Join Us
Programming and Events are an important part of any university, and here at SIUE, we have some amazing activities for you to participate in. Some have been occurring for decades and some are newer traditions. Regardless, we hope you take a moment to explore the programs and events offered through the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub and consider joining us this year for one or more of these programs!
Events are listed chronologically following an academic year. We, along with campus partners and the Campus Activities Board, host events to kick off each semester, to recognize national History and Heritage Months, to build spirit and community throughout the semester, to learn and grow, and to celebrate milestones throughout the year. Browse all events at SIUE to find the best way for you to connect and build community on campus.
Cougar Welcome (August 19, 2024--August 30, 2024)
Cougar Welcome takes place during the first two weeks of the fall semester. This tradition welcomes new students to the SIUE community and welcomes returning students. Through 20+ programming efforts, students will begin to feel connected to the campus community and discover SIUE as their home away from home.
Cougar Welcome includes the Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi American, and LGBTQIA+ Affinity Welcomes during the second week of fall semester to foster connection and belonging among students as well as share other resources on campus that support students with these various identities.
Hispanic/Latin@/x Heritage Month (September 15-October 15)
- the K-Hub offers programming to acknowledge and honor the contributions made by individuals of Latin descent in the United States and abroad. Hispanic/Latin@/x Heritage Month events will include lectures, celebrations, performances, and dialogues.
- 2024: Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together
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LGBTQIA+ History Month (October)
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The KHub offers programming to acknowledge and honor the contributions made by members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Some events will highlight the struggles and issues LGBTQIA+ students continue to face in society. Additionally, the K-Hub works collaboratively with the SIUE Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) , Queer Faculty Staff Association, and Safe Zone to host events for the month.
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Homecoming and Family Weekend (October 3-6, 2024)
Homecoming and Family Weekend is a great opportunity for students, faculty,staff and alumni to bond over their love of SIUE and share their Cougar Spirit. This week-long celebration offers all Cougars an opportunity to engage in some friendly competition and celebrate SIUE. This fall tradition dedicated to all Cougar family members and provides students with a chance to express their gratitude and appreciation for those who have supported them. Activities are available for the entire family to enjoy.
Native American/Indigenous Heritage Month (November)
The KHub offers programming to acknowledge and honor the history and contributions of Native American and Indigenous descent in the United States and abroad. Programming has included lectures, celebrations, and dialogues. The Native American Studies program at SIUE often collaborates and supports this month’s events.
Affinity Graduations (December 2-6, 2024)
The Hispanic/Latinx, Black, LGBTQIA, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi American, and NonTraditional Graduation Celebrations are hosted in the Morris University Center the last week of classes each semester.
Back 2 School Fest (January 13-24, 2025)
Join us in a series of events to welcome new and returning students to campus.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration (January 22, 2025)
In collaboration with partners on campus and in the community, The KHub hosts a luncheon in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Highlights of the luncheon include keynote speakers, musical performances and the awarding of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards: SIUE Student Scholarship; Humanitarian Award(s); and Youth Essay, Poetry and Visual Arts Contest (for local youth).
Black Heritage Month (February)
In collaboration with various academic departments, The KHub offers programming that acknowledges and honors the contributions made by Black, African and African Americans in the United States and abroad.
Wom*ns History Month (March)
The KHub offers programming that acknowledges and honors the contributions made by wom*n in the United States and abroad. The programming also aims to inspire and encourage all individuals that identify as a wom*n to strive for academic and cultural excellence at SIUE.
Phenomenal Wom*n Celebration (March 19, 2025)
The KHub hosts a luncheon to honor the Phenomenal Wom*n of the SIUE campus, SIU System and greater community. This luncheon provides an opportunity for these phenomenal wom*n to be seen and embraced for their works and their impact on others. The annual Phenomenal Wom*n Celebration is held during Wom*n's History Month. Highlights of the luncheon include a keynote speaker, featured performers and recognition of the winners of the Phenomenal Wom*n Award.
April: History and Heritage Months
In April, we celebrate diversity and acknowledge and honor contributions made by individuals of Arab descent, Jewish people, and people of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American in the United States and abroad. We do this in recognition of Celebrate Diversity Month, Arab American Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American Heritage Month. While Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American Heritage Month are nationally recognized in May, we host programming and events in April to engage the SIUE community before the school year ends.
SpringFest (April 21-25, 2025)
SpringFest is a week-long celebration that takes place in April. SpringFest is a tradition that invites students to take part in celebrating the end of the year before completing finals and leaving for the summer.
Kimmel Leadership Awards (April 23, 2025)
The Kimmel Leadership Awards celebrate students, faculty, staff, and community members who demonstrate excellence in leadership. Nominations open in February and the celebratory event takes place in late-April each year.
Affinity Graduations (April 28 - May 2, 2025)
The Hispanic/Latinx, Black, LGBTQIA, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi American, and NonTraditional Graduation Celebrations are hosted in the Morris University Center the last week of classes each semester.
