University News

WIU-QC Welcomes Students Back with First Four Weeks of Events

July 31, 2026

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Western Illinois University-Quad Cities is kicking off the fall semester with the First Four Weeks, a series of activities and events designed to help students connect with campus, build community and start the academic year on a positive note.

"The First Four Weeks are about creating connections and opportunities for students across the WIU-QC community," Steve Sierra, associate director of Student Success at WIU-QC said. "The WIU-QC Student Success team and I hope these events and activities encourage students to get involved, build relationships and discover the vast community and resources available to support them during their Leatherneck journey."

The First Four Weeks celebration begins Monday, Aug. 24, and continues through Friday, Sept. 18, featuring opportunities for students to socialize, participate in activities, meet fellow Leathernecks and earn points toward prizes through campus engagement opportunities.

Events begin with the Rise & Crunch Cereal Bar from 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24 in the Atrium. Students can also participate in Leave Your Paw Print from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 24 and Aug. 28 outside Riverfront Hall.

Additional First Four Weeks events include:


  • Fall Student Fair — 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, Atrium

  • Popcorn & Possibilities — 11 a.m.-noon and 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26, Atrium

  • Twist Into the Semester — 11 a.m.-noon and 3-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, Atrium

  • Donuts & Coffee — 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Aug. 28, Lobby (while supplies last)

  • Aim for the Green — Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, Outside/Atrium

  • Snow(cones) Much Fun — Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, Kitchen

  • Flower Pot Decorating — Noon-3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, Room 116

  • Summer Send-Off BBQ — 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, Outside Atrium

  • Game Day — 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, Room 116

  • Starburst Giveaway — 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, Bookstore (while supplies last)

Students can also participate in ongoing activities throughout the First Four Weeks, including Hunt for the Hidden Paws, Colors of WIU and Guess How Many.

September events continue with:


  • Riverwalk — 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, meet in the Atrium

  • Sip & Socialize — 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, Atrium

  • Lunch and Learn: Writing Smarter, Not Harder — Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, Rooms 103/104

  • Snow(cones) Much Fun — Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, Atrium

  • Lunch, Learn & Level Up — Noon-1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, Rooms 103/104

  • Make & Take Birdhouses — 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Room 116 (while supplies last)

  • Riverwalk — 3-4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, meet in the Atrium

  • WIU-QC Outdoor Game Day — 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, Outside

  • Clash of Hands: Rock Paper Scissors Tournament — 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, Atrium

  • Popcorn Pop-In — Noon-1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, Atrium

For more information about First Four Weeks events and campus engagement opportunities, wiu.presence.io/organization/wiu-qc-student-success.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing