Welcome Week
Are you ready for Welcome Week 2026? We're excited to kick off the new school year with Welcome Rallies, giveaways and more!
Westville Welcome Rally
Wednesday, August 26
noon to 2 p.m.
We will be in the DSAC Gym from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the new school year! Connect with your fellow students and discover resources and organizations across our campuses.
Hammond Welcome Rally
Thursday, August 27
noon to 2 p.m.
We will be in the SULB Plaza from noon to 2 p.m. to kick off the new school year! Connect with your fellow students and discover resources and organizations across our campuses.
In the event of rain or excessive heat, the welcome rally will take place inside SULB.
Welcome Week Events
First Day of School Photos – Hammond
Monday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hammond campus – outside SULB and NILS, Bell Tower
Kick off the new school year with a smile! The Office of Student Life will be taking First Day of School photos for students and staff at the Bell Tower outside of SULB and NILS.
First Day of School Photos – Westville
Monday, August 24 from noon to 2 p.m.
Westville campus – Library-Student-Faculty Building (LSF), fountain plaza
Strike a pose and kick this year off with a roar! Stop by the LSF Fountain Plaza on the First Day of School for some assistance taking your first day of School Picture!
Meet the Greeks
Tuesday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
hammond campus – classroom office building, the mane zone
Interested in what Sorority and Fraternity Life has to offer, but you’re unsure where to get started? Join us in the Mane Zone for your chance to meet current Greek Organization members, ask questions and explore how Greek Life can enhance your collegiate experience.
Keep the Fun Going!
Aug 27
Fall Welcome Rally (Hammond)Kick off the Fall semester at PNW’s Welcome Rally, where you can explore everything campus has to offer!
Aug 28
Graduate Students – December Graduate Plan of Study DeadlineThe last day for a plan of study to be received by the Graduate Studies Office to graduate in December is Friday, August 28, 2026.
Aug 31
PNW Esports TryoutsOpen tryouts for the PNW Esports program is kicking off this week for all competitive titles! All tryouts will be happening in the Esports Arena (SULB 103) at 5:30 p.m. and will be on set days.
Looking Back at Welcome Week 2025
Leo the Lion couldn't help but capture the unstoppable spirit of our campus community!
Students enjoyed an afternoon filled with delicious food, lively fun and meaningful connections as we kicked off the new academic year with the CHESS Community!
T-shirts distributed at the Welcome Rallies sported a unique "Purdue University Northwest" design.
Student organizations and department tabling were well represented during the Welcome Rallies.
Students got inspired and explored the amazing resources and student organizations across our campuses!
We kicked off the year with celebration and excitement as we welcomed our newest students at New Student Orientation!
Sharing laughs and savoring delicious food as the vibrant energy of the welcome rally filled the air!
We’re excited to get back to classes for the fall semester! See what to expect and how to thrive with PNW’s back-to-school guide.
Show your pride! PNW has more than 80 student organizations to help you develop your passion and connect with friends.
To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.
In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office for Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.