ÌÇÐÄVlog

When you get here and are settled in, it's time to meet new people and get active on campus. This is where Academic Opening Day comes in. You'll gather in groups with other incoming Blugolds and learn more about the academic side of being in college. Academic Opening Day is required of all new first year students. Transfer students are encouraged to attend the full program as well!

Opening Day programs for the fall 2026 semester will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Details on the full Opening Day schedule, including your assigned locations, will be emailed to you prior to the event, and a general rundown of the day is included below. Be sure to check your ÌÇÐÄVlog email account for more information as we get closer to the fall!

There is no formal Opening Day for spring admits, but the information is included in orientation programs during their spring Blugold Experience Day held in January. 

Academic Opening Day 2026 Schedule (subject to change)

• 8:30 AM | New Student Meet up + Breakfast: Meet outside on upper campus and grab breakfast items from various table locations, while you wait for the New Student Parade to begin at 8:45 am. 
• 8:45 AM | New Student Parade! (*Part of the Traditions Keeper Program): Walk with your classmates and be cheered on by staff and faculty as you approach the Campus Mall for your welcome speaker series.
• 9:15 AM | Academic Opening Day Speaker Series: Enjoy music and our series of Welcome Speakers on the Campus Mall, including messages from our Chancellor and our student body president, and a performance of our Fight Song by the Blugold Marching Band.
• 9:45 AM | Students are dismissed from the Campus Mall to go to their Academic Meet & Greet locations.
• 10:00 AM | Academic Meet & Greet Programs: Connect in major cohorts to discuss your academic journey at UW-Eau Claire. This session will happen in various buildings across campus (your ÌÇÐÄVlog email will have your specific location and other details).
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Campus Mall Activities! Take time checking out all of the activities available to you on and around the Campus Mall. 
  • Picnic Lunch - Davies Marketplace
  • T-Shirt Pick up (*Part of the Traditions Keeper Program) - Campus Mall
  • "Phishing for Prizes" Game sponsored by LTS - Campus Mall
  • Play Kubb! (*Part of the Traditions Keeper Program) - Campus Mall
  • Traditions Scavenger Hunt! - Campus Mall
  • And our SPECIAL Traditions Activity - Academic Opening Day Duck Race begins at 11:45am!
• 1:00 PM | Blugold Marching Band Performance: Hang out on the mall while we pump up the noise with Blugold Marching Band!
• 1:30 PM | Class Photo: Wrap up your day by taking our class photo on the campus mall in your new student t-shirt!

**In the event of inclement weather, students will be notified of any changes to the program via ÌÇÐÄVlog email.