Blugold Welcome
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 kicks off with move-in and continues through the second week of classes, and our spring schedule occurs the weekend before classes begin. 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 ÌÇÐÄVlog 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.
Are you a current Blugold, staff, or faculty member and want to get in on the action? Consider volunteering! It takes a village to put on these events, and we appreciate your help. Volunteer sign-up is available until September 13. Join in on the fun!
Fall 2025 Blugold Welcome: August 30 - September 13
Check out all the AWESOME Activities we have planned for you so far! We have a variety of events for all students to enjoy!
Whether that's exploring all the festivities of our Davies Student Center including Live Music, Crafting, Photo Booths, Free Food, and so much more at Davies Party. Or enjoying laser tag, life-size Clue, a 9-hole mini golf course, free pizza + sno-cones, and much more at our Library After Dark Event! Or even exploring Downtown Eau Claire with over 50 Different Business's, and having opportunities for Strudent giveawys or discounts at our UW Meets EC event. Theres an event for everyone, just come check it out!
If you have any questions, Please fill out this and a member of our team will reach back out soon!
New/Transfer Student Move-in | 8 am - 4 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls
Blugold Campfire & Food Crawl | 7 pm |
Get to know your fellow Blugolds at the Blugold Campfire from 7-9 pm! In addition to multiple toasty campfires near Horan Hall, Sutherland Hall, Suites, and Governers, we'll have music, and a variety of food options to sample throughout the event - all at no cost to you!
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm |
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!
New/Transfer Student Move-in | 8 am - 4 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls
ÌÇÐÄVlog Women's Soccer Game*| 2 pm |
Support ÌÇÐÄVlog by attending the Women's Soccer Game on Simpson field and cheering on your fellow Blugolds!
ÌÇÐÄVlog Men's Soccer Game* | 5 pm |
Support ÌÇÐÄVlog by attending the Men's Soccer Game on Simpson field and cheering on your fellow Blugolds!
Wing Meetings | 7:30 pm | Residence Halls - check with your RA on specific location.
Hosted by your RA and not-to-be-missed, you'll get to meet your new neighbors, discuss community standards, learn about residence hall policies and about how to get involved in your Hall Council!
Davies Party | 9 pm - midnight |
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!
----------- Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 10 pm |
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!
*No Shuttle's Provided, please use the Transit App for information on potential transportation to and from this event!
Returner Student Move-in | 8 am - 4 pm | Upper Campus Residence Halls
Tour De Rec & Club Sport EXPO | 11 am-1 pm |
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 29 club sports and learn more about intramural activities. Come and join the fun!
Run the hill + Additional Recreation Activities
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!
Tie Dye Affair | 2 - 5 pm |
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. Commuter students can attend any time between 2pm and 5pm! Rain date: Saturday, Sept. 13th from 2-5 pm.
C-Word Consent (3 separate shows) | 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm | Ojibwe Ballroom ()
The C-Word: Consent is an educational, highly interactive program. This program uses a combination of audience interaction, improv exercises, and thoroughly researched information to break down walls and have a frank, difficult, but needed conversation about sex. This program covers a wide range of topics that include bystander intervention, effective boundary setting, online behavior, and survivor resources. This highly engaging and entertaining program is an amazing resource for college students and faculty. *First-year students only - students should check with their RA to see which show they should attend.
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
Returner Student Move-In | 8 am - 4 pm | Residence Halls
Academic Opening Day (*required for first-year students) | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm |
Join the entire incoming Blugold class for your official welcome to the university! Academic Opening Day is required of all new first-year students. Transfer students are required to attend the Academic Meet & Greet portion and should also join us for lunch! Stay tuned to your ÌÇÐÄVlog email for further details and rain plans as we get closer to the event.
RecConnect (*transfer students only) | 12:15 am - 2 pm |
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 as part of Opening Day (see above), you are welcome to do that! These two events will not conflict.
Zip Line Open | 3 - 6 pm |
Stop by to check out our Eagle View Ropes course and take a ride down our zip line! Close toed shoes required.
Hall Council Kick-Off! | 7 pm | Upper Campus 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).
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
First Day Giveaway! | 7:45 am | Lower Campus, station just outside of
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 ÌÇÐÄVlog welcome our incoming students with free breakfast items offered until we run out. Stop by our table (by the stone and water fountain outside of Schofield Hall) on your way to class!
Free Speech and Free Pizza! | 4:30 pm - 6 pm | (2nd floor)
Are you a first-year student eager to explore your rights and amplify your voice? Join us at this illuminating event, led by professors specializing in First Amendment law as it relates to college students. Your questions and curiosity are highly encouraged in this safe and open environment.
to secure your spot and embark on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and camaraderie. Let your voice be heard and your potential realized at "Free Speech and Free Pizza"!
Library After Dark | 5 pm - 9 pm |
Join us for our annual back-to-school party, 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!
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
**Intramural League Registration Opens! | Noon |
Interested in playing intramural sports? All levels of experience are welcome! Sign up or through the Blugolds IMs app! Registration closes September 11th at noon.
The CookOUT | 4 - 7 pm |
Join the UW-Eau Claire Gender & Sexuality Resource Center as we welcome back Blugolds for the coming academic year! We will have free food, a resource fair, and yard games. This is a great way to connect with campus and community resources that are here to support LGBTQIA+ students, allies, and our campus community. All are welcome at The CookOUT! Rain date: Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4-7pm.
ÌÇÐÄVlog Football Tailgate | 4 PM | Carson park
Come and Enjoy the variety of Festivities before the Football game! Including Food, games, Music, and more! The Pre-game Tailgate starts at 4 in Carson park!
| 6 PM | Carson Park
Get ready to cheer on your ÌÇÐÄVlog Blugolds as they take on Carroll Univeristy in their Home Season Opener at Carson park! Shuttles will be provided for students.
UAC Film: Pirates of the Caribbean | 8:30 pm |
Come hang out on the campus mall for a screening of the 2003 blockbuster "Pirates of the Carribean"! Movie synopsis: Blacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save Elizabeth Swann, the governor's daughter and his love, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead. Rain location will be Woodland Theatre (3rd floor of Davies).
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
Part-Time Job Fair | 11 am - 2 pm |
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
• 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
UW Meets EC - Tote Bag Decorating | 2-5 PM | Towers Lobby
Come and personalize your very own free Tote bag, for you use at UW Meets EC later that evening!
UW Meets EC | 5 pm - 8 pm | Downtown Eau Claire (shuttles provided)
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!
Feel free to preview the participating businesses and organizations from 2024 on the interactive map . We'll have many of these businesses returning for 2025, as well as a few additional businesses who've joined us this year!
Free shuttles will be providing round trips between 4:45 pm and 9 pm; shuttles leave from and return to the Towers Hall bus stop area on upper campus.
UAC Karaoke | 6-8 PM | The Cabin
Come hang out and Perform some Karaoke in the Cabin!
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 12 pm - 11 pm |
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!
Eau Claire Farmer's Market | 9 am - 12 pm | Downtown Eau Claire (shuttles provided)
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!
GLOW FEST | 8 pm - 11 pm | (variety of locations)
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!
Andy Immerman | 8 pm - 11 pm| Pablo Center (JAMF Theatre)
HOUSE PARTY... but make it live Andy Immerman is bringing his insane live house set to Pablo Center on September 6th. Think lush beats, emotional drops, and nonstop vibes.From Eau Claire to Denver and now back to turn up the energy—this is not your average night out. Live killer house music. Killer lights + visuals. Massive energy. Don’t miss it.
------------ Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 11 pm |
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!
Cookies & Cards| 10 PM - 12 PM |
More Info Coming Soon
Grocery Run! | 3 pm, 4:30 pm, 6 pm | Target / Walmart, Shuttles leave from
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!
Shuttles will leave from Towers Hall at 3 pm, 4:30 pm, and 6 pm, and will do round trips to the Hastings Way locations.
----------- Happening all week long ------------
FREE fitness center access | 6 am - 11 pm |
New students have free access to Fitness Centers on upper campus between August 27th and September 7th. Take advantage of all the opportunities that recreation has to offer you as a student at Eau Claire.
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | Noon - 10 pm |
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!
------------ Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
Condom BINGO | 7-8 PM | Towers Lobby
----------- Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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 Open House | 10 AM - 3PM | Centennial Hall 1106
More Info TBD
Blu's Orgs Bash | 11 am - 1 pm | Lower Campus Mall
Learn how to get involved in one or more of our 230+ student organizations here at ÌÇÐÄVlog. Check out our video below!
----------- Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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!
**Intramural League Registration Closes | Noon |
Interested in being a part of an Intramural team? Don't forget to sign-up before noon! Click here to learn more.
----------- Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | 2 pm - 10 pm |
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 |
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 | 11 - 1 pm |
Rain site: Davies Student Center
Where a block party meets a student resource fair, join Student Senate on the Campus Mall for live music, yard games, caricatures, free Blugold merchandise, community gift cards and coupons, as well as information on UW-Eau Claire's governing student organization.
Womens Volleyball Tournament* | 7 PM | Sonnentag Center
More Info TBD
----------- Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | noon - 11 pm |
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!
*No Shuttle's Provided, please use the Transit App for information on potential transportation to and from this event!
Women's Volleyball Tournament* | 12 PM | Sonnentag Center
More Info TBD
Women's Soccer Game* | 2 PM | Simpson Field
More Info TBD
Health & Wellness Fair* | 4:00 PM | Phoenix Park Pavillion
Join Student Health Service for a day of health, wellness, and community at the SHS Health & Wellness Fair! This is open to all fitness levels, ages 18+. Participate in an outdoor exercise class, visit with health and wellness vendors, and enter for your chance to win a prize. Whether you're looking to improve your physical health, mental well-being, or overall lifestyle, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss this opportunity take a step toward a healthier you!
Open Ropes Course | 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm | Eagle's View Ropes Course,
Grab some friends and reserve a two-hour spot at the Eagle's View Ropes Course behind Sutherland Hall! 12 participants per time slot, and it's available every other Saturday in September. Learn more about the program, and register for your spot
Women's Volleyball Tournament* | 6 PM | Sonnentag Center
More Info TBD
Men's Soccer* | 7 PM | Simpson Field
More Info TBD
UAC Event: Noah Sonie: HYPE | 7PM | Schofield Auditorium
HYPE Is a brand-new thrilling combination of modern magic and mind-bending hypnosis mixed into a unique interactive experience for your audience.
HYPE is hosted and curated by Noah Sonie; a full-time performer based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Noah has years of experience performing and showcasing his unique perspective and high-energy style on stages across America. During the show, students will experience a blend of magic, mind reading, and hypnosis, weaving them through moments of laughter, awe, and pure confusion. All wrapped up in a stylistic, modern, fast-paced show.
----------- Happening all week long ------------
Environmental Adventure Center (EAC) Open Hours | noon - 11 pm |
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!
*No Shuttle's Provided, please use the Transit App for information on potential transportation to and from this event!