Welcome Week is a great time to connect with new friends, find your way around campus, and have some fun before the semester begins. Below is a daily schedule of events for your first week on campus.


The schedule below is for Welcome Week 2026

Welcome Week Dining

North Dining Hall

  • August 16–17: 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
  • August 18–22: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
  • August 23–24: 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Dining at the Hawk HUB, Crimson Café, and Folger Student Center will open on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Check Out the Map

Want to know what’s happening where? Check out the interactive map of all the Welcome Week events.

Open Swim

Lepley Natatorium in Zink Hall

  • M–F: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
  • Tu/Th: 6:00–8:00 a.m.
  • M, W, F: 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Welcome Week Information Table

North Dining
M–F: Noon–1:00 p.m.

HUB Fitness Center

Hadley Union Building
M, T, W: 6:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

All events are optional unless otherwise stated.

This table is meant to help students prioritize Welcome Week events. All events are optional, with the exception of a handful that are labeled Req., which means required, or HR, which means highly recommended. For more information, please contact Donovan Daniel, director of Student Leadership.

Event Labels

Code Explanation
Req. This event is required
HR This event is highly recommended for all students
Off This event is located off-campus
Signup This event requires signup via Guidebook

8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

7:00–8:00 p.m.

  • Residence Life Floor Meetings (Req.)
    • Your residence hall

9:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: Dance Party
    Designed especially for first-year students, this event offers a welcoming and energetic space to step out, have fun, and meet your peers in a relaxed, social setting.
    Hosted by the Crimson Scholars Circle (CSC) 

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

7:00–7:45 p.m.

  • Residence Life Floor Meetings (Req.)
    • Your residence hall

8:00–9:30 p.m.

9:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: IUP & Philanthropy Trivia
    Test your knowledge of IUP traditions, campus life, student resources, and opportunities to get involved while competing for prizes and giveaways.
    Hosted by Annual Giving

7:00–8:00 a.m.

9:00–10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

  • Involved...Problem Solved!
    This interactive workshop introduces participants to key leadership theories and their application to real-world leadership experiences.

1:00–2:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

4:00–4:45 p.m.

8:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: Name That Tune
    Test your knowledge across multiple genres of music, with chances to win prizes after each round. Midway through the night, enjoy an intermission featuring açaí bowls from local favorite Fresh Blendz.
    Hosted by the Student Activity Committee (STATIC)

8:30–11:00 p.m.

7:00–8:00 a.m.

7:30–9:00 a.m.

  • Service, Leadership, and Career Connections Breakfast
    Start your day with breakfast and a chance to learn how service and philanthropy can help shape your college experience and future career path.
    Hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Indiana, PA
    • Eat N' Park

9:00–10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Founding Members Wanted!
    IUP is launching a brand-new Center for Civic Dialogue, and we're looking for founding members. Come hear what we're building, tell us what you want it to be, and help shape something before it's finished.

12:30–1:30 p.m.

  • Identity in Action
    This interactive workshop introduces participants to key leadership theories and their application to real-world leadership experiences.

2:00–3:30 p.m.

  • LGBTQIA+ Student Support Affinity Group Meeting

2:00–3:30 p.m

  • Alcohol Awareness for College Students
    Join the Office of Student Wellness and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board as they present Alcohol Awareness to New College Students.

2:00–4:00 p.m.

3:00–4:00 p.m.

5:00–7:00 p.m.

  • Create in the Grove: Chalking, Tie Dye, Yard Games, Music & Snacks

7:00–9:00 p.m.

  • Drag Show
    Hosted by the IUP House of Drag, this event celebrates creativity, individuality, and LGBTQIA+ pride through an engaging drag show featuring student performers.
    • HUB, Ohio Room

9:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: Karaoke and Craft Cafe
    Join RHA for a relaxing and interactive evening filled with creativity, music, and community. Students can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities, including DIY pennant flags, sand gardens, and succulent crafts, while listening and supporting their peers who participate in karaoke with friends.
    Hosted by Residence Hall Association (RHA)

7:00–8:00 a.m.

9:00–10:00 a.m.

10:00–11:00 a.m.

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

10:00–11:00 a.m.

  • Everyone is a Leader
    This interactive workshop introduces participants to key leadership theories and their application to real-world leadership experiences.

11:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.


  • Welcome back to campus with the IUP Dining Student Welcome Back Event, a fun and informative event during your Welcome Week experience.
    • North Dining Patio

1:00–2:00 p.m.

2:00–4:00 p.m.

  • Employment Fair (HR)

2:00–4:00 p.m.

  • Black & Brown Affinity Group Meeting

2:30–5:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: Explore the HUB Scavenger Hunt
    This free event invites students to explore the HUB by completing tasks on bingo cards while learning more about the building. Insomnia Cookies will be provided, and multiple rounds of bingo will offer chances to win prizes throughout the night.
    Hosted by the Student Activity Committee (STATIC) 

10:00–11:00 a.m.

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

11:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

11:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Sorority 101: Joining and Membership
    •  

1:00–2:00 p.m.

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

2:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Crimson Connect Training
    Learn how to navigate Crimson Connect, IUP's student engagement platform, to discover campus events, connect with student organizations, access important resources, and stay informed about involvement opportunities across campus. 

3:00–4:00 p.m.

  • History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies Departmental Meeting

4:00–5:30 p.m.

  • Trivia Evening with CSRL
    Trivia! Come for the challenge, the prizes, the fun or all three! This event is hosted by the Council for Spiritual and Religious Life. All are welcome!

4:00–5:15 p.m.

  • D2A2 Welcome Meeting
    Meet the faculty and staff, receive the handbook, learn essential processes and procedures to receive your college accommodations. And set up your first D2A2 advising meeting!

5:30–7:30 p.m.

  • Open Court Pickleball
    Join us for Open Court Pickleball! Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you're already a pickleball enthusiast, this event is a great way to connect with fellow students, stay active, and enjoy some friendly competition.
    Equipment will be provided for those who need it.

9:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark:
    Hosted by Student Government Association (SGA) & IUP Ambassadors

8:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Welcome to Indiana 5K Run and Walk Race
    This free, timed walk/run is co-hosted by the Run for Fun Club and features a scenic on-campus route starting at the HUB Circle (near Whitmyre Hall) and finishing at the Folger Student Center.
    • Registration/Warmups start at 8:00 a.m.
    • Medal Ceremony starts at noon

10:00–11:00 a.m.

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

11:00 a.m.–Noon

  • Academic Skills Workshops
    Build a strong foundation for academic success by participating in our Academic Skills workshop Series. During this interactive program, students can explore three essential topics: Time Management, Note-Taking, and Study Skills

1:30–2:15 p.m.

2:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life: What to Know Before You Join
    Participants will learn about the values, expectations, and opportunities associated with membership, including leadership development, academics, philanthropy, recruitment, financial commitments, and community standards.
    •  

3:00–4:00 p.m.

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life: What to Know Before You Join
    Participants will learn about the values, expectations, and opportunities associated with membership, including leadership development, academics, philanthropy, recruitment, financial commitments, and community standards.
    •  

8:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: BACCHUS Bingo
    This free event includes pizza for attendees, along with multiple rounds of bingo where prizes will be awarded after each round—making it the perfect chance to unwind, enjoy good food, and win along the way.

2:00–5:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.–Midnight

  • Welcome Week After Dark: Silent Disco
    This free event features student DJs and three different music channels, allowing attendees to choose their preferred vibe. Ice cream sundaes will be served, and door prizes will be given out during the evening, making it a fun and engaging way to spend the night with friends.
    • HUB, Ohio Room

Noon–5:00 p.m.

  • Day at Yellow Creek (HR/Off)
    Spend the afternoon at Yellow Creek State Park with the IUP Sailing Club! Students will have the opportunity to experience sailing on the lake, relax on the beach, and connect with fellow students in a fun outdoor setting. In addition to sailing, a variety of beach and lawn games, including frisbee and other recreational activities, will be available for those who prefer to stay on shore.
    Transportation: You can get to the event in one of two ways:
    Yellow Creek State Park is roughly 15 minutes from campus.
    • IUP Vans:
      • Free transportation will be available from the HUB Circle (next to Whitmyre Hall and the upper level of the HUB). The address for the HUB is: 319 Pratt Drive, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701.
      • More information will be included about departure times when they are finalized.
    • Drive Yourself: Students with vehicles are welcome to drive to the event. The address for Yellow Creek State Park is: 170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA 15765.