a live DJ. Challenge your friends to yard games and mini golf, or express your style with henna and airbrush tattoos. Whether you're making new friends or just looking for a great time, Camp Cougar Jam is the perfect place to kick back and celebrate the start of the semester.
Stratton Quad
Sponsored by:  Campus Activities Board

 

Friday, August 28, 2026

Late Night with Campus Recreation
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM 
Get ready to kick off the school year in style at our exciting event, Late Night, happening at the RecPlex on August 28th from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM! Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with fun, food, and fantastic activities that will set the tone for an amazing semester ahead.
RECPLEX
Sponsored by: Campus Rec

 

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Trip to Festival of Nations
10:00am - 7:00pm
Join us at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, Missouri for a celebration of music, flavors, art and culture from around the world at the annual Festival of Nations, powered by the International Institute of St. Louis. SIUE will be providing transportation for a limited amount of participants. Please utilize the RSVP form for details about bus times and to reserve your spot! - HERE
Load Bus at SIUE, Peck Hall bus stop, 7 Hairpin Dr, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Event is at Tower Grove Park, Main Dr., St. Louis, MO 63116

Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

S'mores Social
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Cozy up and connect at the S'mores Social! Enjoy a relaxing evening with campfire vibes, twinkle lights, and delicious s'mores as you meet fellow Cougars. Whether you're catching up with friends or making new ones, this laid-back event is the perfect way to unwind, enjoy a sweet treat, and soak in the welcoming atmosphere of Cougar Welcome.
Woodland Bowl
Sponsored by:  Campus Activities Board and Residence Housing Association

Movies in the Park: The Wild Robot
8:00 PM
Students are encouraged to utilize Madison Country Transit for transportation to this community hosted event 
Edwardsville City Park (101 S Buchanan Street)
Sponsored by: Edwardsville Parks and Recreation 

Sunday, August 30, 2026

IFC Meet the Fraternities
1:00 - 3:00 PM

Conference Center, Morris University Center
Sponsored by:  Interfraternity Council

 

Monday, August 25, 2025 - Thursday, August 28, 2025

Affinity Welcome Celebrations
The Affinity Welcome Celebrations serve as an introduction to specific resources on campus and give students the opportunity to meet and engage with one another in a purposefully inclusive environment. These celebrations are open to all students. The Welcomes also provide an opportunity for all faculty, staff and students in attendance to mingle and get to know one another outside of the constraints of a classroom environment.  Please join us for food, music, and games as we celebrate our students and the start of the fall semester.
Check out the schedule below for individual events. 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Monday, August 31, 2026

Hispanic/ Latinx Student Welcome 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us for food, music, and fun as we welcome our Hispanic/Latinx students into the SIUE community. This program to all students. 
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub 

First Student Government Meeting 
6:00 PM
Mississippi/Illinois Room, Morris University Center
Sponsored by: Student Government

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

AANHPI/APIDA Student Welcome 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us for food, music, and fun as we welcome our Asian, Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American students into the SIUE community. This program is open to all students. 
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub 

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

American Red Cross Blood Drive +  Z107.7 FM
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
SIUE will host a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross in the Meridian Ballroom of the Morris University Center on September 2nd from 10:00am - 3pm. The local St. Louis area radio station, Z107.7 FM, will be also be in attendance as part of their College Campus Tour while also giving away free items. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: SIUE to schedule an appointment to give blood. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Sponsored by: Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub and National Panhellenic Council 

Crafty Cougars 
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Get creative at Crafty Cougars! Design your own friendship bracelets, create custom buttons, and make something uniquely yours. Whether you're crafting with friends or meeting fellow Cougars along the way, this hands-on event is a fun and relaxing way to express your creativity and take home a personalized keepsake from Cougar Welcome.
Goshen Lounge and Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board and  

LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Student Welcome 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
Please join us for food, music and fun as we welcome our LGBTQIA+ students into the SIUE community. This program is open to all students.
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Camp Cougar Center Court
4:30 PM
Adventure awaits in Center Court! Fuel up with a campfire-style dinner featuring your favorite campsite classics, then stop by our Sweet & Savory S’mores Bar to enjoy the ultimate fireside treat. Whether you're making new friends, reconnecting with old ones, or just looking for an unforgettable meal, Camp Cougar is the perfect place to celebrate the Cougar Welcome experience. 
Center Court, Morris University Center 
Sponsored by: SIUE Dining 

Military and Veteran Student Welcome 
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM 
Legacy Room, Morris University Center
Sponsored by: Military and Veteran Services 

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Black Student Welcome 
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Please join us for food, music and fun as we welcome our Black students into the SIUE community. This program is open to all students. 
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Sand Volleyball Tournament - REGISTER HERE
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Bluff & Prairie Hall
Sponsored by:  Campus Recreation, Intramural Sports

Friday, September 4, 2026