Schedule of Events | Illinois College

:: Welcome Week 2025 ::

Check out your FULL schedule of events! Click the dropdown by each date to see the full schedule for each day.

If you have any questions, stop by the Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging in Caine Student Center first floor. You can also reach us at 217.245.3094 or by emailing cseib@ic.edu. We are glad to help!

New Student Move-in Information

Residential Move-in :: Thursday, August 21
9 to 11:30 a.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center (#6 on this campus map)
If you are moving into your residence hall this morning, you MUST complete this check-in at Bruner before you will be able to move into your residence hall.

*Many of you may be checking in or moving in early for a sport, bridge program (TRIO or MSM) or other school program. If this applies to you, you would have or will have that communication sent to you from that coach or group leader.

AS YOU ARRIVE TO CAMPUS

Please plan to arrive on campus by traveling on Morton Avenue and then turning north onto Lincoln Avenue toward campus. (This will bring you onto campus from the south, alongside the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center)
As you near campus, you will see that Edgehill Road (from Lincoln Ave) will be closed to general traffic and will be running west to east only.
Once you arrive at the Lincoln Avenue/ Edgehill Road intersection, please look for a member of the Welcome Crew. They will direct you to the appropriate temporary parking area for stage one of check-in.

CHECK-IN AT BRUNER

All students will check-in at the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center. (#5 on this campus map).
During this time, students will:
- Officially check-in for Welcome Week
- Confirm that all financial aid paperwork and payments are up-to-date.
- Check that you have completed all your necessary health documents (health history, physical exam form, immunization record)
- Pick up your complete Welcome Week schedule, IC lanyard, and name tag which includes your First-year Seminar and Welcome Week group information.
- Get your free official “Illinois College new student t-shirt” – you’ll need to wear the t-shirt to the Opening Celebration on Monday, August 25.
- Receive directions for your residence hall move-in.

Once you complete check-in at Bruner, you will be provided directions on where to go next.

Follow Welcome Crew directions for the best location to station your vehicle(s) to unload.
The new IC student should go to the main entrance of the residence hall, and into the main lobby to check in with their student Hall Director, and receive their key packet. The move-in key packet will include a metal room key, campus mailbox key, and Illinois College Student Identification Card.
- *We have student Hall Directors at Illinois College, these student leaders are paraprofessionals that oversee their respective residence building(s), and supervise the Resident Assistants. These individuals are happy to help answer any questions!
Once you check in, you can start unloading and taking items to your room. It is helpful to label all personal boxes/belongings with 1) student name and 2) Hall name, and 3) room number in case items get dropped while unloading. Members of the Move-in Crew will be on hand to assist in unloading your belongings and transporting things to your room.
- Remember that our "Move-In Guide” list is available!
Please do not leave your car unattended.
Once your vehicle is unloaded, please exit and park in the lot due east of the football field. The entrance to this parking lot is on Park Street near the Campus Services building.

PARKING

Initial parking for Bruner check in is available in the Cummings parking lot at the Edgehill Rd./ Lincoln Ave. intersection, as well as in the Lincoln lot at the Edgehill Rd./ Park St. intersection.
After completing your check-in at Bruner, you will follow directions from the “Welcome Crew” for where to go to temporarily park your vehicle(s) to unload belongings.
Once your vehicle(s) have been unloaded, we kindly ask that you move your vehicle to the “orange permit lot” next to Campus Services, south on Park Street, across from England Stadium and Green Field (link to campus map).

Move In Traffic Instructions

Thursday, August 21, 2025

New Student Move-in Morning!

9 to 11:30 a.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center (#6 on this campus map)
RESIDENTIAL Student Check-in (first-year, transfer and exchange residential students)
We need ALL new residential students to check-in for Welcome Week at this time. If you are moving into your residence hall this morning, you MUST complete this check-in before you will be able to move into your residence hall.

11 a.m. to 12 noon :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center (#6 on this campus map)
COMMUTER Student Check-in (first-year and transfer commuter students)
All commuter students can avoid the residential student traffic and wait until 11 a.m. to check-in for Welcome Week.

This one-stop-shop is to ensure all paperwork has been submitted for the year, confirm your student account is up to date, and receive your Welcome Week information. ALL NEW STUDENTS (regardless of if you live on campus, commute, are a transfer, are an international student, or are a first time first year student) should plan to check-in during these listed times.* You cannot start classes until you have done so.

*Many of you may be checking in or moving in early for a sport, bridge program (TRIO or SEND IC) or other school program. If this applies to you, you would have received that communication from that coach or group’s leader.

CHECK-IN AT BRUNER
- All students and family members will check-in at the Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center. (#6 on this campus map).
- During this time, students will:
  - Officially check-in for Welcome Week
  - Confirm that all financial aid paperwork and payments are up-to-date.
  - Check that you have completed all your necessary health documents (health history, physical exam form, immunization record)
  - Pick up your complete Welcome Week schedule, IC lanyard, and name tag which includes your First-year Seminar and Welcome Week group information.
  - Get your free official “Illinois College new student t-shirt” – you’ll need to wear the t-shirt to the Opening Celebration on Monday, August 25.
  - Receive directions for your residence hall move-in.
PARKING
- Initial parking for Bruner check in is available in the Cummings parking lot at the Edgehill Rd./ Lincoln Ave. intersection, as well as in the Lincoln lot at the Edgehill Rd./ Park St. intersection.
- After completing your check-in at Bruner, you will follow directions from the “Welcome Crew” for where to go to temporarily park your vehicle(s) to unload belongings.
- Once your vehicle(s) have been unloaded, we kindly ask that you move your vehicle to the “orange permit lot” next to Campus Services, south on Park Street, across from England Stadium and Green Field (campus map).

Lunch Available | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Lunch will be served in Cummings Dining Hall. Student meal plans are in effect. Students will need to swipe their Illinois College ID to eat. Commuter students can eat in the dining hall for lunch and dinner through Welcome Week (through August 26), please sign-in on the commuter attendance sheet as you enter Cummings Dining Hall.

IC Store Open | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Caine Student Center
Come check out the IC Store located in Caine Student Center across from the Center of Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging (CSEIB)! Get started on your IC spirit wear collection.

GET READY FOR WELCOME WEEK!

Here is where it all gets started! Be prepared to see ALL the new students for the first time and meet the student leaders that will assist in your transition to college.

What to bring with you to the required Welcome Week sessions:

Book bag/ backpack/ tote
IC student ID
your Welcome Week handout
your nametag (Involvement Leader and Home Base information listed on back)
Writing utensil(s)
Notebook or note-taking technology

Time for Family Goodbyes | 2:30 to 3 p.m.
It’s time to fly! If you have family or friends on campus, please plan to say your “good-byes” before the first residence hall meeting. You’ll want a few minutes to connect with your neighbors before the meeting begins.

*Residence Hall Floor Meeting (required for all new residential students)
3 to 3:45 p.m. – Residence Hall Lobbies
Living in the residence halls? Building community is a huge part of your IC experience! Have a little fun and get to know the people with whom you will be living. This session is required (and fun!) for all residential students. Get some helpful pointers and reminders of things to know and look out for now that you’re living on campus. At the end, you’ll walk over to the Welcome Week Kickoff together. Be sure to bring your Welcome Week schedule and wear your nametag.

*Commuter Connection Hour (required for all new commuter students)
3 to 3:45 p.m. – Caine Student Center / Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging (CSEIB)
Living off campus? Building community is a huge part of your IC experience! Connect with your fellow new commuter students, meet current students, learn about resources that will be important to you, have some snacks, and get to know some professional staff members. At the end, you’ll walk over to the Welcome Week Kickoff together. Be sure to bring your Welcome Week schedule and wear your nametag.

Parent & Family Orientation
3 to 4 p.m. – Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center
Join a panel of campus professionals to hear about what happens next in your student’s Hilltop experience. Learn how IC can collaborate with you to support your student’s success. Resources will be available, and guests will have the chance to ask questions.

* Welcome Week Kickoff | 4 to 5 p.m. – Sherman Gymnasium, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
ALL New Students – first-year students, transfer students, exchange students (residential students and commuter students). All new students will come together to hear from campus leaders (including President Farley!), meet your student leaders, and begin your college journey. Get ready to get pumped up and kick off your IC experience! (Sensory Safe viewing available in Bruner Room 3125)

You will leave this event with your Involvement Leader to walk to your next session.

*First Involvement Group Meeting
5 to 6 p.m. :: Home Base
As the kickoff concludes, all new students will divide into their Welcome Week Involvement Groups. You will walk together to your classroom or home base and have your first meeting with your Involvement Leader (IL) and your I-Group members (who are also your classmates for your first year seminar course). In this session, you’ll meet your Welcome Week group as well as classmates from your seminar course. You will review the Welcome Week schedule, answer questions, and help you start to feel at home on the Hilltop.

Open for Dinner
6 to 8 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
After your Involvement Group Meeting, head over to the Cummings Dining Hall for dinner. ILs will offer to sit as a group! Remember to bring your Illinois College student ID to swipe in. Sit together or feel free to go your own way. Commuter students: sign-in on the Commuter Meal attendance sheet - your meals are on us during Welcome Week!

Breather
Take time to breathe and stretch between your I-Group Meeting and Dinner, feel free to stop by your room or use one of the on-campus lockers, and get ready to head over to our first fun evening program!

Checkpoint Electronic Check-In
6:45 p.m. :: Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center
Bring your student ID so you can officially get checked-in and registered to win the prizes we’ll be giving away!

HYPE. By Noah Sonie. :: 7 p.m. :: Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center
You’ve seen a Hypnosis show before. You’ve seen a Magic show before. Now, experience HYPE. HYPE Is a brand-new thrilling combination of modern magic and mind-bending hypnosis mixed into a unique interactive experience. During the show students will experience a blend of magic, mindreading, and hypnosis that will weave them through moments of laughter, awe, and pure confusion. All wrapped up in a stylistic, modern, fast paced show. In 2021 Noah was featured on the hit CW show, Penn and Teller: Fool us.

Noah Sonie

Ice Cream Social
8 p.m. :: McGaw Fine Arts Center Parking Lot
At the conclusion of “HYPE”, join us outside of Sibert Theatre for a sweet treat and conversations with new friends. Also, have the opportunity to create a button that represents your unique identities and interests. Wear it proudly on your lanyard throughout Welcome Week.

Friday, August 22, 2025

Breakfast | 7 to 10 a.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall, Caine Student Center
Breakfast is available in the Cummings Dining Hall (a.k.a. “The Caf” by many returning students) from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m. on weekdays once the meal plan starts for the semester. Breakfast is on your own this morning. We recommend heading over to eat with your roommate, or some of your neighbors or floormates!

Involvement Group Meeting | 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. :: Home Base
Get started for the day with your Involvement Group, or “I-Group,” is led by your Involvement Leader and includes all your classmates for your First Year Seminar course. Each day during welcome week, you will meet to get to know each other, go over helpful information, and get your questions answered.

Lunch, Technology Info, and Textbook Pick Up
Get introduced to our IT Team, and pick up your textbooks for the semester. IC takes care of providing all the textbooks necessary for your classes. Students pick up their books at the designated location at the beginning of each semester and return them at the end of each semester. Your IL will show you the way and take your group to pick up your textbooks at this time. Make sure you have your student IC card!

11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H | LUNCH | Cummings Dining Hall
- Groups I, J, K, L, M, N, O & P | IT Meet 'n Greet & Textbook Pick Up | Kirby Learning Center, Room 006 & ICEBOX
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
- Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G & H | IT Meet 'n Greet & Textbook Pick Up | Kirby Learning Center, Room 006 & ICEBOX
- Groups I, J, K, L, M, N, O & P | LUNCH | Cummings Dining Hall
1:30 to 2:20 p.m.
- *First-Year Seminar Class #1 | Location: Home Base
  Begin your very first Illinois College course! Be sure to come prepared with a notebook and pen/pencil. Meet your First-Year Seminar instructor, get an introduction to the course, review the syllabus and plan for the semester.
- *Jumpstart Your Career Plans (Transfer Students) | Location: Crispin Hall, Rooms 209/210
  It is never too early to begin planning for your next step after graduating from Illinois College. Whether your goal is graduate school, finding a career/job, or joining a volunteer organization such as the Peace Corps, the key is to begin preparing now. Join Susie Drake from the Office of Career Readiness and Experiential Learning and get your career plans activated!
*REQUIRED SESSIONS | Friday - 2:30 to 5 p.m. & Saturday - 1 to 3:10 p.m. :: Various Locations
- Preparing for Classes at IC
- Cookies & Coaching - Visit the HUB
- True Blue Community
- Involvement Group Meeting & New Student Survey
- Connections with CREL
- Choose Your Character: What's College for You?

Open for Dinner | 5 to 8 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Head over to Cummings Dining Hall for dinner. Don’t forget to bring your Illinois College student ID to swipe in. Commuter students, remember to sign-in on the Commuter Meal attendance sheet.

Carnival on the Lower Quad | 7 to 10 p.m. :: Lower Quad, outside Caine Student Center
**Remember to bring your ID for check-in!**
Ready to have some fun on your first Friday at IC? Join the CSEIB for our late night carnival on the lower quad! This event features carnival games, prizes, crafts, inflatables, and more! Fresh carnival food, cotton candy, popcorn, and lemonade shake-ups will also be provided. Come join the fun and make some of your first memories at IC with your new classmates!

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Saturday Brunch | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Head over to Cummings Dining Hall for brunch. Don’t forget to bring your Illinois College student ID to swipe in. Commuter students, remember to sign-in on the Commuter Meal attendance sheet.

College 101: Transition to Success! | 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. :: Kirby 110 & 112
** The program is open to all TRIO-eligible students. Check your personal invite for more details!**

Kickstart Your IC Adventure with COLLEGE 101!
Ready to dive into college life? Join us for COLLEGE 101 and get a head start on your IC journey! This workshop is designed for TRIO-eligible students who want to make the most of their college experience. Discover the exciting differences between high school and college, and hear firsthand tips and tricks from our TRIO staff, current IC students, and faculty. Discover how to achieve academic success, navigate college life, and unlock all the fantastic benefits of the TRIO program. Plus, we're also giving out prizes and TRIO swag, in addition to providing a delicious lunch. And guess what? It’s all FREE! We can’t wait to meet you and help you start your college career with all the right tools!

*SATURDAY REQUIRED SESSIONS :: 1 to 5 p.m. :: VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The Great Game - Scavenger Hunt | 3:30 to 5 p.m. :: King Fieldhouse, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
Embark on a grand adventure to learn more about IC and get more familiar with campus! Using a customized app, you and your team will travel across campus to solve unique puzzles at each stop - stop by the Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging (the CSEIB) when you’ve completed the scavenger hunt for a special prize!

Open for Dinner | 5 to 7 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Head over to Cummings Dining Hall for dinner. Don’t forget to bring your Illinois College student ID to swipe in. Commuter students, remember to sign-in on the Commuter Meal attendance sheet.

*Feeling Risky: Alcohol & Substance Use Education | 7 p.m. :: Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center
Feeling Risky is an interactive, non-judgmental program that empowers students to make informed, healthy decisions around alcohol, drugs, and addiction. Students will receive actionable tools, critical knowledge, and a deeper understanding of how substance use impacts both personal well-being and community safety.

New Student Bingo | 8 to 10 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
After attending Feeling Risky, head over to the Cummings Dining Hall to play New Student Bingo! Here you will have the chance to win some BIG prizes, like local gift cards, a Keurig, a speaker, a TV, and much more! Come have some laughs, play a fun game of bingo, eat some snacks, and hang out with your new classmates. Mocktails will be served throughout the night.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Sunday Brunch | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Head over to Cummings Dining Hall for brunch. Don’t forget to bring your Illinois College student ID to swipe in. Commuter students, remember to sign-in on the Commuter Meal attendance sheet.

IC Rides - Walmart Grocery Shuttle | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. :: Lincoln Parking Lot
Didn’t bring a car to campus? Hop on the IC Rides Shuttle to head over to Walmart to pick up anything you might need. The IC Rides Shuttle departs from the Lincoln Parking lot. The shuttle will run approximately every 15 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Remember to bring your IC student ID.

*Involvement Group Meeting | 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. :: Home Base
Start the day with your I-Group! Talk with your group about how to tackle the first week of classes and feel prepared to take on the semester. Transfer students will gain advice from current transfer students about making the most of their years at IC.

*Sex Rules! - Consent & Education at IC | 1:30 to 3 p.m. :: Sibert Theatre, McGaw Fine Arts Center
An entertaining and interactive show about sex and everything that comes with it. Learn about consent, boundaries, and how you can help keep our community safe.

New Student Field Day | 4 to 6 p.m. :: Lower Quad
Join us for a high-energy Field Day filled with games, music, and friendly competition! Student organizations from across campus are teaming up to host activities that bring everyone together, from tug-of-war and relay races to obstacle courses and water games. It’s a chance to meet new people and enjoy a day of community, collaboration, and fun in the sun!

*Community Meetings | 7 p.m. :: residence hall lobbies
Don’t miss this required meeting for all new and returning residential students. Learn about important community guidelines and meet the rest of your neighbors and hallmates!

Opening Celebration Choir Rehearsal | 7 p.m. :: McGaw Fine Arts Center, Room 124
No experience necessary! Are you interested in singing - or learning to sing? Join us for a fun, laid-back rehearsal and introduction to IC Choirs. We’ll be rehearsing a simple song for the Opening Celebration happening on Monday evening.

Campfires & Connections | 8 to 10 p.m. :: Lower Quad
Cool down, kick back, and enjoy a cozy evening under the stars! Join us on the Lower Quad for a laid-back night of s’mores, campfires, and good vibes. Roast marshmallows, play yard games, and relax with new friends. Whether you're here to unwind or make connections, this is the perfect way to end the day. Don’t miss out on the fun and flavor at Campfires & Connections!

Monday, August 25, 2025

Breakfast | 7 to 10 a.m. :: Cummings Dining Hall
Weekday breakfast is served 7 to 10 a.m. while classes are in session. Remember to take your student ID so you can swipe into the dining hall.

*The First-Year Seminar Class #2 | 10 to 10:50 a.m. :: Home Base
Today, you start your first college class as an Illinois College Student. You’ve met your classmates, your Involvement Leader, and your First-Year Seminar professor, now you launch your first semester on The Hilltop and learn more about convocations.

*Staying on Track (Transfer Students) | 10 to 10:50 a.m. :: Kirby Learning Center, Room 006
As a transfer student, you have no time to waste - learn more about how to stay on track with credits, the BLUEprint, graduation requirements, class selection, and more. Get ahead with information convocations, senior capstone courses, and study abroad and breakaway opportunities.

*A Visit from Alumna Tatiana Smith, A Required First-Year Convocation :: 11 to 11:50 a.m. :: Rammelkamp Chapel
(Required First Year Convocation)

Academic Advising Hours | 1 to 4 p.m. :: Individual faculty offices
All faculty members will be in their offices at this time. You can find out or confirm who your advisor is on Connect2 under the Student tab. Stop by your advisor’s office to discuss your academic plans, ask questions, and talk about any scheduling issues. Take advantage of this great time to connect!

Note About Schedule Changes
It is best to make any schedule changes as early as possible. New students should contact the Office of the Registrar for schedule changes. For returning students, Connect2 will be open for schedule changes from mid-August through the fifth day of classes on Monday, September 1. From September 1 through September 5 (ninth day of classes) at 5 p.m., you may make changes using the paper add/drop forms with faculty instructor and advisor signatures. Add/drop forms are available on Connect2 and in the Office of the Registrar. Your financial aid is based on your enrollment at 5 p.m. on Monday, September 8. After September 8, all dropped classes will be indicated by a “W” on your transcript. The last day to withdraw from a class with a “W” will be Monday, November 10, at 5 p.m. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 217.245.3013.

Find Your Classes - Tours of Campus | 1 to 4 p.m. :: leaving from the Illinois College seal on Steuer Walkway
Don’t want to be the new student who is walking around LOST on the first day of classes? Worried about not finding your classes or being late on your first full day? Then come out a day early and let us help you! The Involvement Leaders will be providing “Find Your Class Tours” today. Just bring your class schedule and we will take it from there.

Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging Open House | 1 to 3 p.m. :: Caine Student Center
Looking for a place where you can be your full self, meet new people, and feel instantly at home? Stop by the CSEIB (Center for Student Engagement, Inclusion, and Belonging) Open House! Whether you're new to campus or just haven't explored the space yet, this is your chance to:

Chill in our cozy lounge areas – perfect for relaxing, studying, or making new friends.
Play a little Mario Kart against our Assistant Director for Student Engagement
Take a tour of the Center – discover all the ways we support student orgs, affinity-based communities, leadership opportunities, greek life, and belonging.
Polaroid Photo Wall - snap a pic with your new friends and pin it on our “Hilltop Belongs to…” photo collage.
Meet the staff and student leaders who are here to support you and your college journey.
Grab free snacks, some good vibes, and maybe even a little CSEIB swag.
Most importantly, find a place where you can just be YOU.

Chesley Health and Wellness Center Open House | 2 to 4 p.m. :: Lincoln Hub
Get to know the Chesley staff and all the services they provide! Ask any questions you may have and pick up a sweet treat before the Opening Celebration.

Opening Celebration Choir Rehearsal :: 3 p.m. :: Sherman Gymnasium, Bruner Fitness & Recreation Center
No experience necessary! Are you interested in singing - or learning to sing? Join us for a fun, laid-back rehearsal and introduction to IC Choirs. We’ll be rehearsing a simple song for the Opening Celebration happening this evening.

* New Student Huddle & Class Photos :: 4 p.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
As you walk into the Opening Celebration, all new students will take the traditional new student photo. We’ll also take a legacy photo for any new students who have a family connection to IC. Please remember to wear your new student t-shirt!

* New-Student Procession :: 4:15 p.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
All first-year and new transfer and exchange students will gather for a new-student procession to the Opening Celebration right after the class photo. Illinois College faculty and staff will line the sidewalks to welcome you as you enter.

* Illinois College Opening Celebration :: 4:30 p.m. :: Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
Don’t miss the official opening of the College’s academic year. All new students will be recognized and welcomed into the community. This event is a traditional ceremony to officially start your Illinois College adventure!

Along with formally welcoming students to the beginning of their academic career at Illinois College, the Opening Celebration displays the impact the new students make on the community of learners. With all new students gathered in one place, you will gain a sense of the size, strength, and identity of the Class of 2028. New transfer students will gain an important connection to one another and to the College. The administration and faculty from each academic department represent the commitment to the new members of our Illinois College community. All new students are required to attend. (Sensory Safe viewing available in Bruner, Room 3125)

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

🎉 First Day of Classes! 🎉

First Day of School Photos with Abe! | 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. :: Steuer Walkway & The Illinois College Seal
As you head to class, stop by to take your First Day of School Photo with Abraham Lincoln! You can also pick up some last-minute school supplies or grab a juice box, granola bar or fruit snacks to eat on the way to class.

Get on Board with CREL: Game Night | 6 to 8 p.m. :: Lower Quad, Lincoln HUB & Lincoln Tech Center
Kick off the semester with an evening of games, snacks, and good vibes hosted by the Office of Career Readiness and Experiential Learning (CREL)! Take part in a Lincoln Hall takeover as you move between stations featuring board games, card games, lawn games, prizes, and more. Along the way, you’ll get to know the CREL team (just look for the matching shirts!) and discover how we can support your college journey at every stage. Come solo or bring friends—either way, you’ll leave with some laughs, some goodies, and a better sense of what CREL can do for you.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Involvement Fair & Community Showcase | 6 to 8 p.m. :: Upper Quad
Come to the historic Upper Quad to find more ways to get involved on campus and around the Jacksonville community. There will be many businesses from Jacksonville there, student organizations, Greek-lettered organizations, and more! Make sure to come find out how to get involved and you might even get free items and
coupons!

Rain Location: King Field House, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Theatre Open House | 7 to 8 p.m. :: McGaw Fine Arts Center, Sibert Theatre
Come meet the production team and other TheatreWorks students to find out how you can be part of our season. Theatre faculty members Nancy Taylor Porter, Aasne Daniels, and Rich McCoy will be there as well. Light refreshment will be provided.

BIG Fall Semester Events & Happenings

Welcome Back Cookout | Friday, August 29, 2025 :: 6 to 8 p.m. :: Baxter Patio, Historic Upper Quad
Bruner Bash! | Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 7 to 10 p.m. | Green Athletic Field
We count down for this event every summer… Bruner Bash! Join new friends, returning students, and even some Illinois College employees for the annual “Welcome Back” event. Face off against your classmates in competitive games, taste a flight of the local pizza locations, grab some snacks, create some personalized decor for your new digs. Big prizes will be announced every thirty minutes, and must be present to win.
Rain Location: King Field House, Bruner Fitness and Recreation Center
Illinois College Homecoming Week | Monday - Saturday, September 29 to October 4, 2025
Mark your calendar for another True Blue Forever Homecoming! We can't wait to welcome alumni, friends and family back to the Hilltop. In the meantime, stay connected to IC's social media so you don't miss future Homecoming announcements, pictures and more.
Fall Break | Wednesday through Sunday, October 9 though 12, 2025
Fall Break is an important opportunity for students to take a breather from classes, and a physical break from campus if they are able to travel. Many students take this opportunity to bring friends home with them, or visit a friend’s family and hometown!
Family & Friends Weekend | Friday through Sunday, November 17 through 19, 2025
The College invites the friends and families of all students to come to campus and engage in the life of the campus. We invite everyone to come back to campus for a weekend of special events. Informational materials will be sent home soon.
Thanksgiving Break | Tuesday through Sunday, November 25 through 30, 2025
Halls close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25th, and the last meal served on campus is lunch on this day. Halls then re-open at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th. The College encourages all students to travel home or off campus to take a break and refresh from the academically rigorous semester. Final exams are just around the corner, rest up! Students who absolutely cannot travel away from campus should speak to their RA about the break-stay policies.
Final Exams | Monday through Friday, December 8 through 12, 2025
All classes are required to have some sort of assessment of learning during finals week. This may be a final exam, or could be a presentation, paper, or project. The Halls close at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 12. Students who absolutely cannot leave campus over the winter break should speak with their RA about available options.