Welcome (Back) Week

Noon on Zoom (link provided after registration)

Discover the cultural richness of Pakistani names in this interactive Names Training. Our presenter from Pakistan will explore how Arabic, Persian, and Hindi traditions, blended with local languages such as Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, and Pashto, shape the naming practices of Pakistan. Participants will learn not only how to pronounce common given names and family names but also about the cultural significance, symbolism, and meanings that these names carry within Pakistani society. Register here!

1:30 - 3:30 pm in the Orange Room of the Main Library - Sponsored by International Education and the University Library

Enjoy some international snacks and drinks with cross-cultural learning activities.  This program is open to all current students, regardless of race, color or national origin. Contact Internationaled@illinois.edu with questions or learn more about Tastes of Culture.

4:00 pm meet at the Grad College (507 E Green St) 

Join fellow grad students for a walking introduction to campus. Start at the Grad College, end up at the Illini Union. The tour is roughly one mile on sidewalks.

5:00 pm at IGB Array Cafe Conference Room 612 - Sponsored by IGB Initiative for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Student-led workshop for first-year graduate students with free food and networking. Sign up to get more information and reach out to Joseph Tibbs jtibbs2@illinois.edu with questions.

5:30 pm meet at the ARC (210 E. Peabody Dr.) to begin walking/running at 5:45pm

Want to start running with a group? Meet right inside the ARC in the lobby/Wellbeing Lounge. The walk-run will be 30-40 minutes based on time (not mileage) and done no later than 6:30. It will be primarily peer-led and all are welcome to attend! Hosted by McKinley Stress Management. Call 217-333-2700 with questions.

9:30 am - 12:00 pm between Engineering Hall and Everitt Lab

Information for all NEW graduate students in engineering programs. 

Noon meet at the Grad College (507 E Green St) 

Join fellow grad students for a walking introduction to campus. Start at the Grad College, end up at the Illini Union. The tour is roughly one mile on sidewalks.

1200 - 1300 at Chez (908 W Nevada) 

Connect with fellow students over lunch, learn about the services and support we offer, and explore ways to get involved in our community. All graduate students are welcome, especially those who are military-connected or interested in veteran-focused resources.

1:00 - 2:00 pm in the University YMCA, Room 228 (1001 S Wright St, Champaign)

GLOBE stands for Global Leaders Orange and Blue Engagement. The program offers you an opportunity to make connections with domestic and international students to build these friendships throughout the semester. More information about the program. To participate, submit an interest form. This program is open to all current students, regardless of race, color or national origin, and can be repeated multiple times. For inquiries and questions, contact Rebecca Hodson, GLOBE coordinator at rhodson1@illinois.edu. 

3:00 - 4:30 pm on Zoom 

Many funding agencies require a personal statement in addition to an applicant’s research proposal. Why?! What on earth are you supposed to talk about? If these questions have induced writer’s block, this workshop is for you. We will assess the range of personal statement prompts you may encounter and distill their shared essence. Participants will learn the qualities of a compelling statement and a writing process they can follow to arrive at a complete first draft. Register in advance for the link to join this online workshop run by the Graduate College Office of External Fellowships.

3:00 - 4:30 pm on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

This employee orientation provides information for teaching, research, pre-professional, and graduate assistants regarding appointments and benefits.

4:30 - 6:30 pm at the Campus Instructional Facility, Room 2039 (1405 W Springfield Ave, Urbana)

The University Library and International Student and Scholar Services welcome all international graduate students and international scholars to learn more about campus research services and other helpful resources available to you from campus unit representatives. There will be time for networking afterwards with the opportunity to get to know peer international students and scholars, as well as connect with other faculty advisors and department heads. Light refreshments will be provided.

6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Main Library (1408 W. Gregory Dr.) Room 106

Are you a first-gen student looking for ways to get connected on campus? Join us at the Resource Fair to meet representatives from Chez Veterans Center, The Career Center, Office of Financial Aid, Off-Campus Community Living, Connie Frank CARE Center, New Student & Family Experiences, Speakers Workshop, Leadership Center and McKinley Health Center. Registration encouraged, but not required.

7:30 - 9:30 pm at the Ice Arena (406 E Armory Dr, Champaign) 

Come enjoy ice skating, whether it is your first time or you're an expert. Free entry with I-Card; skate rental is $3. 

9:00 - 10:30 am on Zoom - Co-sponsored by Illinois Human Resources and the Graduate College

This employee orientation provides information for teaching, research, pre-professional, and graduate assistants regarding appointments and benefits.

11:00 am - 4:00 pm on the Main Quad

Visit the farmstand purchase fresh produce grown at the Sustainable Student Farm.

4:00 pm at the ARC (201 E Peabody Dr, Champaign) 

Meet at the front desk to tour the ARC and learn about programming including fitness classes and intramurals. See the gyms, pools, workout areas, climbing wall, instructional kitchen, reflection room and more! 

5:00 – 6:00 pm at the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (616 E Green Street, Suite 202 (entrance between McDonalds and Subway, 2nd floor))

The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) would like to invite new graduate students who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies to the GSRC's Graduate Student Welcome! Meet other LGBTQ+ identified graduate students, learn about NetworQ (our LGBTQ+ grad group) and enjoy light refreshments. Contact: GSRC@illinois.edu

5:00 - 6:30 pm  Atkin's Patio & Lawn (1800 S Oak St, Champaign)

Join us for an evening of mingling, free food, and learning more about what Research Park has to offer! Leave your resume and formalwear at home for this chance to mingle in a fun and casual environment. This event is free, but registration in advance is required on Handshake with a link coming soon. If you have any questions or need any accommodations, please contact Bryan Goode at bdgoode@illinois.edu. 

5:30 pm at the Krannert Center Lobby (500 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana)

Krannert Center is throwing an Opening Night Party to celebrate the kickoff of our 2025-26 season, and YOU'RE INVITED! Traditionally held on the first night of performances of our new season, this year's Opening Night Party marks the 20th anniversary of the biennial ELLNORA | The Guitar Festival and promises a high-energy, family-friendly atmosphere with food, fun, and lots of FREE MUSIC all night long!

4:00 - 5:00 pm on Zoom 

In this Graduate College Career Development workshop, you will learn strategies for networking, including introducing yourself and "elevator pitches." No registration required.

10:00 - 11:00 am at the Main Library (1408 Gregory Drive)

Learn more about Library resources and opportunities. Meet in the Library Gallery (East Entrance of the Main Library, with the statues and ramps).

11:00 - 11:30 am Meet at the RMBL (Room 346, on the north side of the Main Library)

Want to visit the Rare Book and Manuscript Library? Join from the Main Library Tour or come just to explore the RBML. 

3:00 - 6:00 pm at the Sustainable Student Farm (3505 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana)

We invite students and community members alike to join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Sustainable Student Farm, explore Registered Student Organizations, hear exciting current projects from horticulture faculty and our collaborators, and enjoy free special dishes prepared by Dining Services. More details, including a schedule, parking and transport information on the SSF website.

Join us for Crafternoons every month on the first Friday at the Women's Resources Center. This month, we will be making door decorations & friendship bracelets! All materials are provided. This event is free and open to everyone.

10:00 am - 1:30 pm in Everitt 1302 (1406 W. Green St)

GrOW (Graduate Orientation for Women and Gender Minorities) is an orientation program for new graduate students identifying as women and gender minorities in engineering. Our activities aim to create an increased sense of belonging and confidence. Feel free to reach out to gradswe.uiuc@gmail.com if you have any questions and register here.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Orchard Downs Community Center and playground (510 W George Huff Dr, Urbana) 

Student parents are an integral part of the Illinois family, and we want to connect with you! There will be opportunities for parents to connect with other parents and connect to campus resources who support student parents - whether you live at Orchard Downs or somewhere else!  Activities for children and snacks will be provided during the event. 

1:00 pm at the Spurlock Museum of World Cultures (606 S Gregory St) 

Engage the collection of the Spurlock Museum, including a special tour on our current exhibits - Rainbow Reflections and Songs of Solidarity: 1985 Farm Aid Concert - learn about opportunities for research, or for instructors or TAs to bring their classes to Spurlock.

Noon Tailgate, 1:00 pm Kickoff at Demirjian Park (606 St. Mary's Road)

Cheer on the women's soccer team with fellow grad students. Come early to grab a sticker and a pompom!

6:00 - 8:00 pm at the Siebel Center for Design (1208 S 4th St, Champaign)

Connect with the African Students Organization.