Blugold Welcome
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 kicks off with move-in and continues through the second week of classes, and our spring schedule occurs the first week of class. Each year, there are a variety of activities and social get-togethers to connect all incoming Blugolds with campus and the surrounding community, with lots of free food and UWEC swag!
If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodations to attend any of our events, please contact our Welcome Team at orientation@uwec.edu.
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 kicks off with move-in and continues through the second week of classes, and our spring schedule occurs the first week of class. Each year, there are a variety of activities and social get-togethers to connect all incoming Blugolds with campus and the surrounding community, with lots of free food and UWEC swag!
If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodations to attend any of our events, please contact our Welcome Team at orientation@uwec.edu.
Spring 2027 Blugold Welcome Events: January 21 - January 27, 2027
Spring 2027 new admits - SAVE THE DATES! Details of each event will be finalized and included below as we get closer to the start of the spring semester. We look forward to celebrating with you!
And THANK YOU to all who celebrated Fall 2026 Blugold Welcome with us - we had lots of fun, and we hope your first year at UW-Eau Claire is off to a great start!
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: Crepes! [location change!]
6pm - 7pm
Towers Hall Kitchen + Social Room, Towers Hall
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
11am - 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: krispie treats and mug cakes!
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.