What to Expect on Your First Day
Welcome to SIUE! Use the options below to view the next steps for students entering in the fall, spring or summer. You can also learn about what to expect as a new student at SIUE, as well as requirements to complete during your first year.
Entering Fall / Spring Semester
Admitted Students
Now that you’ve been admitted to SIUE, there are a few things you need to do to officially enroll and prepare for the start of college. Please view the admitted student checklist for more information about activating your student ID, registering for classes and other items to complete before you join us on campus.
New Student Orientation
Our one-day, summer program includes academic advising, course registration and information about the resources for success available at SIUE.
View the New Student Orientation website
Welcome Weekend Program
New students start the semester with Welcome Weekend, an extended orientation program. Beginning with move-in day, Welcome Weekend combines informational sessions with activities and social events designed to help you navigate the process of transitioning to the campus community.
Entering Summer Semester
Now that you’ve been admitted to SIUE, there are a few things you need to do to officially enroll and prepare for the start of college. Please view the admitted student checklist for more information about activating your student ID, registering for classes and other items to complete before you join us on campus.
New first-year students admitted for the summer term are required to schedule a one-hour advising appointment with an academic advisor. You will receive a letter with specific information about your advising appointment at the appropriate time prior to your first term at SIUE.
Your First Year
First Semester Transition Course
- All first-year students are required to complete a first semester transition course. This course is designed to help students transition to college by preparing them for college-level coursework and helping them engage with other members of the SIUE community. FST 101 is a one-credit, 15-week course taught by faculty across multiple disciplines.
Class Registration for Future Semesters
- Each semester, you are required to meet with your academic advisor before registering for classes to ensure you are on track to reach your academic and professional goals. After meeting with your advisor, the ‘AC-Advisor Check-In’ hold on your student account will be lifted, and you will be able to register for classes, barring any other holds on your account. Registration opens near the middle of each semester for the following semester. Visit the Registrar's website to see all the important dates and deadlines.
Get Involved
- There are more than 250 student organizations at SIUE. Whether you are interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, club sports, or an academic-focused club, there is something for everyone. Information about every student organization can be found on the Get Involved website through the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub.
Phi Eta Sigma
- Phi Eta Sigma (PES) is SIUE’s local chapter of the first-year honor society. PES recruits new members during the spring semester if they meet the GPA requirement of 3.5 or above. Throughout the semester, PES holds multiple professional development events, as well as social gatherings for members. PES members also participate in multiple community service events throughout the year such as Service Saturdays.
Campus Events and Traditions
- As a student at SIUE, you will have the opportunity to engage in fun and exciting campus events and traditions throughout your first year. During the fall semester, Cougar Welcome kicks off the school year by providing students with fun activities during the first two weeks of class. Later in the semester, Homecoming and Family Weekend take place. In the spring, you’ll get to experience Springfest, which is a week-long campus event that includes activities like eating ice cream out of a canoe!
