Welcome to Bradley University’s Welcome Week! From move-in weekend through the first day of classes and beyond, enjoy campus-wide celebrations and events designed to help you connect and get involved. See the full schedule below.
Fall 2026 List of Events
Saturday, August 22
Bradley Beginnings | 4:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
Come to the quad and meet fellow students, faculty, and staff (and Kaboom!), and possibly snag some Bradley swag.
Floor Meetings | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.| Residence Halls
Meet with your Resident Advisors to learn about the ins and outs of living in campus housing!
Bradley First Night | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
Join the Campus Life Ambassadors on Olin Quad for games, socializing, music and some snacks to kick off your first night of college.
Sunday, August 23
Guest Speaker Heather Matarazzo | 11:00am – 12:00 p.m. | Renaissance Coliseum
The Kick Off Keynote Speaker for Welcome Week is actress Heather Matarazzo. She will speak about her journey with depression, the unexpected steps she took on her healing journey, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Welcome Bash | 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. | Alumni Quad
Join the welcome celebration in Alumni Quad for food, music, and more.This event is sponsored by the Fraternity and Sorority Programming Board and funded by SABRC.
Taste of Bradley | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
One of Bradley’s favorite traditions! Food trucks, local vendors, and live music by Bradley’s very own KaboomBox! Cash, debit, and credit accepted.
NPHC/MGC Ice Cream Social | 7:00 p.m. | GCC Lawn
Head over to GCC lawn for an Ice Cream Social and a meet and greet with the members of the Multicultural Greek Council and NPHC.
Outdoor Movie by ACBU | 9:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
Join ACBU on Olin Quad for The Princess Diaries!
Monday, August 24
Mandatory Campus Safety Session for all new students | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Marty Theatre
Join BUPD in an overview on safety, security, and your rights on and around campus! Your CLA will guide you to your session.
Rec-A-Palooza | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Markin
Play games and meet Intramural staff and Club Sports members while getting a chance to win some prizes!
iPad Pick Up | 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.| Markin
Your CLA will lead you to Markin to pick up your Bradley ipad.
Welcome Week Service Project | 12:00 p.m. | Markin
The Block Party on Fredonia | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Fredonia Ave.
Head to the annual Block Party hosted by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council for free food, music, and games.
MGC Info Session | 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Garrett Center
Meet the Multicultural Greek Fraternities and Sororities of Bradley! A quick info session, overview of upcoming events, and then meet with the men and women of Alpha Psi Lambda National, Inc., Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Inc., and Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc.
Late Night BU | 9:00 p.m. – Midnight | Markin
Get ready for a night of games, music, crafts, and food! We can’t wait to have you all back for our first LNBU of the year. It’s exciting to kick off the year with s’more exciting activities.
Tuesday, August 25
Activities Fair | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Olin Quad
The Activities Fair is a great opportunity to check out all the student organizations at Bradley!
Academic Receptions & Orientation | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Convocation | 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. | Renaissance Coliseum
You’re part of the Bradley Family! President James Shadid, faculty, and staff will officially induct all new Bradley students into the Bradley Family!
Incoming Student Photo | 4:45 – 5:15 p.m. | Alumni Quad
B a part of the Bradley tradition! Join your fellow students on the Alumni Quad for the B Photo Tradition!
Night Out with Dining | 5:15 – 7:00 p.m.
Come celebrate the start of the new academic year with free food and giveaways at Markin. Sponsored by Dining Services.
NPHC Info Session | 7:00 p.m. | Garret Center
Interested in learning more about our historically Black Fraternities and Sororities? Head to the Garrett Center to meet our NPHC Greeks!
Wednesday, August 26
Panhellenic Recruitment Orientation
Interested in finding out more about our Panhel Sororities and the recruitment process? Come find out more!
First Day of Classes
Thursday, August 27
Welcome Week Item Drop | 11a-1p | Olin Quad
Stop by Olin Quad to grab some free Bradley swag and show off your campus pride!
IFC Presents: Kickback on the Quad | 5p-7p | Olin Quad
Hang out with Bradley’s IFC fraternities, enjoy some yard games, and get to know the members and brotherhoods that make up the community.
Friday, August 28
Welcome Back Block Party hosted by Office of Inclusive Excellence | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. | GCC Grass
Panhellenic Recruitment Round 1 | 4:00 p.m. | Markin Performance Court
Bingo and Donuts Hosted by ACBU | 7:00 p.m. | SC Ballroom
Saturday, August 29
Panhellenic Recruitment Round 2 | 9:30 a.m. | Markin Performance Court
Be Empowered | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
NPHC Yard Show | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
Stepping and strolling is a part of the history of NPHC and MGC Organizations. Come check out what our NPHC and MGC families are bringing to the yard.
NPHC Cook Out | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | Olin Quad
After watching the performance on stage, join NPHC and MGC for a cookout to learn more about their organizations and how to get involved.
Sunday, August 30
Panhellenic Bid Day | 6:00 p.m. | Alumni Quad
Men’s Soccer vs. UW-Green Bay | 7:00 p.m.
Monday, August 31
IFC Recruitment begins | All Week
Wednesday, September 2
Be Empowered | 1p-3p | Olin Quad
Explore opportunities to connect with organizations focused on service, faith, civic engagement, and political involvement on and around campus.
Sunday, September 6
Annadexus, IFC Recruitment Ends | 11a | Alumni Quad
Experience Annadexus, a unique Bradley tradition celebrating Bid Day as the newest IFC fraternity members receive their bids and make the run home to their new chapter.
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