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Blugold Welcome Schedule of Events

We LOVE to welcome our Blugolds in a BIG way!

Blugold Welcome is every incoming Blugold's official, interactive, engaging welcome to campus. Our fall schedule of events kicks off with move-in and continues through the second week of classes, and our smaller spring schedule occurs during the weekend before classes begin. Each year, there are a large variety of activities and social get-togethers to connect all incoming Blugolds with campus and surrounding community, with lots of free food and UWEC swag!

*Spring 2024 welcome events are scheduled to occur Friday, January 26 - Sunday, January 28th, and Fall 2024 events will be released in May 2024. Check out our lineup below from this past fall's program as we plan events for next year!

Fall 2023 Highlight Events
  • Library After Dark | Wednesday, Sept. 6th from 5 - 9 pm @ McIntyre Library
    • Mini golf, laser tag, free pizza, oh my!  Come and see all the amazing things that the library has to offer in the most fun-filled way possible!  Games, free food, dance lessons, live music, and everything in between will entertain you all night long!
  • UW Meets EC | Friday, Sept. 8th from 5 - 8 pm @ Downtown Eau Claire
    • This event is your first taste of the vibrant, lively, and exciting city of Eau Claire, outside of campus!  Take the bus from Towers Hall to explore dozens of downtown businesses and organizations with student specials, giveaways, and live entertainment!
  • Davies Party | Saturday, Sept. 9th from 9 pm - Midnight @ W.R. Davies Student Center
    • Familiarize yourself with your student center by making art, getting FREE plants, dancing to a DJ, winning prizes in a Money Machine, eating free food, and even competing in a Just Dance or Mario Kart tournament! Davies Center is jam-packed with giveaways, competitions, and live entertainment—all for new Blugolds to enjoy!
  • UAC Concert: GAYLE @ Zorn Arena! Wednesday, Sept. 13th 7:30 pm @ Zorn Arena
    • Doors open and DJ Torgs begins at 6:30pm. GAYLE takes the stage at 7:30pm. Purchase your tickets (only $10 for students) NOW online or at the Service Center in Davies!
  • Light Up Hilltop | Friday, Sept. 15th from 8 - 11 pm @ Hilltop Center
    • Experience Hilltop Center and have some recreational, glow-in-the-dark fun with everything from rock climbing, Zumba classes, Moonlight tours, and even a Silent Disco! Come light up the night and experience Hilltop fun like never before!

Scroll down to view ALL Blugold Welcome events for fall 2023, and continue to watch this page for important updates on next year's program. This page and Blugold Connect+ will be your most current sources for everything Blugold Welcome.

Saturday, September 2nd

New Student/Transfer Student Move-in | 8 am - 4:30 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

UWEC Football Game vs. Concordia College | 1 pm | Carson Park
Come cheer on the Blugold football team in their opening game of the 2023 season!

Run EC | 6 pm | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

The Blugold Bonfire ft. Greek Life and the University Activities Commission| 7 pm | Sutherland Hall Firepits
Get to know Greek Life and UAC at The Blugold Bonfire from 7-11 pm! Learn more about what Greek Life and Student Activities are like at UW-Eau Claire. We will have a bonfire and s'mores! This is a free event.

Sunday, September 3rd

New Student/Transfer Student Move-in | 8 am-4:30 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Run EC | 6 pm | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

Wing Meetings | 7:30 pm | Residence Halls
Hosted by your RA and not-to-be-missed, you get to meet neighbors, discuss community standards, learn about res hall policies and getting involved in Hall Council!

'Movie on the Mall': Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Sponsored by University Activities Commission | 8:30 pm | Lower Campus Mall
Grab a friend and a cozy spot on the campus mall to enjoy the 2023 film: Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse. Popcorn will be provided, and you have the opportunity to win a fleece backpack blanket (you heard that right) just by attending!

The University Activities Commission (UAC) of the Student Senate is the campus-wide events programming board at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Student programmers select, promote and produce a wide variety of cultural, educational and entertainment programs for the university community.

Monday, September 4th

Returner Student Move-In | 8 am - 4 pm | Residence Halls

Tour De Rec & Club Sport EXPO | 11am-1pm | Outside Hilltop Center, Upper Campus
Get to know Recreation and Sports Operations and all it has to offer. This morning full of fun includes outdoor group exercise classes, outdoor fitness opportunities tour(s), indoor bouldering and billiards, a bag toss tournament, an opportunity to try our zipline, snacks and more! During the EXPO, you can interact with over 30 club sports, learn more about intramural sports offerings, and take part in a Spikeball tournament. Come and join the fun!

Run the Hill | 1 pm | Bottom of the Hill
Join your fellow Blugolds and check 'Running/Walking the Hill' off of your Blugold Bucket List by going up one time for a free t-shirt. This one-time event garners about 1,500 new Blugolds to participate each year!

  • Bag Toss Tournament (sign up by 1:30 pm) | 2 - 4 pm | Horan Backyard, Upper Campus
  • Zip Line Open | 2 - 6 pm | Behind Oakridge Hall, Upper Campus

Run EC | 1:20 pm (after Run the Hill) | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

'The Hookup' (3 separate shows) | 4 pm, 6 pm, 8 pm | Ojibwe Ballroom (Davies Center 330)
An engaging discussion that "pulls back the covers" on hooking up, clarifies when it’s actually sexual violence, and prepares bystanders to recognize predatory behavior (and stop it). *First-year students only - check with your RA to see which show you should attend.

Tuesday, September 5th

Returner Student Move-In | 8 am - 4 pm | Residence Halls

Academic Opening Day (*required for first-year students) | 8 am - 2 pm | Various Locations, Lower Campus
Join the entire incoming Blugold class for your official welcome to the university! Academic Opening Day is required of all new first-year students, and a general schedule is provided below. Stay tuned to your UWEC email for further details!

  • 7:45 am - breakfast stations open (several locations on upper/lower campus); grab breakfast and head to Zorn!
  • 8:30 am - Students should be seated in Zorn Arena
  • 8:45 am - Academic Opening Day begins with speakers in Zorn Arena!
  • 9:45 am - Students are dismissed from Zorn Arena to go to Meet & Greet locations
  • 10-11 am - Academic Meet & Greet Program
  • 11-1:30 pm - Lunch + Rotating Activities - we'll have outdoor games, class t-shirt pickup, and a class-wide scavenger hunt!
  • 1:30 pm - Blugold Marching Band performs on the Campus Mall!
  • 2 pm - Get to the Campus Mall to take the Class of 2027 photo!

RecConnect (*transfer students only) | 11:15 am - 1 pm | Hilltop Center
RecConnect offers engaging, small-group activities that enable you to meet other students transferring to UW- Eau Claire while learning to navigate, engage and become successful on campus. RecConnect is a fun, interactive way to begin the process of creating your own Blugold experience. This program is specific to incoming transfer students, and advanced registration is required. Activities include team building, a low ropes course, group exercise, competitive sports, a campus tour, lunch and more!

*If you are an incoming transfer student and wish to also attend the Academic Meet and Greet (see above), you are welcome to do that! These two events will not conflict.

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Hall Council Kick-Off! | 7 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls
Join your Hall's event to learn about leadership opportunities within the hall and how to get connected with your community and other residents! For more information, ask your Resident Assistant (RA). 

Wednesday, September 6th

First Day Giveaway! | 7:45 am - 9 am | Lower Campus Academic Buildings
You heard that right - free stuff on your way to your first class as a Blugold! Working with our Chancellor's Executive team, staff at UWEC welcome our incoming students with free breakfast items offered until we run out. Stop by our table (by the fountain outside of Schofield Hall) on your way to class! 

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Free Speech + Free Pizza | 4:30 pm - 6 pm 
Unleash your First Amendment rights! Join "Free Speech and Free Pizza" event, hosted by the Menard Center for Constitutional Studies, for freshmen to explore, learn, and engage. RSVP today and learn more HERE!

Library After Dark | 5 pm - 9 pm | McIntyre Library
Join us for our annual back-to-school party, McIntyre Library After Dark. This free event for students includes acapella performances, mini golf, life-sized Clue, laser tag, board games, Giant Jenga, Giant Chess and Checkers, Darts, Giant Battleship, Pictionary, trivia, an escape room, and free pizza and drinks! As the evening progresses, we'll have bonfires and Two to Tango will be teaching dance lessons under the string lights by the riverfront. You won't want to miss this once-a-year event!

Run EC | 6 pm | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

Thursday, September 7th

Intramural League Registration Opens! | Noon | IMLeagues.com/uwec
Interested in being a part of an Intramural team? Don't forget to sign-up - click here to learn more.

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

The CookOUT | 4 - 7 pm | Behind Horan Hall 
Rain date: Tuesday, Sept. 12th from 4-7 pm

Join new and returning LGBTQA+ students and Allies in connecting with peers, faculty/staff and administrators who are supportive of this community. Come grab some free food, have a discussion, or just hang out.

Run EC | 6 pm | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

Friday, September 8th

Part-Time Job Fair | 11 am - 2 pm | Campus Mall 
Rain site: Davies Student Center, 3rd Floor
Visit the UW-Eau Claire In-Person Part-Time Job Fair on the Outdoor Campus Mall to meet local and campus employers for part-time employment opportunities. 

•    Professional dress is not required - but dress to make a great first impression
•    Bring copies of your resume to hand out to employers
•    Employers may be accepting applications at the event if you wish to complete them
•    Have your Blugold ID handy to sign in at the event
•    Research employers and check Handshake to learn about the organizations and openings available

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

UW Meets EC | 5 pm - 8 pm | Downtown Eau Claire
Discover downtown Eau Claire and what it has to offer with fun giveaways, activities and so much more. This event allows you to explore downtown businesses and get connected with your extended community at Eau Claire. Also, you'll get a free tote bag to carry your goodies, an opportunity to take part in your first Food Truck Friday, and will gain extra points for your Major in Eau Claireology Pass! It's a Win-Win-Win!

Preview the participating businesses and organizations on the interactive map HERE!

Free shuttles will be providing round trips between 4:30 pm and 9 pm; shuttles leave from and return to the Towers Hall bus stop area on upper campus.

'Movie on the Mall': Super Mario Bros Sponsored by University Activities Commission | 8:30 pm | Lower Campus Mall
Grab a friend and a cozy spot on the campus mall to enjoy the 2023 animated comedy: The Super Mario Bros Movie. Popcorn will be provided, and you have the opportunity to win a fleece backpack blanket (you heard that right) just by attending!

Saturday, September 9th

Eau Claire Farmer's Market Shuttles | 9 am | Downtown Eau Claire
The farmer's market is located in an open-air pavilion along the Chippewa River, has local musicians performing each Saturday, and creates a spot for friends and neighbors to meet. Check it out by yourself or with a friend!

Free shuttles leave from Towers Hall at 9 am and head to the Farmer's Market downtown. Note: Shuttles will provide round trips back to campus for students until noon; if students decide to hang out longer, they will need to walk back to campus (about 2 miles).

Run EC | 10 am | Outside of Hilltop Center (top of the hill)
Run EC is a way for runners and joggers of ALL abilities to explore the running routes around the university and Eau Claire, led and accompanied by fellow Blugolds! Typically 2-4 mile routes.

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Open Ropes Course | 1, 3, and 5 pm | Eagle's View Ropes Course
Reserve a two-hour spot at the Eagle's View Challenge Ropes Course behind Sutherland Hall. 12 participants per time slot. Available most Saturdays, including 9/23 and 9/30 in September. Register for your spot here: https://recservices.uwec.edu/

UWEC Women's Soccer Game | 2 pm | Simpson Field
Come cheer on the women's soccer team at Simpson Field!

EAC Ropes Course Open Hours | 3 - 6 pm | Governor's Hall Backyard, Upper Campus
Grab a friend and try out our ropes course for free! Students are welcome to reserve a 2-hour time slot to laugh, scream and have fun while participating in activities 30 feet off the ground! More information can be found here

Davies Party | 9 pm - midnight | Davies Student Center + Campus Mall
Welcome to your new living room and hang out, Davies. Free food, fun and activities throughout the building all night long. We've got a DJ, free bamboo plants, films, canvas painting, Mario Kart, a photo booth, board games, grocery bingo and more!

Sunday, September 10th

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Tie Dye Affair | 2 - 5 pm | Behind Governors Hall, Upper Campus
Your RAs will host walk-overs for your building-specific tie-dye rotation between 2 - 5 pm. Bring your t-shirt (shirts will be available for purchase ahead of time - only 5 bucks!), eat snacks, and connect with your new friends in creating a tie dye masterpiece.

Monday, September 11th

UWEC Men's Soccer Game | 7 pm | Simpson Field
Come support our men's soccer team at Simpson Field!

Tuesday, September 12th

Blu's Orgs Bash | 11 am - 2 pm | Lower Campus Mall
Learn how to get involved in one or more of our 230+ student organizations here at UWEC. Check out our fall 2022 bash below!

Wednesday, September 13th

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

UWEC Volleyball Match vs. UW-Platteville | 7 pm | McPhee Gymnasium
The Blugold volleyball team, 2021 NCAA champions, will host UW-Platteville in this season's home opener. The first 100 Blugolds to attend will receive FREE Blugold wrist lanyards!

UWEC Fall Concert! (Sponsored by University Activities Commission) | 7:30 pm | Lower Campus
UW-Eau Claire has a long history of bringing in impressive entertainment line-ups each year for the campus concert series.

From Phillip Phillips and Ingrid Michaelson to Hunter Hayes and Eau Claire's own Bon Iver, you can count on the UAC to provide students and community members with unique musical experiences every year, at prices that fit a student's budget. Stay tuned for our Fall 2023 Performer, to be released closer to September!

Thursday, September 14th

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

MSS Welcome Back Picnic | 4 - 6 pm | Location TBD
Join our Multicultural Student Services office and our cohosts of the event - the Alumni of Color Network - for a delectable picnic to celebrate the first couple weeks of classes!

Friday, September 15th

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Sue Strowig Memorial Bark Break! | 11 am - 1 pm | Campus Mall 
Bark Break provides students the chance to take a break from classes and relax a bit meeting and connecting with UW-Eau Claire pups on the campus mall. It’s always hard to know who’s happier: the students or the dogs!

The Sue Strowig Memorial Bark Break offers participating students a chance to win a variety of prizes during the event, and a few lucky students will even be selected for a $500 scholarship. Make sure to stop by!

Senate Social | 2 - 4 pm | Campus Mall 
Rain site: Davies Student Center
Where a block party meets a student resource fair, join Student Senate on the Campus Mall for live music (from a special guest!), yard games, caricatures, free Blugold merchandise, community gift cards and coupons, as well as information on UW-Eau Claire's governing student organization.

Light Up Hilltop + Silent Disco! | 8 pm - 11 pm | Upper Campus (variety of locations)
Music, food, and energy will guide your way to activities across upper campus that are sure to be a good time! Sand volleyball, Indoor games (billiards, table tennis, air hockey, bouldering wall + board games), glow sports, a glow climbing wall, outdoor games (Kubb, bag toss, spikeball), and a campfire with s'mores! Plus, we'll be doing a featured event - Glow Zumba - outside on Towers Field for all to join in. This event will be an opportunity for all students to celebrate wellness on campus and explore the campus at night, with lots of glow-fun!

Saturday, September 16th

Eau Claire Fall Festival | 11 am - 5 pm | Downtown Eau Claire
For over 30 years, this street festival has brought thousands of visitors to Downtown Eau Claire to enjoy a wide variety of food, music, vendors, and entertainment stretched over five blocks in the heart of our city. 

Free shuttles leave from Towers Hall at 11 am and head to the Fall Festival in downtown Eau Claire! Note: Shuttles will provide round trips back to campus for students until 2 pm; if students decide to hang out longer, they will need to walk back to campus (about 2 miles).

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

UWEC Football Game vs. Bethel University | 1 pm | Carson Park
Tailgate for the football game starts at 11 am with food and drinks for the first 400 attendees + games, music, and more!

Free shuttles leave from Towers Hall starting at 11 am and go until 1 pm. Shuttles will bring students back from Carson Park to campus from 3 - 5 pm. 

Sunday, September 17th

Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 10 pm | Hilltop Center
The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, and Esports at no cost. Outdoor rentals are available for a minimal cost. If you are heading into the outdoors for a weekend of fun, make us your first stop for all your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

Grocery Run! | 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm | Target / Walmart
Forget to bring something important on your move-in list? Need to replenish your snack drawer after your first few weeks on campus? Want to purchase fun decor now that you're all settled in? Take one of our free shuttles to the Target/Walmart shopping area and stock up! Busses will leave from Towers Hall at 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6 pm, and will do round trips to the Hastings Way locations.

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