The fall 2026 semester is just around the corner, which means it is almost time to get back into the swing of things — waking up early, going to class and studying. However, college life doesn't have to be only about academics.
At Eastern Michigan University, Campus Life is holding a Weeks of Welcome program for all students at EMU who wish to do something a little different, meet new people and have fun. The program features several events over the first few weeks of the semester.
"The Weeks of Welcome programming is designed to get the fall term off to a great start and to provide spaces where students and faculty and staff can build connections in the EMU community," Dwight Hamilton, the interim chief student affairs officer, told The Eastern Echo.
There are eight main events in which students can participate: Welcome Back Bash, Commuter Cookout, EagleFest, Ypsi Block Party, EMU Gaming Arena: Find Your Party, Cultural Expo!, Field Day and Ignite the Night.
"We want to make sure that we are starting off the new academic year with a flurry of activity," Hamilton said. "Great opportunities for student engagement, great opportunities for students to interact with faculty and staff outside of their professional roles, to build spirit, and to provide better connection with our football and other athletic programs."
Students, whether they are new or have been at EMU for a while, are encouraged to attend these events, Hamilton said. All of the Weeks of Welcome events and information can be found on the Weeks of Welcome 2026 website. Those who may have questions can contact Campus Life by phone at 734-487-3045 or email at campuslife@emich.edu. They can also visit the Campus Life office in Student Center Room 345.
Welcome Back Bash
Day: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
Location: Gervin Center and Rynearson Stadium
Time: 3 p.m. for the Convocation (GC), 4:15 p.m. for the Eagle Walk (RS), 4:30-6:30 p.m. for the Connect Tailgate (RS) and 6:30 p.m. for the Football Game Kickoff (RS)
"The first program is the Welcome Back Bash," Hamilton said. "It's going to feature a program at the Gervin Center which will feature the president. We are going to have the coach with a hype video to promote the athletic season and the football game."
This will be followed by students walking out to see the Eagle Walk, Hamilton said. There will be tailgating and then the first EMU football game of the season.
There will also be a T-shirt giveaway that is first come, first served.
Students crowd around vendors at E|Dining's Commuter Cookout to retrieve information and free samples on Tuesday, Sept. 9 2025.
Commuter Cookout
Day: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026
Location: Student Center Patio
Time: 3-6 p.m.
The Commuter Cookout is an event that welcomes students to enjoy some freshly cooked food and entertainment. Hamilton said that this year's Commuter Cookout will be bigger and better than previous years.
This year, there is going to be a bucket hat giveaway that is first come, first served. Free food, provided by E|Dining, will be available, and students can win prizes and play outdoor games.
"I want to stress that all students are welcome to the Commuter Cookout," Hamilton said. "They don't have to be commuters to be there."
Hamilton said he wants the Commuter Cookout to highlight the students at EMU, allowing them to meet and interact with lots of people.
"It is not only for them to enjoy the cookout, but also to get connected with some of the resources that we have here at EMU," Hamilton said.
GeoClub at EagleFest in the Student Center Ballroom on Aug. 27, 2024. Find them @geoclubemu on Instagram for more information.
EagleFest
Day: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Location: University Park
Time: 4-7 p.m.
EagleFest, the EMU student organization fair, will have around 200 student organizations this year, Hamilton said.
"[It is a] great opportunity for students who are looking to join a student organization. [They can] meet with the leaders of those organizations and get exposed, potentially, to groups they didn't even know exist," Hamilton said.
Hamilton also said that this year, there will be a DJ, music and food trucks at EagleFest.
Additionally, there is going to be a crew sock first-come, first-served giveaway for those who attend.
Ypsi Block Party
Day: Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026
Location: Depot Town
Time: 5-8 p.m.
The week after EagleFest, EMU will be having a block party in Depot Town.
"It's a new event," Hamilton said. "That evening, we are going to essentially have a big block party in Depot Town."
President Brendan Kelly wants to strengthen the relationship between EMU and Ypsilanti. The Ypsi Block Party will give the students of EMU the opportunity to explore Ypsilanti's Depot Town and enjoy some food and music.
Students also have the chance to win an Ypsi embroidered patch on a first-come, first-served basis.
EMU Gaming Arena: Find Your Party
Day: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Location: Student Center
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight
"This is another new program," Hamilton said. "Essentially, we are taking over the Student Center. So there will be several concurrent games taking place in different rooms."
Arcade games, computer games, card games, tabletop roleplay games and many more will be in different rooms within the Student Center. The goal for this event is to celebrate gaming in all of its forms and to provide a way for EMU students to gather together and form new bonds, Hamilton said.
Those who attend have the chance to receive a special jersey; first come first served.
Cultural Expo!
Day: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Location: Student Center Ballroom
Time: 5-9 p.m.
The Cultural Expo! is an annual tradition that celebrates international students and the different places and cultures of the world.
"International students [will be] highlighting information about their home countries," Hamilton said.
The International Student Association, the Southeast Asian Student Alliance and the Center of Race and Ethnicity are sponsoring this event, along with Campus Life.
Attendees can expect cuisines from different parts of the world and the opportunity to learn various cultural dances.
There is going to be a first-come, first-served button giveaway at this event.
Field Day
Day: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Location: Rynearson Field
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Much like the childhood classic of a field day in place of classes, this event will give students the chance to let loose and have fun.
"There will be field games there and food and a great time will be had by all," Hamilton said.
Students will be able to tie-dye a free T-shirt, enjoy some classic fair foods and have the chance to win a clear fanny pack. Students are also encouraged to stop by the Student Alumni Association table that will be at the event.
Ignite The Night: Homecoming Golf Cart Parade, Pep Rally and Bonfire
Day: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Location: Rec Ball Field
Time: 6-9 p.m.
To finish off the Weeks of Welcome, students can experience a golf cart parade, pep rally and bonfire on homecoming weekend.
Students are encouraged to wear green and white for Ignite the Night.
There will be a first-come, first-served beanie giveaway for anyone who participates.
"It is going to start off with a golf cart parade down Ainsley Street and also culminate in a big bonfire. It's designed to serve as a pep rally for the football team prior to the homecoming game the following day," Hamilton stated.
These are the main featured events during the Weeks of Welcome. However, Hamilton told The Echo that there are over 100 different programs and activities that are going to take place during those same weeks. Campus events are posted on the EMU calendar.
