Fall Welcome Week
Welcome Week events are for all UNI students. This is your official welcome or welcome back to campus!
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UNI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Student Success & Retention at orientation@uni.edu at least one week prior to the event.
Check out the upcoming Fall 2025 schedule below!
Fall 2025 Schedule
- Saturday, August 23
Time Event Location Event Details 9:00 - 10:00AM Fitness Class
Lawther Field; Rain Location WRC Start your semester off with a Fitness Class. Join our Fitness Instructors from the Wellness Recreation Center for a FREE Saturday morning workout.
Hosted by Recreation Services
10:00AM - 2:00PM Panthers Downtown
River Place Plaza Check out all that the Cedar Falls Downtown District has to offer! Take part in a scavenger hunt, score some exclusive deals, and have the chance to win gift certificates to Downtown.
Hosted by Student Success & Retention and Cedar Falls Downtown District
1:00 - 5:00PM Paddle on the Pond
Panther Pond Come join the outdoor crew on the North Pond and try out Stand Up Paddle Boards, Kayaks or Canoes.
Hosted by UNI Outdoors
7:00 - 9:00PM BINGO
Maucker Union Coffeehouse & Ballrooms Try your luck at BINGO for your chance to win awesome prizes!
Hosted by Student Success & Retention
9:00 - 11:00PM Salt Co. Pancake Party
9319 University Ave. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Picture this: Free pancakes all night long, volleyball, bags, and spikeball ready to be played, and then people wrestling in pancake batter!! It's a super fun event and a great way to meet new people and get connected! Hope to see you there!
Hosted by The Salt Company Student Fellowship
- Sunday, August 24
Time Event Location Event Details 1:00PM UNI Soccer vs Western Illinois
UNI Soccer Field Cheer on the Panthers as they take on Western Illinois in soccer! Afternoon/Evening Dorm House Meetings
Various Locations Meet your neighbors! Sunday night is dedicated to time in your new home. Watch for postings, check your email, or touch base with your RA for details about when and where your specific house/hall will be gathering.
7:00 - 9:00PM Salt Company Freshmen Welcome
Maucker Union Ballroom Come join us on Sunday, August 24th at 7pm for our Freshmen Welcome in the Maucker Union Ballroom. We'll have worship, teaching, a chance for you to meet people and get connected in a small group, and free food!
Hosted by The Salt Company Student Fellowship
- Monday, August 25
Time Event Location Event Details 7:30AM - 2:00PM 1st Day Photo & Direction Booths
Various Locations Snap a picture on your way to class to commemorate your first day of class for the 2025-2026 academic year! You can also stop by these tents to help you find your way to class, just look for the purple and gold pop up tents around campus.
3:00 - 6:00PM Float into the School Year
Maucker Union Coffeehouse Float into the school year on a sweet note! Join us on the first day of class for a campus-wide Open House event to enjoy root beer floats and connect with the UNI community. All faculty, staff, and students are invited!
Hosted by the Division of Student Life and the President's Office
- Tuesday, August 26
Time Event Location Event Details 7:30AM - 2:00PM 1st Day Photo & Direction Booths
Various Locations Snap a picture on your way to class to commemorate your first day of class for the 2025-2026 academic year! You can also stop by these tents to help you find your way to class, just look for the purple and gold pop up tents around campus.
11:00AM - 2:00PM Get the Scoop on Philanthropy
SW Maucker Union Courtyard; Rain Location Maucker Union Coffeehouse Private funding helps put the cherry on top of the Panther experience. Come dish about the UNI Foundation and the donor-supported programs that serve up opportunities for UNI students. Enjoy free ice cream while supplies last!
Hosted by CATS (Connecting Alumni to Students)
7:00 - 8:00PM Sunset Jo-Yo
Lawther Field Jo-Yo is an interactive experience in journaling and yoga. Individuals are led through an hour practice - combining movement and journaling centered around goals and hopes for the semester! Session is led by UNI Alumna Kayla Becker
Hosted by Student Success & Retention
- Wednesday, August 27
Time Event Location Event Details 3:30 - 4:30PM Future Teacher Welcome
McCollum Science Hall 137 Mandatory for all new students with a Teacher Education major. This event will help you map out your Teacher Education journey at UNI! Learn about all the in's and out's on your pathway to teaching! Session includes information on Teacher Education application, background checks, resources and pre-service professional development opportunities.
Hosted by College of Education Advising & Teacher Education Success
4:00 - 6:00PM JPEC Connect
Business & Community Services Building, 8120 Jennings Dr Come explore the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and learn about the free services available to support you in starting or running your own business! This event is geared toward students new to the UNI JPEC & will include activities to help motivate & inspire you to tap into our successful network of entrepreneurs & resources in order to follow your own dreams....plus, it includes a free meal! We're excited to meet you!
Hosted by John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC)
6:00 - 8:00PM Touch Rugby and Treats
Lighted Field Behind the Dome; Rain Location WRC Gyms 5-6 Come and get to learn about women's rugby by playing a chill game of touch rugby. Anyone is welcome to join the team, come and get to know us!
Hosted by Women's Rugby
6:30 - 8:30PM Crafty Cats
Maucker Union Ballrooms Come get your craft on and make a fun sign for your dorm room or wherever inspiration strikes. Whether it's with Cricut vinyl, paint, or anything else your imagination thinks of, it is sure to be a great time! All supplies provided.
Hosted by Student Success & Retention
- Thursday, August 28
Time Event Location Event Details 11:00AM - 1:00PM Maucker Union Live: Music Bingo
Maucker Union Coffeehouse Start the semester on a high note with Maucker Union Live! We're teaming up with UNI Sorority Life to bring you a fun and energizing Music Bingo event over your lunch hour. Test your music knowledge, win prizes, and connect with students all while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Maucker Union. Whether you're a music bingo pro or just in it for the vibes, this is the perfect midday break to kick off the semester right.
Hosted by Office of Student Involvement
3:30 - 4:30PM Future Teacher Welcome
McCollum Science Hall 137 Mandatory for all new students with a Teacher Education major. This event will help you map out your Teacher Education journey at UNI! Learn about all the in's and out's on your pathway to teaching! Session includes information on Teacher Education application, background checks, resources and pre-service professional development opportunities.
Hosted by College of Education Advising & Teacher Education Success
8:00 - 10:00PM Silent Disco
Maucker Union Ballrooms Get your groove on at the silent disco dance party. Two DJs will be playing all your favorites and you can switch between the two channels on the headphones for whichever you are feeling!
Hosted by Student Success & Retention
- Friday, August 29
Time Event Location Event Details 6:00PM UNI Volleyball vs Arizona State
McLeod Center Cheer on the Panthers as they take on Arizona State in volleyball! 7:00 - 9:00PM Bowling
Maple Lanes Come down for a fun evening of bowling! Free bowling, shoe & ball rental for UNI students.
Hosted by Student Success & Retention