Vandals are flocking back to campus this week as we near the beginning of the fall semester. While the numbers aren’t out yet, UI says that enrollment is looking good for the fall, with housing at 92% capacity. With renovations on the top three floors of Theophilus Tower completed and more to come in Wallace Residence Center, students can look forward to an elevated experience this year.
New Student Orientation is up first, but events aren’t limited to just new Vandals, as UI has plenty of family and returning student programming. The Week of Welcome begins with the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 25, and extends until the following Saturday.
Wednesday, Aug. 20
New Student Orientation Check-In
Stop by the New Student Orientation tent on the Theophilus Tower Lawn any time between 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to pick up your welcome bag and Orientation schedule.
Move-In
Whether you are an incoming Vandal or a returning student, the dorms are waiting for you. Move-in is between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 20.
Dessert with the Dean
Parents and family members are invited to a relaxed evening with campus leadership from 7-9 p.m. Meet the Dean of Students, Provost, Vice Provosts, College Deans and other campus leaders in the Administration Building Auditorium and Courtyard.
New Vandal Scramble
Meet your Orientation leaders at 7:45 p.m. on the Theophilus Tower Lawn before heading to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. This high-energy activity will give you the chance to meet other new Vandals and have some fun.
The Great Game Scavenger Hunt
Blueprints for the new 100-foot-tall statue of Joe Vandal have been stolen! You and your team of up to eight detectives will travel to 10 different locations around campus and solve puzzles to find the stolen plans. Teams that complete the hunt will be entered into a drawing for $50 VandalStore gift cards for each member and two individual students will win a Nintendo Switch 2. Download the Great Game app and complete the scavenger hunt before 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 31 to be entered.
Thursday, Aug. 21
New Student Orientation
Head over to the ICCU Arena for New Student Orientation. Check-in starts at 7:30 a.m. and orientation starts at 8:30 a.m. Hear from the Dean of Students, explore your academic college, learn about campus resources and discover university life at Orientation sessions until 3 p.m.
Supporting Success: What to Expect in Your Student’s First Semester
Parents and families can learn how to support their student at their first semester at UI in the Memorial Gymnasium from 10:15-11 a.m. Topics will include academic expectations, support resources, information about the UI community and ways to stay involved.
Parent & Family Sessions
At each of three sessions, parents and family members can choose from a list of informational discussions to attend. A list of topics and locations can be found online. Session one runs from 11:15 a.m.-12 p.m., session two from 1:15-2 p.m., and session three from 2:15-3 p.m.
Family Tour Options
At two separate tour times, 1:15-2 p.m. and 2:15-3 p.m., families can explore different parts of campus and the Moscow area. Discover the main campus, ICCU Arena, P1FCU Kibbie Dome, Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Downtown Moscow or take a ride on the Joe Bus Driving Tour. All tours depart from the ISUB Plaza.
Repurpose the Purge
Grab free, gently used dorm essentials from the Administration Building Lawn from 3-7 p.m. The Student Sustainability Cooperative collected over 3,000 items from fellow Vandals in the spring, and now it’s time to give those items a new life. Each student will get to choose up to four items while supplies last.
Vandal Family Send-Off
Celebrate the beginning of a new chapter at 3:15-4 p.m. on the Administration Building Lawn. Students and families will get to participate in the traditional Vandal Family “V” photo.
Sip & Sculpt with the University Advising Team
Grab a free soda from the Soda Spout and join UI’s academic advisors at the ISUB Plaza and Green for a creative event. Craft your own clay figure in a relaxed social atmosphere from 4-5:30 p.m.
Screen on the Green – “Thunderbolts”
Spend your evening watching “Thunderbolts” on the Theophilus Tower Lawn at Screen on the Green. Showing will start at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., with seating opening at 7:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and snacks from home. The event is free and open to all.
Target Shopping
Join Housing and Residence Life for a students-only night of shopping at Target from 10-11:30 p.m. Enjoy some time with fellow Vandals and play games, win prizes and take advantage of shopping deals. Target will be closed to the general public at this time. Free transportation will be available at the LLCs, Wallace Residence Hall, Bruce M. Pitman Center and various stops along Greek Row.
Friday, Aug. 22
Friday Kickoff with Your Orientation Leaders
Start your day with your Orientation leaders on the Administration Lawn at 9 a.m. Get to know your fellow Vandals, learn what’s ahead and participate in some fun games and activities.
Learn Your Resources Sessions
At three different informational sessions, choose from a list of topics to explore. Topics and locations are available online. Session one runs from 9:45-10:15 a.m., session two from 10:30-11 a.m. and session three from 11:15-11:45 a.m.
Explore your Vandal Community
Explore one of four communities starting at 1 p.m. The University Honors Program Kickoff will take place in the ISUB Summit Room on the fourth floor, where you can discover the opportunities the Honors Program offers. In Teaching and Learning Center Room 230, hear about military and veterans’ services at the university. Transfer and non-traditional students can discover resources in the Administration Building Auditorium, while the Center for Disability Access and Resources will share their support services in TLC Room 40.
Guided Tours of Support Spaces
Depart from the ISUB Plaza on support spaces tours from 1-2:30 p.m. Choose from the Academic Resource Tours or the Health and Wellbeing Tours.
Discover Our Departments
Discover five different campus departments from 1-2:30 p.m. Discover the Mill, located in the library on the first floor, and all the tools the creative makerspace has to offer, from 3D printers to sewing supplies and more. Stop by the Vandal Health Clinic to learn about health and wellness services on campus.
Visit the Counseling and Mental Health Center, located in Mary Forney Hall Room 306, and learn about their free, confidential counseling and mental health support services. Drop by the Dean of Students’ office in TLC Room 232 to see how the department supports students. Visit the Vandals First Center in ISUB Room 306 and see how the department empowers first-generation students through resources and community.
International Student Orientation
Check in at the Vandal Ballroom on the second floor of the Bruce Pitman Center at 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. for International Student Orientation. Meet International Services staff and student ambassadors, play games, learn about your visa and more. All international students are required to attend immigration check-in and orientation sessions.
Pre-Health Professions Orientation
Explore the Pre-Health Professions program in ISUB Clearwater/Whitewater at 2-3 p.m. and discover academic planning, study resources, peer mentors and fellow pre-health students.
Paint, Plants and Popcorn
Unleash your creativity and paint your own plant pot at the ISUB Plaza from 2-4 p.m. Free plants, supplies and popcorn will be available. Meet new friends and add some life to your room!
Late Night at the Rec
Explore the Student Recreation Center in a fun-filled evening. Participate in dodgeball, volleyball, basketball, climbing, yard games and de-stressing activities in the Well Space. This event is free for UI students and runs from 9-11 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23
SYNC – See Your New Community
Meet other new students and explore Moscow at See Your New Community. From 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., learn more about the area and connect with your new community.
Palousafest
Browse hundreds of student groups, campus departments, local businesses and organizations in UI’s signature street fair. From 5:30-7:30 p.m., groups will line 6th Street and the Theophilus Tower Lawn, ready for you to learn how to become involved with the Palouse community.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Find Your Classrooms
Bring your class schedule to the Pitman Center Welcome Center at 10 a.m. and get ready to tackle your first day of classes! Orientation Leaders will guide you around campus and help you figure out where your classes will be.
Vandal Kick-Off
Join other new Vandals at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome at 3 p.m. for the “I” photo before engaging in the traditional walk toward the Administration Building. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing Welcome Barbecue from 4:30-6 p.m. on the Administration Lawn.
Lavender Ice Cream Social
Join the Vandals First Center in TLC 230 for an ice cream social from 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 25
Fall Semester Begins
Good luck on your first day of classes, Vandals!
Vandal Health Clinic Open House
Meet your on-campus medical team at the Student Health Center from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Join the Vandal Health Clinic for an open house featuring food, games and prizes. Learn about the health services they offer and connect with fellow Vandals.
First Day Photos
Get your photo taken by professional photographers to commemorate your first day of class. Visit the ISUB Rotunda from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to participate.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
Native American Student Center Open House
Explore the Native American Student Center at an open house from 1-3 p.m. See the newly renovated student space, meet staff and learn about the services they offer. Refreshments will be provided.
I-Dye Tie-Dye Social
Tie-dye your own Joe Vandal shirt at this event on the ISUB Lawn. From 4-6 p.m., the first 500 students will get their own white Joe Vandal shirt for tie-dying, but students are encouraged to bring their own pieces as well.
Wednesday, Aug. 27
ISUB Open House
Grab a Bingo card on the second floor of the ISUB from 3-5 p.m. and fill it out by visiting the different student organizations, services and resources available in the ISUB. Each location will feature fun activities. The more you complete your card, the more chances you have to enter into a drawing for one of three prize baskets.
International Tea Series – Thai Tea and Wellness Social
From 3:30-5 p.m., enjoy traditional Thai tea while learning about mental health resources on campus. Join the Counseling and Mental Health Center at the International Programs Office to learn how to take care of your mental health during the academic year. RSVP online at https://uidaho.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11393395.
Thursday, Aug. 28
On-Campus Jobs Fair
UI students in search of an on-campus or Moscow area job are invited to attend the On-Campus Jobs Fair from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the ISUB Clearwater-Whitewater Room. UI departments and local businesses will be at this casual event. Whether you’re looking for employment, work-study, internships or research programs, this event is a great opportunity. A list of employers can be found on Handshake.
Global Vandals Photo Scavenger Hunt
Join the International Peer Mentors for a photo scavenger hunt across campus and Moscow from 3-5 p.m. with the chance to win prizes. Participants will meet at the IPO Event Center for instructions. RSVP online at https://uidaho.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11348060.
Screen on the Green – “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning”
Watch “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” on the Theophilus Tower Lawn at Screen on the Green. Showing will start at dusk, approximately 8:30 p.m., with seating opening at 7:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and snacks from home.
Friday, Aug. 29
Food Pantry Open House
Check out the Vandal Food Pantry, an on-campus resource free for students, in Shoup Hall, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program Ice Cream Social
Come learn about the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies program while enjoying a delicious treat! Meet the WGSS faculty and current students on the grassy area outside the Memorial Gym from 12-2 p.m. Dairy-free, gluten-free and sugar-free options will also be available.
Saturday, Aug. 30
Sound Bath in the Trees
Join the Student Sustainability Cooperative for the relaxing experience of a sound bath under the trees at 8:30-9:30 a.m. on the East Administration Lawn. The meditative nature of sound baths can help soothe stress and anxiety, making it a great way to start the semester.
Vandal Football at Washington State
Join in on the game day fun at the Vandal Tailgate at Washington State University. The tailgate at Ensminger Pavilion in Pullman runs from 4-6:30 p.m., with kickoff at 7 p.m. Enjoy food, beer and other drinks from Palouse Caboose. Meal and drink tickets cost $32 per person when bought in advance and $35 at the door. RSVP online at vandalstailgatewsu2025.eventbrite.com.
Dakota Steffen can be reached at [email protected].