WELCOME UIC STUDENTS
On August 26, 2026
4:00PM – 8:00PM
CREDIT UNION 1 ARENA

New Student Convocation 2026

New Student Convocation is our official welcome to all new students and the start of your journey as a Flame! Join thousands of your fellow classmates to celebrate new beginnings, UIC traditions, school spirit and the opportunities that await you. Hear from university leaders, connect with your UIC community and kick off the academic year with energy, pride and excitement.

Due to the forecast of thunderstorms and rain, New Student Convocation has moved indoors to Credit Union 1 Arena. Rain or shine, the celebration is on! Together, we'll welcome the newest class of Flames, celebrate the start of a new academic year and make our greatness known.

Complimentary parking will be available in Lot 1B (corner of Racine Avenue and Harrison Street). Transportation will be provided from the west side of campus and the School of Law.

Access Info: The ADA accessible entrance is at Gate 2. ASL will be provided. ASL will be provided. Email ORHelp@uic.edu for additional access requests.

Attendee Information | What You Need To Know

Students

Check In

Please plan to arrive for check-in by 3:30 PM. All UIC students, alumni, family and guests should enter Credit Union 1 Arena at Gate 3.
Program

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Meet Your College

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ceremony & Lighting of the Torch

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM One Circle, One UIC Group Photo

5:45 PM – 8:00 PM Flames Fest: a student meal ticket will be given after the group photo
Attire

Dress for the event is casual. All new students received their red UIC Orientation T-shirt at Summer Orientation. Please wear this shirt for our epic class photo.
One Circle. One UIC. Group Photo

Join the entire UIC community as we welcome our newest Flames and create a lasting UIC tradition! First-year and transfer students, current students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and supporters are invited to come together to form the UIC logo for a group photo.

Be part of history, celebrate the start of the academic year, and show your UIC pride. Everyone who participates will receive a free red UIC bucket hat to wear during the photo (while supplies last).

Don't miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable UIC moment!

Faculty & Staff

To positively impact the success and student experience of our new UIC Flames, faculty and staff are encouraged to be a part of the UIC New Student Convocation. Join us in welcoming our new UIC first year and transfer students!
Check In

Faculty and staff check-in begins at 3:15 PM. Faculty and staff should enter Credit Union 1 Arena at Gate 2.
Program

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Meet Your College

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ceremony & Lighting of the Torch

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM One Circle, One UIC Group Photo

5:45 PM – 8:00 PM Flames Fest: a student meal ticket will be given after the group photo
Attire

Dress for the event is casual, and we encourage all attendees to wear UIC spirit gear! No regalia required.

Convocation Venue

The location you'll be looking for

Event Location

UIC Credit Union 1 Arena
525 S. Racine Ave
Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Call Us
312.996.3271

Get Directions

Event Registration

Official invitations are sent to new students' UIC email accounts. These emails contain unique links for each student. Please be sure to use your link to RSVP!

Didn’t receive the email invitation to New Student Convocation? Email orhelp@uic.edu. Be sure to include your UIN and the names and emails of any guests you would like to RSVP, and we will get you signed up!

RSVP Today