WELCOME UIC STUDENTS
On August 26, 2026
4:00PM – 8:00PM
UNIVERSITY HALL EAST LAWN (OUTDOORS)

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.

Join your fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends as we create the largest UIC Human Circle Mark in university history. Together, we'll welcome the newest class of Flames, celebrate the start of a new academic year and make our greatness known.

Access Info: 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. Check-in for students will be outside at the University Hall lawn, located just east of the University Hall, 601 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607.
Program

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Meet Your College, University Hall Lawn

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ceremony & Lighting of the Torch, Harrison Field to Ceremony, University Hall Lawn

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

5:45 PM – 8:00 PM Flames Fest: a student meal ticket will be given after the group photo at Harrison Field
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 largest UIC logo group photo ever taken.

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. Check-in for faculty and staff will be at the University Hall Lawn, located just east of the University Hall, 601 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607.
Program

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Meet Your College, University Hall Lawn

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Ceremony & Lighting of the Torch, Harrison Field to Ceremony, University Hall Lawn

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

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

UIC University Hall – East Lawn
601 S. Morgan Street
Chicago, IL 60607, USA
UIC Harrison Field
836 W Harrison Street
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