Top Navigation

Side Navigation

Family Detailed Schedule

Day 1

  • 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Residence Hall Check-in, HigginsHall
    There will be two lines for family members. Please go to the appropriate one:
    1. line for family members staying On Campus in the Residence Hall---we will collect $35 Per Person
    2. line for family members staying Off Campus - we will collect $25 Per Person
    Please note that no payment is collected before this check-in. Wear your nametag at all times to identify you with the program and do not lose your meal tickets.
  • 1-1:15 p.m. Leatherneck Launch, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Western Illinois University will deliver greetings and introduce the Orientation Team.
  • 1:15-1:30 p.m. Building Connections...One Student at a Time, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level 
    Hear more about Western’s mentoring program designed to assist students with their needs as they transition to campus life.
  • 1:30-1:45 p.m. Macomb Welcome, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Corporation (MACCDDC) would like to extend a warm welcome to parents and family members visiting Western's home city!
  • 1:45-1:55 p.m. Bookstore 101, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    A brief introduction to the programs, products, and textbook options available in the University Bookstore will be shared.
  • 1:55-2:35 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
    Letting Go, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Starting college can bring a great deal of change for students and families including new responsibilities, schedules, and relationships. This session will offer compassionate and practical information from current students on how families can let go, deal with the challenging adjustments, and be helpful during transition years.
    Career Preparedness, Capitol Room, University Union, first level
    Career preparedness does not start senior year! This session will focus on how students, parents/family members, and the Career Services office can work together for career planning and preparation starting freshman year.
  • 2:35-3 p.m. Break
  • 3-3:15 p.m University Welcome, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
  • 3:15-3:30 p.m. First Year Experience, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Learn about the three main components of the First Year Experience (FYE) program and how it will enhance your student's college experience.
  • 3:30-3:50 p.m. Pre-advising Announcements, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Information to help students prepare for the Major/Program Meetings held on Day 2 will be presented. Academic advising information will be reviewed. There will be brief presentations from the School of Music, Military Science, Centennial Honors College, Study Abroad, and Veterans Resource Center.
  • 3:50-4:30 p.m. Help Your Student Achieve Academic Success, Grand Ballroom,University Union, first level
    A faculty member, academic adviser, and Student Assistance and Parent Service Center representative will host an interactive discussion. They will explore academic expectations so families can help new students make an easier transition to college.
  • 4:30-4:45 p.m. Family Meeting, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Student Development and Orientation will meet with families and cover program reminders and expectations.
  • 4:45-5:30 p.m. Break
  • 5:30-6:45 p.m. Dinner, West Dining Center, Thompson Hall
    Enjoy college dining with your student and/or other family members. Wear your lanyard (name tag) with your meal tickets.
  • 7:15-8:00 p.m. Health, Safety, and College Life Skits, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Relax and enjoy realistic and humorous looks into some of the issues that college students face during their college years.
  • 8:00-9:00 p.m. WIU Parents and Family Association Social, Multicultural Center
    Join the WIU Parents and Family Association for a comfortable, low-key social to unwind for the day. Light snacks and soft drinks will be provided.
  • 9:15-11 p.m. Rocky After Dark: Evening Entertainment, Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center
    Kick back, enjoy refreshments, and have fun meeting other families at Western.
  • 11:30 p.m. Residence Hall Doors Lock, Higgins Hall

Day 2

  • 7-8:30 a.m. Residence Hall Check-out, Higgins Hall Lobby
    Return your room keys to the front desk. Breakfast, West Dining Center, Thompson Hall Enjoy breakfast with your student and Orientation Team members.
  • 7:30-8:15 a.m. Honors College Breakfast, West Dining Center, Private Dining Room, Thompson Hall
    Prospective Honors students and their families are invited to eat breakfast with representatives from the Centennial Honors College. Students will receive general information about the Honors College and specific information about Honors classes available in the fall semester.
  • 8:15-8:45 a.m. Major/Program Meetings Check-in, Leslie F. Malpass Library, (blue dots–Morgan Hall)
  • 8:45-9:30 a.m. Major/Program Meetings, Malpass Library, (blue dots–Morgan Hall)
    Academic advisors will distribute relevant materials, talk about major and program requirements, and answer questions about the advising process and the selection of fall semester classes.
  • 9:30-9:45 a.m. Families return to University Union
  • 9:45-10:30 a.m. Supporting Student Success, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Parents and Family Association members, along with their advisor, will share personal experiences that helped them prepare for their student's social and academic journey at Western.
  • 10:30-10:45 Think Purple, Think Global: International Education Opportunities at Western, Grand Ballroom
    Today’s college graduates compete in a global marketplace and work with people all over the world. Learn how WIU can help prepare your student through a variety of affordable experiences, including international content in their coursework, getting to know international students on campus, and studying abroad.
  • 10:45-11:30 a.m. Leatherneck Link, Heritage Room, University Union, second level
    Come link with the University to create a welcoming surprise for your incoming Leatherneck!
  • 11:30 a.m-noon Disability Resource Center, Fox Room, University Union, first level
    Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides accommodations and services to students with disabilities. DRC professionals will meet one-on-one with participants to address individual questions and concerns.
    Commuter Student Session    , Springfield Room, University Union, first level
    Students who will be living off campus will have the opportunity to hear from and speak to Orientation Team members about unique experiences they may face.
  • 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Lunch/Time on your own, Food Court, University Union, ground level
    Meet up with your students for lunch.
  • 12:45-2 p.m. It's All About University Life
          12:45-1:20 p.m.....Purple Paw–Grand Ballroom...... Gold Paw–Heritage Room
          1:25-2 p.m........... Purple Paw–Heritage Room....... Gold Paw–Grand Ballroom
    Campus Life, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    Get a glimpse into experiencing life on campus at WIU. University Housing and Dining Services and University Technology will highlight different residence hall communities, dining options, and what you need to know to stay connected.
    Paying for College, Heritage Room, University Union, second level 
    Representatives from Financial Aid and Billing and Receivables will discuss applying for financial aid, award notification, loan procedures, anticipated cost, billing process, and payment plans.
  • 2-2:45 p.m. Inside Edition, Grand Ballroom, University Union, first level
    This is an opportunity to get inside the life of a Western student. Get personal insight from the Orientation Team and learn what it’s like to be a student on our campus. Bring your questions.
  • 2:45-4:30 p.m. Student Services Fair, Prairie Lounge, University Union, first level
    Upon completion of registration, students will meet family members at the fair. Keep in mind students will be finishing and returning at various times. The fair is an opportunity to have individual questions answered by various offices on topics such as housing, financial aid, billing, parking, and student health insurance, to name a few. See the center page for the list of fair participants.
  • 3:00-4:00 p.m. Campus Walking Tours, Leave from Prairie Lounge, University Union, first level
    If you are interested in seeing our campus, Orientation Team members will lead you on a campus tour.

Reminder: Complete the family evaluation and return it to the Student Development and Orientation table at the Student Services Fair.