Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Cougar Welcome - Camp Cougar

August 24, 2026 - September 4, 2026

Monday, August 24, 2026

Poster Sale
8:00 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

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
8:00 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 - 1:00 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

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

Poster Sale
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Browse hundreds of posters featuring everything from music and movies to art, pop culture, nature, and more!
MUC Center Court
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

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

Thursday, August 27, 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:  Campus Activities Board

Camp Cougar Jam
5:00 PM – 6:00 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

S'mores Social
8:00 PM – 10:00 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

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
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub 

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

AANHPI/APIDA Student Welcome 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub 

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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, Morris University Center
Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board

LGBTQIA+ Rainbow Student Welcome 
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 
RECPLEX 
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Black Student Welcome 
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Meridian Ballroom, Morris University Center
Sponsored by:  Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub

Friday, September 4, 2026