New Student and Family Programs

Leatherneck Launch (New Student Orientation)
Leatherneck Launch, our new student orientation program, will launch you into your WIU experience. Western Illinois provides a variety of opportunities for our new students to not only learn about various campus resources, but you'll also engage with other incoming students as you begin your Leatherneck Journey!
Summer Leatherneck Launch
One-day, on-campus Leatherneck Launch programs will be held on various dates throughout the summer (June/July). Two programs are scheduled to accommodate students/guests traveling by Amtrak. Students will register via their STARS account. A schedule summary is noted below:
- Check in begins at approximately 9:00am for regular programs and 10:30am for Amtrak scheduled dates.
- Information tables and an informal social hour with various offices, departments, and resources will occur from 9:00am-10:00am and 11am-noon (Amtrak programs) each morning in the University Union.
- The formal program is scheduled to begin at 10:00am and 11:50am (Amtrak programs) and conclude around 3:30pm and 5:00pm (Amtrak programs)
- The program kicks off via our Leatherneck Success Leader team and continues with a focus on academic success.
- Students and guests will enjoy lunch in the Thompson Hall dining center
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Throughout the day, information sessions will be facilitated by various resources including:
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- University Housing and Dining Services
- Financial Aid, Billings and Receivables, and Student Employment
- Student engagement and academic and student success.
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- Transfer students and guests will have a few specially designed programs to attend
- Campus tours will occur so students can start to chart out their daily experience and an interactive event will introduce students with fellow Leathernecks.
- At the end of the day, we have some special guests to help connect new students with both the campus and Macomb community.
- PARKING: Parking is available in any lot where there is an open space (excluding specially designated spots by law).
- TRANSPORTATION: If arriving via Amtrak, please take GoWest Route 16W from the City Center which departs for campus at 11:10am. Go West will get students/guests back to the Amtrak station for their daily 6:19pm departure. Other transportation arrangements to get to campus via the official Uber/Lyft apps or check out Sue's Ride Service via Facebook.
Leatherneck First Four Days
Get ready to launch into an amazing year as a Leatherneck! Leatherneck First Four is part of your new student experience. Leatherneck First Four events take place Thursday through Sunday before classes begin every August.
Spring Leatherneck Launch
The Spring 2024 Leatherneck Launch program for students starting class in January 2024 will take place virtually via Zoom. Exact program date and time to be posted soon. On your Leatherneck Launch day, you will hear from various office on campus who'll assist you with your success. Macomb campus students will visit their STARS page to register for the program and for further details.
Quad Cities students can learn more about Quad Cities New Student Orientation here.
For Further Questions:
Please contact us at orientation@wiu.edu
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