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A group of students on the Quad during Welcome Week

Signature Events

The Dean of Students Office coordinates the signature events that mark the beginning (Welcome Week) and culmination (commencement) of the Illinois State experience. We also engage students and their families in the vibrant cocurricular life at Illinois State through two annual traditions—Festival ISU and Family Weekend.

Festival ISU

Tuesday, August 29 and Wednesday, August 30
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day
Illinois State University Quad

Festival ISU is your opportunity to meet with fellow students, learn about the wide variety of Illinois State University registered student organizations (RSOs), and discover ways you can get involved.

Each day of Festival ISU highlights the following RSOs and campus departments:

  • Tuesday August 29 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Illinois State University Quad
  • Agriculture
  • Business
  • Communication
  • Education
  • Event Planning
  • Gaming/Gaming Culture
  • Leadership/Advisory
  • Media
  • Performance
  • Recreation
  • Sport Clubs
  • Technology
  • Wednesday, August 30 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Illinois State University Quad
  • Advocacy
  • Civic Engagement
  • Cultural/Ethnic
  • Faith/Spiritual
  • Graduate Students
  • Health/Medical
  • Honor Society
  • Political
  • Science
  • Service
  • Social Science
  • Social Sororities and Fraternities
  • Sustainability

RSO registration is currently open.

Campus department registration will begin in June.

Business vendors: Festival ISU is focused on assisting the Illinois State registered student organizations establish and grow their membership as well as helping campus departments to connect with students. Applications from community business vendors will not be accepted for Festival ISU.

Bloomington/Normal service organizations: The Center for Civic Engagement will contact 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations directly with more details regarding the Civic Engagement Fair.