Welcome Week 2024

Tuesday, August 13

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fun in the Sun, Quad
Relax and enjoy activities on the Quad. Listen to WZND, ISU's student-run radio station, while enjoying a Big Red Chair photo op, personalized photo magnets, and other activities. Rain location: Circus Room & 1 West Lounge, Bone Student Center.

7-8:30 p.m. Drag Queen Bingo with Alexis Michelle & Honey Davenport, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Hang out with drag queens Alexis Michelle & Honey Davenport who appeared in the ninth and eleventh seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Get ready for a show and a chance to win fabulous prizes while playing bingo! There will also be rainbow cupcakes to enjoy! Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

9:30-11 p.m. Drag Queen Bingo with Alexis Michelle & Honey Davenport, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Hang out with drag queens Alexis Michelle & Honey Davenport who appeared in the ninth and eleventh seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Get ready for a show and a chance to win fabulous prizes while playing bingo! There will also be rainbow cupcakes to enjoy! Doors open at 9 p.m.

Wednesday, August 14

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fun in the Sun, Quad
Relax and enjoy activities on the Quad. Listen to WZND, ISU's student-run radio station, while enjoying a Big Red Chair photo op, personalized dry erase boards, and other activities including an interactive reptile experience. Rain location: Circus Room & 1 West Lounge, Bone Student Center.

12-5 p.m. Front Yard Free-Cycle, Office of Sustainability (305 N. School St.)
Redbirds REUSE! The Office of Sustainability and the ISU Share Shop are hosting a "Front Yard Free-Cycle". Gently-used clothing (including Redbird spirit wear!), shoes, accessories, household supplies, small furniture items, books, and more will be available for FREE to ISU students. Check out the Office of Sustainability and get prepared for the fall semester!

7-8 p.m. Hypnotist ChrisJones, Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
Who is ready to get hypnotized? Ok, who is ready to see their friends get hypnotized? Come enjoy ChrisJones who has appeared on America's Got Talent and got known germaphobe Howie Mandel to shake his hand!

9-11 p.m. Movie Night at CEFCU Arena: Pitch Perfect
Join Illinois State Athletics for a movie screening of Pitch Perfect at CEFCU Arena.

Arriving at her new college, Beca (Anna Kendrick) finds herself not right for any clique but somehow is muscled into one that she never would have picked on her own: alongside mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sound when they sing together. When Beca leads this a cappella singing group out of their traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies into all-new mash-ups, they fight to climb their way to the top of college music competitions. Pitch Perfect is an outrageously hilarious laugh-out-loud comedy that also stars Anna Camp (The Help), Brittany Snow (Hairspray) and Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids).

Thursday, August 15

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. You Can Work at ISU: A Student Hiring Event, Bone Student Center – 2nd floor concourse
You're invited! Don't miss this opportunity to apply for on-campus positions from departments like Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality, Campus Recreation, and University Housing Services. View all current on-campus student employment opportunities on the Human Resources webpage, and then meet with employers in person at the event. Laptops will be available to apply on the spot!

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fun in the Sun, Circus Room and 1 West Lounge, Bone Student Center
Relax and enjoy activities celebrating summer. Listen to WZND, ISU's student-run radio station, make a personalized street signs, express your artistry on a mini-canvas, and enjoy a brightly frosted cupcake! 

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Milner Library Open House, Milner Plaza Entrance
Welcome to your library, Redbirds! Milner Library is excited to greet new and returning members of the ISU community and see you in the library. Join us for an open house to explore the library and discover what's new and what we have to offer you! Participants that visit all the open house stations will earn a prize from the library.

CANCELED DUE TO RAIN: 12-5 p.m. Front Yard Free-Cycle, Office of Sustainability (305 N. School St.) 
Redbirds REUSE! The Office of Sustainability and the ISU Share Shop are hosting a "Front Yard Free-Cycle". Gently-used clothing (including Redbird spirit wear!), shoes, accessories, household supplies, small furniture items, books, and more will be available for FREE to ISU students. Check out the Office of Sustainability and get prepared for the fall semester!

1-4 p.m. Veterans and Military Services Office Open House, 110 Moulton Hall Veterans Student Center
Meet the staff of the Veterans and Military Services Office and other military-connected students, enjoy light refreshments, and receive your ISU Veterans and Military Services challenge coin.

2 p.m. Redbird Soccer vs Green Bay, Adelaide Street Field
Illinois State Soccer hosts its regular season home opener. Doors open at 1 p.m.and admissin is free!3-6 p.m.

Destination Uptown, Center for Civic Engagement & Uptown Normal
Join the Center for Civic Engagement and Uptown Normal to get acquainted with your new community and explore all the potential Uptown Normal has for you - great food, entertainment, community resources, and employment near campus. Complete the scavenger hunt as you explore your new community, get freebies, and enjoy music in Uptown Circle from Backseat Radio Acoustic, a modern hits tribute. Start at the Center for Civic Engagement (300 W. North Street) and wind your way through Uptown.

6:30-7:30 p.m. Redbird Rally, CEFCU Arena
Come out to CEFCU Arena for contests, prizes, and free food. Hear from head coaches Allie Matters, Kristen Gillespie, and Ryan Pedon at the first pep rally of the school year. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the first 10 students to purchase a Red Alert pass at the sales table will have the chance to compete in a half-court shooting challenge, with the winner taking home a brand-new PS5. Plus, one lucky student will get the opportunity to win a Nintendo Switch! Throughout the night, Athletics will be giving away plenty of Redbird swag, and you won’t want to miss performances by the Big Red Marching Machine, Illinois State Cheerleading, and the Redline Express Dance Team. Stay in your seats following the Rally for the volleyball red & white scrimmage!

8-9 p.m. Volleyball Red/White Scrimmage, CEFCU Arena
Watch the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference champion Redbirds take the court for the first time in 2024 led by head coach Allie Matters.

Friday, August 16

9-11 a.m. Honors Welcome EXPO, Old Main, Bone Student Center
Join us for the Honors Welcome EXPO as we kick off a new school year! Grab some treats, meet and greet with current Honors students and staff, and meet your Honors Mindset Seminar peer mentor.

11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m. ISU Spirit Picnic Kickoff with Big Red Marching Machine, Schroeder Plaza
Listen to the Illinois State University marching band, then head to the Spirit Picnic on the Quad. Each year, the “Big Red” performs at home football games, exhibition performances around the state of Illinois, and at the Illinois State Marching Band Championships.

12-2 p.m. ISU Spirit Picnic, Quad
Join the campus community for a picnic lunch full of ISU spirit. Listen to WZND, ISU's student-run radio station, while visiting with campus departments and picking up your academic planner. We'll have spirit beads, red & white poms, and mini foam fingers as well as make your own bamboo plants in custom Welcome Week jars. Rain location: Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center.

1-4 p.m. Veterans and Military Services Office Open House, 110 Moulton Hall Veterans Student Center
Meet the staff of the Veterans and Military Services Office and other military-connected students, enjoy light refreshments, and receive your ISU Veterans and Military Services challenge coin.

2-4 p.m. Multicultural Center Open House, Multicultural Center
Students will be able to engage with different spaces in the Multicultural Center while meeting new people. There will be various activities hosted by the Black Student Union, Association of Latin American Students, Asian Pacific American Coalition, Pride, and Tribe. There will be a dessert bar as well.

2-5 p.m. Fear the Bird Friday, Bone Student Center
Kick off Fear the Bird Fridays with Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality at the Bone Student Center. Enjoy snacks and music while participating in a variety of fun activities.

Welcome Desk - Activity Card
Pick up your activity card at the Redbird Spirit Shop at the Bone Student Center. Complete the activity card and Lego room decoration as you explore the building partners. The first 400 students to complete their Lego room decoration and return their activity card to the Welcome Desk will receive a limited edition room flag.

Circus Room - Make & Take Pennant
Feeling crafty? Stop by the Circus Room to make an ISU themed pennant.

1st floor concourse - First Day of School Pictures, Snacks, & WZND
While you are walking around listening to the sounds of ISU's own WZND radio station, grab a snack and take a First Day of School picture to send home to your family. You might even win tickets to the Murray the Magician Family Weekend show or the Homecoming concert - Peach Pit.

Brickyard Plaza - Petting Zoo
Come pet your favorite farm friends near the Brickyard Plaza. Have a chance to snuggle a goat, rabbit, chicken, and more!

6:30-7:30 p.m. Transfer Student Social, Old Main, Bone Student Center
Meet other transfer students and learn important information about getting involved, academic resources, and making a successful transition to Illinois State.

8-11 p.m. Welcome Week After Dark, Bone Student Center and Bowling & Billiards Center
Spend your Friday night making Redbird memories. Check out all of the activities below.

Live Band Karaoke! - Brown Ballroom
Sing with a live band or watch your fellow Redbirds sing.. it's Live Band Karaoke!
Enjoy snacks at the nacho bar and stuff an adorable plushie throughout the night.

Multi-DJ Dance Party with Headphone Disco - Brickyard Plaza 
It's surreal, slightly outrageous, but most of all hugely enjoyable. Listen to DJs battle it out on the wireless headphones, and rotate between channels to control your dancefloor experience. Rain location: Circus Room, Bone Student Center.

The Lounge - Old Main
Play board games, eat snacks, or just relax in the After Dark Lounge.

Friendship Bracelets - Founders Suite
Make friends.. and friendship bracelets.

Speed Sketch Caricatures - Spotlight Room
Get a caricature with your friends in just one minute with the Speed Sketchers.

Bowling and Esports - Bowling & Billiards Center
Stop by the Bowling & Billiards Center for a fun gaming session with friends. Enjoy blacklight yellow pin bowling or challenge each other in the esports arena. Whether you're racing in Mario Kart, battling in Fortnite, or knocking down pins, there's something for everyone!

TechZone
Challenge your new friends to compete against you in a variety of video games (including Super Smash Bros.) up on our big TechZone screens! All participants will receive a giveaway item too. Open until 10 p.m.

Redbird Spirit Shop
Stop in to purchase ISU spirit wear. Go Redbirds!

Saturday, August 17

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Back to School Poster Sale, Quad
Stop by to browse a deep selection of posters for purchase. The poster sale will be open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. every day through Friday, August 23. Sponsored by the National Art Education Association, Illinois State University student chapter.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Football Red/White Scrimmage, Hancock Stadium
Watch the Illinois State Redbirds take the field.

3:15 p.m. Redbird Spirit Photo, Hancock Stadium
Wear red to show your Redbird spirit and join the largest group photo taken at Illinois State. A limited number of free t-shirts will be available. Meet at the southwest gate for entry.

8-11 p.m. Let’s Glow, Quad  MOVED to Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center
An epic night of glow in the dark and blacklight fun with music and activities.

Dance in front of the stage, relax in the glow lounge, get an airbrush tattoo, take a picture in the LED photo booth, personalize an airbrush pennant, and so much more.

On stage,
RIXTER @ 8-9:30 p.m.
DJay Mando @ 9:30-11 p.m.

RIXTER
Born and raised on the southside of Chicago, RIXTER has been taking audiences on a journey through music for over 12 years. An ISU alum, RIXTER has performed at some of Chicago's premier venues playing genres such as EDM, Latin, R&B, and Hip Hop. With a resume that has grown throughout the years to include upcoming Chicago summer music festivals and out of state debuts, RIXTER strives to continue his music journey in music and help audiences fall in love with music just as he has.

DJay Mando
DJay Mando has established himself as the most entertaining DJ in the midwest. With creative themes, energetic music, and sharp choreography, Mando and his band have captivated audiences all over the world. Specializing in Hip Pop, Pop, and Latin music, Mando excites crowds with his signature engagement and positive message. The addition of dancers and a live band to a DJ show makes Mando's performance one of the most unique live concepts to see on a stage.