Blugold Welcome

Fitness Center Free Access

August 26 - September 6
 

New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus from August 26-Sept 6. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire. 

New Student Move-In

8am - 4pm 
Upper Campus

For more information on move-in, go to uwec.ly/movein

Fall Furniture Give and Take 

12pm - 3pm  
Davies Parking Lot

Protect the environment and save money by taking new-to-you household items for free at the UWEC Fall Furniture Give & Take, hosted by the Administrative & Student Offices of Sustainability. We are giving away gently used lamps, drawers, tables, computer chairs, air conditioning units, mini fridges and more collected during fall move out. Bringing a new or gently used item to give away is encouraged but not required! This event is open to both dorm residents and students living off campus.

Blugold Campfire & Food Crawl

7pm - 9pm 
Upper Campus 

Get to know your fellow Blugolds at the Blugold Bonfire from 7-9 pm! In addition to multiple toasty campfires on upper campus, we'll have music, and a variety of food options to sample throughout the event - all at no cost to you!

EAC Open Hours Begin
 

The EAC will be open and ready to welcome students back to campus! Take part in the bouldering wall, billiards, archery range, 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 of your equipment needs. Check out all EAC offerings during open hours throughout Blugold Welcome!

New Student Move-In 

8am - 4pm 
Upper Campus 

For more information on move-in, go to uwec.ly/movein

Fall Furniture Give and Take

12pm - 3pm  
Davies Parking Lot

Protect the environment and save money by taking new-to-you household items for free at the UWEC Fall Furniture Give & Take, hosted by the Administrative & Student Offices of Sustainability. We are giving away gently used lamps, drawers, tables, computer chairs, air conditioning units, mini fridges and more collected during fall move out. Bringing a new or gently used item to give away is encouraged but not required! This event is open to both dorm residents and students living off campus.

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Meet at Hilltop Center 

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Wing Meetings

7:30pm 
Residence Halls

Hosted by your RA and not-to-be-missed, you'll get to meet your neighbors, discuss community standards, learn about residence hall policies and about how to get involved in your Hall Council!

Davies Party

9pm - 12am 
Davies Center 

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, Just Dance, canvas painting, Mario Kart, a photo booth, board games, grocery bingo and more!

Tour De Rec / Club Sport EXPO

11am - 1pm 
Hilltop Center 

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, tours, indoor bouldering and billiards, bag toss tournament sign-up, an opportunity to try out zipline, snacks and more! During the EXPO, you can interact with over 29 club sports and learn more about intramural activities. Come and join the fun!

Run the Hill

1pm 
Hilltop Center 

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

Bag Toss Tournament 

5pm 
Hilltop Center

Become this year's first intramural champions! Grab a friend and participate in a free intramural bag toss tournament on Horan Lawn. Sign up at the intramural Sports table during Tour De Rec. Play will begin at 5pm and champions will receive the coveted recreation champ t-shirts and glasses. 

Tie-Dye Affair 

2pm - 5pm 
Horan Hall Backyard 

Bring your t-shirts (t-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. 

Rain date: Saturday, Sept 12 from 2pm - 5pm 

C-Word Consent 

2pm, 4pm, 6pm 
Davies Center 

The C-Word: Consent is an educational, highly interactive, Title IX-compliant program brought to you by the creators of America’s No. 1 alcohol awareness program, A Shot of Reality. This program covers a wide range of topics that include bystander intervention, effective boundary setting, online behavior, and survivor resources. Attending this event is required of all first year students.

Returner Move-In 

8am - 4pm 
Upper Campus 

For more information on move-in, go to uwec.ly/movein

Academic Opening Day

8:30am - 1:30pm 
UWEC Campus 

Join the entire incoming Blugold class for your official welcome to the university! Academic Opening Day is required of all new students, and kicks off your academic journey here at UWEC with a welcome from the Chancellor, academic major meet and greets, a picnic lunch, a Blugold Marching Band performance, and more! Stay tuned to your UWEC email for further details and rain plans as we get closer to the event.

RecConnect

12:15pm - 2pm 
Hilltop Center

RecConnect offers engaging, small-group activities that enable you to meet other studens 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, lunch and more!

Zip Line 

3pm - 6pm 
Eagle View Ropes Course

Stop by to check out our Eagle View Ropes Course and take a ride down our zip line! Close toed shoes required. 

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center 

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Men's Soccer

7pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.

Hall Council Kick-Off!

7pm
Residence Halls 

Join your specific 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). 

Returner Move-In 

8am - 2pm 
Upper Campus

For more information on move-in, go to uwec.ly/movein

Library After Dark 

5pm - 9pm 
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, trivia, an escape room, Pictionary, corn-hole, 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!

Intramural Registration 

Sept 3 - Sept 11 
Online 

Interested in playing intramural sports? All levels of experience are welcome! Sign up at IMLeagues.com/uwec or through the Blugolds IMs app! Registration opens Thur, Sept 3 at noon and closes Fri, Sept 11th at 8am. 

The CookOUT

4pm - 7pm
Horan Backyard 

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. Rain date: Tuesday, Sept. 10th from 4-7 pm

Rain Date: Thursday, September 10 4pm - 7pm 

UAC Movie on the Mall

8pm 
Campus Mall

The first Campus Film will be OUTSIDE at 8pm showing The Naked Gun (2025). Bring some blankets and we'll provide popcorn and snacks! UAC hosts free movies with free food throughout the year in Woodland Theater, see Blugold Connect+ for more movie events.

UW Meets EC - Tote Bag Decorating 

3:30pm - 5pm 
Towers Lobby 

UW Meets EC

5pm - 8pm 
Shuttles Provided to 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, and an opportunity to take part in your first Food Truck Friday! It's a Win-Win!

Men's Soccer 

7pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.

Cross Country 

10am 
City Wells Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting morning of cross country while connecting with the UWEC community.

UWEC Football vs. Alma College 

Tailgate at 10am 
Game at 12pm - Shuttles Provided 

Cabin Concert 

6pm 
The Cabin 

We're kicking off the year with Charlie Boy in The Cabin! If you love live music, check out our semester lineup!

Glow Fest & Silent Disco 

8pm - 11pm 
Near Hilltop Center 

Music, food, and energy will guide your way to activities across upper campus! Sand volleyball, indoor games (billiards, table tennis, air hockey, bouldering wall), glow sports, outdoor games (Kubb, bag toss, spikeball), and a campfire with s'mores. Plus, we'll be doing two featured events - Glow Zumba and a Silent Disco! 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!

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center 

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Condom BINGO

6pm - 8pm
Towers Hall Lobby

Learn about STI prevention, contraception, safer sex and other sex-related topics in a fun interactive way.

McPhee Climbing Wall Free Access

Sept 8 - Sept 17
Monday-Wednesday 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:30pm - 9:30pm 
McPhee Center 

McPhee Climbing Wall opens Sept 8 with free access through Thursday, Sep17. Challenge yourself at our indoor rope climbing wall located in McPhee Center. Whether you're a first-time climber or an experienced adventurer, all equipment, instruction, and opportunities to build new skills are available through the Environmental Adventure Center.

Archery Range 

Opens Sept 8 
Monday-Thursday 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Hilltop Center 

Hilltop Archery Range opens Sept 8. Try your hand at archery at our indoor range located in the basement of Hilltop Center - Environmental Adventure Center. Equipment, basic instruction, and range support are provided.

Blu's Org Bash

11am - 1pm 
Campus Mall

Learn how to get involved in one or more of our 180 student organizations here at UWEC!

MSS Open House

12pm - 3pm 
Centennial Hall, 1106

Join Multicultural Student Services for an open house! Come see our office space, meet new people, and enjoy some fun activities and yummy snacks. 

Men's Soccer 

4pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.

Free Pizza, Free Speech 

4:30pm - 6pm 
Centennial Hall, 2927

Make your voice part of the Blugold experience! Join us for Free Speech and Free Pizza on Wednesday, September 9, from 4:30–6:00 PM in Centennial Hall, Room 2927 to learn about your First Amendment rights on campus, meet fellow students, and enjoy free pizza. Space is limited, so sign up today on Blugold Connect+!

Women's Soccer

7:30pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center 

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Meet Your People Kickoff: Charcuterie Edition

6pm 
Towers Lobby 

Build your own charcuterie board while meeting fellow Blugolds! Enjoy a variety of sweet and savory snacks, fun conversation questions, and an easygoing opportunity to make new connections at UWEC.

Bark Break

11am - 1pm 
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!

Part-time Job Fair

11am - 2pm 
Campus Mall 

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. Rain site: Davies Student Center, 3rd Floor. 

Cabin Concert 

6pm 
Davies Amphitheater 

Come and listen to "We Are the Willows" live!

Women's Volleyball Tournament

7pm 
Sonnentag Center 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of volleyball while connecting with the UWEC community.

Farmer's Market Shuttle 

9am - 12pm 
Towers Bus Stop 

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 will provide round trips to downtown and back to campus between 9am and 12pm for those interested. Otherwise, it's about a 2 mile walk to Phoenix Park from campus!

Thrive Fest

9am - 12pm
Towers Field 

Thrive Fest is a community-centered event designed to help you thrive throughout all aspects of life. This interactive festival brings together health resources, movement activities, and mental health support - all in one welcoming space.

Participants can enjoy:

• Outdoor group fitness sessions (registration required)
• Vendor fair (FREE) 10am-1pm
• General health screenings and education
• Door prizes and raffle baskets
• Snacks and giveaways

Women's Volleyball Tournament 

12pm & 4pm 
Sonnentag Center 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of volleyball while connecting with the UWEC community.

Cabin Concert: Nectarous 

6pm 
The Cabin 

Come and listen to some live music!

Grocery Run

3pm, 4:30pm, 6pm 
Meet at Towers Bus Stop 

Forget to bring something important on your move-in list? Need to replenish your snack drawer after your first few days 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!

Packers/Vikings Bus Trip 

Bus Loads @ 12:05pm 
Game Starts @ 3:25pm 

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Dorm Room Recipes 

6pm - 7pm
Hilltop Lounge 

Join us for a fun, hands-on night designed to help you meet fellow Blugolds while learning easy dorm-friendly cooking and kitchen safety tips. Come hang out, get creative, and connect with your new UWEC community!

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Study Abroad Fair

10am - 3pm 
Campus Mall

Explore the world beyond UWEC! Connect with study abroad programs, discover exciting destinations, and learn how you can make an international experience part of your college journey. Come ask questions, find opportunities, and start planning your adventure!

Dorm Room Recipes 

6pm - 7pm 
Hilltop Lounge

Join us for a fun, hands-on night designed to help you meet fellow Blugolds while learning easy dorm-friendly cooking and kitchen safety tips. Come hang out, get creative, and connect with your new UWEC community!

Women's Volleyball

7pm 
Sonnentag Center 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of volleyball while connecting with the UWEC community.

Men's Soccer

7pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.

MSS Welcome Picnic

4pm - 6pm 
Dakota Ballroom 

Join Multicultural Student Services for food, fun and fellowship! This will be a low-key time to reconnect with friends and faculty and to celebrate the beginning of a new school year together. 

UAC Hypnotist 

7pm 
Schofield Auditorium  

Get ready for a night of laughter, surprises, and unforgettable entertainment! Join the University Activity Commission for a fun-filled hypnotist show where you never know what might happen next. Bring your friends and come see the unexpected!

RUN-EC Walk/Run

4pm 
Hilltop Center

In partnership with the UWEC Run Club, the run/walks during Blugold Welcome Week are perfect for meeting new people with similar interests as you! Join us for a fun 1-2 miles at your own pace starting and ending right outside of Hilltop. No matter if you like to run fast or slow or walk the distance, we would love to see you there!

Senate Social

11am - 1pm 
Location TBD 

Description coming soon!

Cabin Concert: Pullstring

6pm 
The Cabin 

Enjoy some live music!

Women's Volleyball

7pm 
Sonnentag Center 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of volleyball while connecting with the UWEC community.

UWEC Football vs. Carthage College

1pm 
Carson Park 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting day of football while connecting with the UWEC community.

Men's Soccer

7pm 
Simpson Field 

Come cheer on the Blugolds and experience the energy of UWEC athletics! Bring your friends, show your Blugold spirit, and enjoy an exciting night of soccer while connecting with the UWEC community.