Welcome Week 2026

Kick off your university journey with Welcome Week! Join us for a vibrant mix of social and academic events designed to help you find your people, explore your campus, and feel at home before classes begin.

Date & Time

Start:
End:

Event Location

University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave Windsor, ON N9B 3P4 Canada
Toldo Lancer Centre
2555 College Avenue Windsor, ON N9B 3P4 Canada

Overview

Welcome to the start of something incredible.

Welcome Week is your official introduction to life as a Lancer — a week packed with exciting events, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences before classes even begin. From high-energy faculty competitions to laid-back socials and essential academic prep, it’s all designed to help you feel confident, connected, and ready for your journey at the University of Windsor.

Whether you’re exploring campus for the first time, meeting your professors and upper-year mentors, or diving into challenges that earn points for your faculty’s team, there’s something for everyone. You’ll make friends in your program, discover the services and supports available to you, and start building the community that will carry you through your university experience.

It all leads up to the battle for the Lancer Shield — a fun, spirited competition that celebrates teamwork, school pride, and getting involved. So bring your energy, your curiosity, and your Lancer spirit — because this is more than orientation. This is where your Windsor story begins.

Stay tuned for schedule updates, event highlights, and everything you need to start strong.

Move-In Day & Parking Info

click or tap to zoom

Battle Of The Faculties

The inter-faculty rivalry has students form teams from within each major of study, earning points for participation and success in a series of events and challenges! Faculties include…

The winners will have a chance to crown their faculty the greatest, as well as receiving the Lancer Shield and a commemorative plaque that will be hung up in a place of prominence on campus. Also the winning team will win awesome prizes and achieve UWindsor immortality. Events eligible for earning points towards winning the Battle of the Faculties!

Check out the contest rules and prizes document below to see what prizes are up for grabs and how to win them!

Have You Asked?

Consent, respect, and healthy boundaries matter everywhere on campus.

Whether you’re meeting new friends, attending events, or just hanging out, it’s important to remember that every relationship and interaction starts with respect. Asking for consent—before you take a photo, before you share a story, before anything physical—shows care for the people around you and sets the foundation for a safer, more welcoming campus.

Consent isn’t a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing conversation.

Everyone deserves to set their own boundaries, and everyone deserves to have them respected. No exceptions.

If you’re not sure, ask.
If you feel unsure about your own boundaries, you have the right to take your time and say so.
And if you ever need support, there are people here to help.

Learn more about consent, communication, and support at UWindsor’s Have You Asked? page.

Happening @ Welcome Week 2026

September 9, 2026 @ 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Attending your program orientation is one of the best ways to start your first year on the right foot. Orientation helps you build connections, learn about campus life, and feel prepared for success in your program.
View Event Details

Welcome Week Schedule

Sunday, September 6

Move-In Day

8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Residence Buildings

Move in day is the exciting first step in your journey and we’re here to make it smooth, fun and unforgettable. Please plan to arrive during your assigned move-in time slot. You’ll be greeted by a team of enthusiastic staff and volunteers ready to help you every step of the way — whether it’s unloading your belongings, finding your room, or answering any last-minute questions. Your residence experience starts here!

Mandatory Floor Meeting

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Residence Buildings

Your residence experience begins right on your floor — and your first mandatory floor meeting is the perfect place to kick it off! This is your chance to meet your fellow floor mates, connect with your RA, and start building relationships that will shape your first year. Whether you’re looking to make friends, learn the ins-and-outs of residence life, or just get a feel for your new community, this is where it all begins.

Football Game 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Alumni Stadium

Join the excitement as the Windsor Lancers Football team kicks off a new season at Alumni Stadium! Cheer on the Lancers as they battle the Laurier Golden Hawks in their 2026 home opener on Sunday, September 6 at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy an electric game day atmosphere featuring live OUA football action, school spirit, and campus pride as we welcome students back to the University of Windsor. Students are encouraged to gather between Alumni Hall and Rodzik Hall at 5:15 p.m. for a spirited student parade into the stadium before kickoff. The walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or attending your first game, this is the perfect way to experience Lancer Nation during Welcome Week!

Mock Casino

9:00 pm - 12:00 am
CAW Courtyard

Step into the glitz and glamour of Mock Casino Night—one of Welcome Week’s most exciting events, exclusively for residence students! Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or brand new to the tables, this is your chance to experience the thrill of a casino in a fun, friendly, and risk-free environment. No real money required—just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to play, laugh, and win prizes! – Learn and play popular casino games (no experience needed!) – Meet fellow residence students in a relaxed, high-energy setting – Dress up if you want—casino chic encouraged! Grab your friends, bring your best poker face, and get ready for a night of unforgettable fun—just with your residence community.

Monday, September 7

UWin Games

11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Alumni Stadium

Join your squad at Alumni Stadium for a full day of high-energy challenges, inflatable showdowns, and non-stop vibes. Whether you’re here to dominate, make new friends, or just soak up the fun, this is the event you don’t want to miss!

Blue & Gold Bingo

5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
CAW Commons

Blue and Gold Bingo is an event for all incoming undergraduate students. Students will play bingo, win prizes, meet other undergraduate students, and enjoy food and music!

Outdoor Glow and Games

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Alumni Hall residence

Start off welcome week in residence with some outdoor games, dodgeball tournament, and ice cream sundaes! An evening filled with glow in the dark fun and meeting new friends, see you at Alumni Hall Field!

Tuesday, September 8

JumpStart

10:30 am - 12:00 pm

Start strong with JumpStart, a practical and supportive workshop built to help you navigate your first year with confidence. Learn essential academic skills, time management strategies, and tips for staying on track as a university student – all in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. Whether you’re looking to boost your study habits or just figure out where to begin, this session is a great first step. Breakfast will be offered for participants!

Registration required.

Involvement Fair

12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard

The Involvement Fair is an event that hosts campus clubs, societies, and partners through information booths in the Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard. These groups will have the opportunity to market themselves to incoming students. Future lancers will have the chance to learn about ways to get involved on campus and get acquainted with campus resources and supports available to them.

Tour Tuesday

1:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Departure Location: Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard

Tour Tuesday will feature the following tours: Campus Tour, Favourite Study Spaces Tour. Old Sandwich Town Tour, Toldo Lancer Centre Tour, (possible addition of a Black History Tour), and Urban Architecture Tour. These tours are designed to help introduce students to different areas within and around the University of Windsor campus.

The Rec Zone

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Greenspace at Sunset Ave. & Wyandotte St.

Welcome to The Rec Zone!! Come see what Lancer Recreation has to offer by visiting this high energy traveling Toldo Lancer Centre! We’ll be hosting fun challenges and games, you can learn about all the programs offered through Lancer Recreation and win fun prizes!

Fire Up and Feast

2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
BLX living learning community members only
Black Scholars Institute Lounge (basement of the CAW Student Centre)

Fire Up and Feast – Fire Up & Feast Join us on Tuesday, September 8th from 2–5 PM in the back of the BSI lounge for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection— exclusively for Black residence students. Enjoy camp-style games designed to help you meet new people and build community. We’ll be serving chicken, beef burgers and veggie burgers, mac & cheese, fruit, corn, and freezies. Come connect, unwind, and feast with us!

Paint Lounge

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
CAW Commons

Students will enjoy an afternoon of painting and live music from the School of Creative Arts while sipping on mocktails provided by Windsor’s own Erie St GastroPub. It’s the perfect opportunity to unwind, get creative, and meet fellow students!

Dirty Bingo

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Game on: Dining Hall Edition

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Rodzik Dining Hall

Ready to play? Join us for Game On: Dining Hall Edition, a fun and relaxed evening of board games and good company! Head to the Dining Hall and choose from a variety of games—whether you’re feeling competitive or just want to laugh and unwind with new friends. From classic favourites to quickplay games, there’s something for everyone. Come solo or bring your crew—either way, it’s the perfect chance to connect, have fun, and add a little friendly competition to your Welcome Week. No experience needed—just drop in and play!

Wednesday, September 9

Program Orientations

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Welcoming Celebration

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Toldo Lancer Centre

Turtle Island Festival

4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
David A Wilson Commons

Taste the Rainbow, Test your Knowledge

7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Residence

Looking to connect with other 2SLGBTQIA+ students in Residence? Look no further than this fun mocktail mixer and Jeopardy event! Organized by Residence’s Community Assistant for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, we encourage everyone to come out and mingle with other residents and enjoy a fun drink before competing in a queer-themed Jeopardy game.

Movie Under the Stars

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Alumni Hall Residence (Back Patio)

Grab a blanket, your friends, and get ready for a cozy night under the night sky! Join us for Movie Under the Stars, a perfect chance to relax and unwind during Welcome Week. The best part? The movie is a surprise, so you’ll have to come to find out what’s playing! We’ll be set up in the green space behind Alumni Hall (or nearby Rodzik—just follow the crowd and event signs). Sit back, enjoy the fresh air, and experience a classic campus night you won’t want to miss. Free entry. Good vibes guaranteed.

Thursday, September 10

Glow and Grow

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard

It’s time to get your glow on Lancers! Our annual Welcome Week Glow & Grow Event is back!! This year with relaxing sunset Pilates leading into high energy Zumba classes, light up yard games and of course, all things glow! Come and join us Thursday, September 10th 8:00–10:00 pm in front of Dillon Hall for energizing music, fun fitness, soothing stretches, and the chance to make new friends! The first 50 students who register in advance will take home a care package with mental health resources, glow sticks galore, and cool swag! Please contact mike.mcmahon@uwindsor.ca if you require any accommodations. Registration open August 24th.

Friday, September 11

TGI Friday: Make a Welcome Sign

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Residence Students Only
Residence Buildings

Come out and make a welcome sign for your Residence door! Make your home away from home feel more like your own while meeting other students in Residence. Every Friday in Residence, there’s a TGI Friday event, where you can come out and earn Blue and Gold Cup points for your building. The building at the end of the year wins the Blue and Gold Cup and a prize for their community!

For Organizers

Whether you’re planning a social, hosting an academic orientation, or showcasing your group at the Involvement Fair, we’ve gathered all the key links you’ll need right here. If you’re part of Welcome Week 2026 planning, bookmark this section for quick access!

Quick Access

Visit uwindsor.ca/orientation for broader planning resources.

Involvement Fair Sign-Up

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Show off your student group or department at the Welcome Week Involvement Fair — the best way to connect with new students!