<\/p>\n

Welcome to the start of something incredible.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Welcome Week is your official introduction to life as a Lancer \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s team, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

It all leads up to the battle for the Lancer Shield \u2014 a fun, spirited competition that celebrates teamwork, school pride, and getting involved. So bring your energy, your curiosity, and your Lancer spirit \u2014 because this is more than orientation. This is where your Windsor story begins.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned for schedule updates, event highlights, and everything you need to start strong.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n","program":[{"title":"Welcome Week Schedule","description":"","section":[{"title":"Sunday, September 6","description":"","activity":[{"title":"Move-In Day","sessions":[{"start_time":"8:00 am","end_time":"3:00 pm"}],"description":"

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\u2019ll be greeted by a team of enthusiastic staff and volunteers ready to help you every step of the way \u2014 whether it\u2019s unloading your belongings, finding your room, or answering any last-minute questions. Your residence experience starts here!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Residence Buildings","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Mandatory Floor Meeting ","sessions":[{"start_time":"4:30 pm","end_time":"5:30 pm"}],"description":"

Your residence experience begins right on your floor \u2014 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Residence Buildings","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Football Game\u00a0","sessions":[{"start_time":"6:00 pm","end_time":"9:00 pm"}],"description":"

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!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Alumni Stadium","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Mock Casino","sessions":[{"start_time":"9:00 pm","end_time":"12:00 am"}],"description":"

Step into the glitz and glamour of Mock Casino Night\u2014one of Welcome Week\u2019s most exciting events, exclusively for residence students! Whether you\u2019re 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\u2014just 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\u2014casino chic encouraged! Grab your friends, bring your best poker face, and get ready for a night of unforgettable fun\u2014just with your residence community.<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]},{"title":"Monday, September 7","description":"","activity":[{"title":"UWin Games","sessions":[{"start_time":"11:00 am","end_time":"3:00 pm"}],"description":"

Join your squad at Alumni Stadium for a full day of high-energy challenges, inflatable showdowns, and non-stop vibes. Whether you\u2019re here to dominate, make new friends, or just soak up the fun, this is the event you don\u2019t want to miss!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Alumni Stadium","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Blue & Gold Bingo","sessions":[{"start_time":"5:30 pm","end_time":"7:30 pm"}],"description":"

Want a chance\u00a0at winning\u00a0awesome prizes like\u00a0airpods, a $350\u00a0Hidden Trails\u00a0gift card, and your very own Samsung tablet or\u00a0iPad?!\u00a0Come on down to Blue & Gold Bingo! Whether you attend alone or bring a friend,\u00a0join other first year students for a chance to win big!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This event is for all incoming\u00a0first year undergraduate\u00a0students.<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Commons","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Outdoor Glow and Games","sessions":[{"start_time":"7:00 pm","end_time":"9:00 pm"}],"description":"

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!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Alumni Hall residence","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Beach Party","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 am"}],"description":"

UWSA Tent Party<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]},{"title":"Tuesday, September 8","description":"","activity":[{"title":"JumpStart ","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:30 am","end_time":"12:00 pm"}],"description":"

Start strong with JumpStart<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Toldo Health Education, Room 102","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Involvement Fair","sessions":[{"start_time":"12:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 pm"}],"description":"

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.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Tour Tuesday","sessions":[{"start_time":"1:45 pm","end_time":"4:00 pm"}],"description":"

Departing\u00a0from the Involvement Fair DJ booth at 1:45pm, students can decide to\u00a0participate\u00a0in one of the following tours:\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Across the River to Freedom\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interested in exploring historic areas\u00a0and learning\u00a0fascinating\u00a0history?\u00a0Explore Sandwich\u2019s historic town\u00a0centre\u00a0and\u00a0learn\u00a0all\u00a0about its history.\u00a0This\u00a0walking tour spans 2km and will take\u00a0approximately half\u00a0an hour.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Downtown Windsor Architecture and Graffiti\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Something you\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0want to miss! This is your chance to\u00a0take\u00a0those\u00a0insta pics or learn about different pieces of\u00a0art\u00a0and how it transformed from vandalism to an art movement.\u00a0This tour will be guided by\u00a0WindsorEats\u00a0and Dorian Moore from the VABE program.\u00a0Complimentary transportation will be provided to and from Downtown Windsor.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Favourite\u00a0Study Spaces\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

From the\u00a0living\u00a0green wall space in\u00a0Toldo\u00a0Health Education Centre\u00a0giving nature vibes, to the\u00a0Zin room in the Odette School of Business giving\u00a0minimalistic cafe,\u00a0get the chance to hear current students\u2019 perspectives on their\u00a0favourite\u00a0study spaces across campus!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Indigenous History and Sandwich Town\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Explore four historical locations on the Old Sandwich-Indigenous History tour\u00a0and learn how the University of Windsor and the surrounding area\u00a0engage\u00a0in truth and\u00a0reconciliation\u00a0with Indigenous peoples and communities.\u00a0This tour will take approximately 1 hour, and you will be walking on and off campus, so please ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"Departure Location: Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"The Rec Zone","sessions":[{"start_time":"1:00 pm","end_time":"4:00 pm"}],"description":"

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!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Greenspace at Sunset Ave. & Wyandotte St.","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Fire Up and Feast","sessions":[{"start_time":"2:00 pm","end_time":"5:00 pm"}],"description":"

Fire Up and Feast – Fire Up & Feast Join us on Tuesday, September 8th from 2\u20135 PM in the back of the BSI lounge for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection\u2014 exclusively for Black residence students. Enjoy camp-style games designed to help you meet new people and build community. We\u2019ll be serving chicken, beef burgers and veggie burgers, mac & cheese, fruit, corn, and freezies. Come connect, unwind, and feast with us!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Black Scholars Institute Lounge (basement of the CAW Student Centre)","audience":"BLX living learning community members only","links":false},{"title":"Paint Lounge","sessions":[{"start_time":"4:30 pm","end_time":"6:30 pm"}],"description":"

E<\/span>njoy an afternoon of\u00a0<\/span>directed\u00a0<\/span>pai<\/span>nt<\/span>ing<\/span>\u00a0with<\/span>\u00a0live music from the School of Creative Arts<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0the perfect<\/span>\u00a0chill\u00a0<\/span>vibe<\/span>\u00a0for that #fallmood<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Commons","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Dirty Bingo ","sessions":[{"start_time":"6:00 pm","end_time":"9:00 pm"}],"description":"

This is definitely NOT your grandma\u2019s bingo.<\/span>\u00a0Expect wild challenges, hilarious moments, unexpected prizes, and a completely unhinged twist on the classic game. Grab your friends and get\u00a0<\/span>ready,<\/span>\u00a0anything can happen at Dirty Bingo.<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Game on: Dining Hall Edition","sessions":[{"start_time":"8:00 pm","end_time":"10:00 pm"}],"description":"

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\u2014whether you\u2019re feeling competitive or just want to laugh and unwind with new friends. From classic favourites to quickplay games, there\u2019s something for everyone. Come solo or bring your crew\u2014either way, it\u2019s the perfect chance to connect, have fun, and add a little friendly competition to your Welcome Week. No experience needed\u2014just drop in and play!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Rodzik Dining Hall","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Country Night","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 am"}],"description":"

UWSA Tent Party<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]},{"title":"Wednesday, September 9","description":"","activity":[{"title":"Program Orientations","sessions":[{"start_time":"8:00 am","end_time":"2:00 pm"}],"description":"","building_details":"","audience":"","links":[{"link_text":"List of Sessions","link_url":"https:\/\/www.future.uwindsor.ca\/event\/welcome-week-2026\/ww26-program-orientations\/"}]},{"title":"Welcoming Celebration","sessions":[{"start_time":"3:00 pm","end_time":"4:00 pm"}],"description":"

Celebrate the start of your UWindsor journey with your fellow Lancers!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Following your program orientation, head to the\u00a0<\/span>Toldo\u00a0Lancer Centre\u00a0<\/span>with your Faculty team. Join students from across campus as we officially welcome the incoming class and celebrate the beginning of your university experience.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0have the opportunity to win prizes, including our $4000 tuition draw, cheer on your faculty, celebrate the winning team for\u00a0Welcome\u00a0Week\u00a0and hear welcoming remarks from UWindsor leaders and student representatives.\u00a0Come ready to cheer, celebrate, and show your\u00a0<\/span>Blue & Gold spirit<\/span><\/b>\u00a0as we welcome\u00a0you to\u00a0the Lancer community!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A low sensory space will also be available to any students attending the event.<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"Toldo Lancer Centre","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Turtle Island Festival ","sessions":[{"start_time":"4:30 pm","end_time":"6:30 pm"}],"description":"

Join us for the Turtle Island Festival, a celebration of Indigenous culture, music, food, and\u00a0Uwindsor\u00a0Students!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Experience an unforgettable performance by DJ Darr Sands, who blends hip-hop, storytelling, and original music to take audiences on a powerful musical journey. Through personal stories, heartfelt tributes, and original rhymes, Darr shares a message of resilience, culture, and community while keeping the energy high from start to finish.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Enjoy delicious Indigenous cuisine, fun games, exciting prizes, and an opportunity to come together and celebrate. Whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0a student, staff member, faculty member, or community member,<\/span>\u00a0EVERYONE IS WELCOME!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Come celebrate, connect, and experience the spirit of Turtle Island!<\/span><\/p>\n","building_details":"David A Wilson Commons","audience":"","links":false},{"title":"Taste the Rainbow, Test your Knowledge","sessions":[{"start_time":"7:30 pm","end_time":"9:00 pm"}],"description":"

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.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Residence","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Movie Under the Stars","sessions":[{"start_time":"8:00 pm","end_time":"10:00 pm"}],"description":"

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\u2019ll have to come to find out what\u2019s playing! We\u2019ll be set up in the green space behind Alumni Hall (or nearby Rodzik\u2014just follow the crowd and event signs). Sit back, enjoy the fresh air, and experience a classic campus night you won\u2019t want to miss. Free entry. Good vibes guaranteed.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Alumni Hall Residence (Back Patio)","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Lancers' Choice","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 am"}],"description":"

UWSA Tent Party<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]},{"title":"Thursday, September 10","description":"","activity":[{"title":"Glow and Grow","sessions":[{"start_time":"8:00 pm","end_time":"10:00 pm"}],"description":"

It\u2019s 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\u201310:00 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.<\/p>\n","building_details":"Chrysler Hall Tower Courtyard","audience":"","links":[{"link_text":"Register Now","link_url":"https:\/\/lancercentre.uwindsor.ca\/Program\/GetProgramDetails?courseId=b5b43615-76ea-4272-a8e7-cf6294b54bc9"}]},{"title":"Festival Night","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 am"}],"description":"

UWSA Tent Party<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]},{"title":"Friday, September 11","description":"","activity":[{"title":"TGI Friday: Make a Welcome Sign","sessions":[{"start_time":"6:00 pm","end_time":"8:00 pm"}],"description":"

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!<\/p>\n","building_details":"Residence Buildings","audience":"Residence Students Only","links":false},{"title":"Foam Night","sessions":[{"start_time":"10:00 pm","end_time":"2:00 am"}],"description":"

UWSA Tent Party<\/p>\n","building_details":"CAW Courtyard","audience":"","links":false}]}]},{"title":"For Organizers","description":"

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\u2019ll need right here. If you’re part of Welcome Week 2026 planning, bookmark this section for quick access!<\/p>\n","section":[{"title":"Quick Access","description":"

Visit uwindsor.ca\/orientation<\/a> for broader planning resources.<\/p>\n","activity":[{"title":"Involvement Fair Sign-Up","sessions":false,"description":"

Show off your student group or department at the Welcome Week Involvement Fair \u2014 the best way to connect with new students!<\/p>\n","building_details":"","audience":"Undergraduate and Graduate Students","links":[{"link_text":"Involvement Fair Sign-Up","link_url":"https:\/\/www.uwindsor.ca\/orientation\/354\/involvement-fair-sign"}]}]}]}],"locations":[{"name":"University of Windsor","street_address":"401 Sunset Ave","address_locality":"Windsor","address_region":"ON","postal_code":"N9B 3P4","address_country":"Canada"},{"name":"Toldo Lancer Centre","street_address":"2555 College Avenue","address_locality":"Windsor","address_region":"ON","postal_code":"N9B 3P4","address_country":"Canada"}],"legal_items":[{"title":"Welcome Week Photo & Video Consent & Release","content":"

Throughout Welcome Week, University of Windsor staff and volunteers may take photos and videos at events to capture the spirit of our campus and community. These images may be used by the University for promotional, educational, or informational purposes related to Orientation, Student Life, and University activities.<\/p>\n

By attending any Welcome Week event, you understand and agree that:<\/p>\n