University News
ÌÇÐÄAPP Welcomes Students for the 2026-27 Academic Year
August 19, 2026
MACOMB, IL– ÌÇÐÄAPP is preparing to welcome a new class of students to campus this week. The year will kick off with a full slate of activities designed to help students connect, get involved and experience the energy of being a Leatherneck.
Fall classes begin Monday, Aug. 24, but the excitement surrounding the start of the semester will get a jump start with move-in this week, with assistance provided by faculty, staff and student volunteers.
WIU is increasing focus on the Leatherneck First Four program, which is a holistic approach to helping students transition to college, find their place and build a strong foundation for long-term success. Through intentional programming during the First Four Days, First Four Weeks and First Four Months, WIU focuses on helping students feel a sense of belonging, connect with campus and their peers, engage in academic and co-curricular opportunities and access the resources they need to thrive.
From move-in and welcome activities to student organizations, campus traditions, athletic events and academic and financial support, the First Four creates meaningful touchpoints throughout a student's critical first semester. The goal is to help students belong from day one, build connections throughout their first weeks and develop the momentum they need to persist toward graduation.
Throughout the first four weeks, students can choose from a wide range of activities and experiences.
During the opening week, highlights include the Student Engagement Center First Look, Fall Student Organization Fair, Welcome Bingo, Downtown Block Party, Multicultural Center Rollfest, Hall Government Kickoff Event, Rocky's Union Takeover, the Multicultural Center Welcome Back Bash and a variety of recreational activities. Students can also attend the New Student Programs Word Art event and take advantage of Kinder Monday activities and other opportunities to connect.
The second week continues with Every Game Show Ever, Transfer Student Resource Fair, Multicultural Center Open House, Casino Night, First Wednesday, a 3-Point Contest, Panhellenic Information Session, Welcome Back BBQ and athletic events including women's soccer and football.
Week three brings additional opportunities to connect, including Blurred Lines, Blood Drive, Absolutely Mayzing, Leatherneck Lift Up Day, financial literacy programming, the Macomb Balloon Rally, Big Picture Picnic and women's soccer.
The fourth week includes Latinx Heritage Day, a Veterans Center Meet and Greet, Chicken Wire Empire, UUB Movie Night, men's soccer, the RockyTHON Color Run, the 8th Annual Family Day BBQ, football and Gravity at the newly opened Goldfarb Center for the Performing Arts.
Students can follow on Instagram for a weekly calendar highlighting student activities, events and opportunities to get involved across campus. Students can also earn Purple and Gold Points by participating in eligible events throughout the semester. When enough points have been accumulated, they can be redeemed for exclusive prizes ranging from WIU-themed mugs, tumblers, giftcards and even a PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch 2.
President Mindrup, along with Provost and Academic Vice President Mark Mossman, Vice President for Finance and Administration Ketra Roselieb and Vice President for Student Success Justin Schuch, will share updates and priorities for the University in the 2026-27 academic year at the annual University Assembly at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21.
WIU will also kick off the football season during the first week of classes at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 on the newly renovated Hanson Field.
In addition to football, students can attend women's and men's soccer matches, including a Purple Out women's soccer match against Illinois State at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13 at John MacKenzie Alumni Field.
Students can find the complete schedule of Leatherneck First Four Weeks activities through , WIU's online campus activities hub. Leatherneck Link provides access to student organizations and campus events and is available as an app for students to stay up-to-date throughout the semester.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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