UIC Convocation 2026: One Circle. One UIC.
Date / Time
August 26, 2026
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location
Categories
Be part of a historic UIC moment as students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends come together to welcome new students.
Rain or shine, the celebration is on Aug. 26!
Due to a forecast of rain, this year’s convocation will be held indoors at Credit Union 1 Arena. While the celebration is moving inside, we’re keeping the excitement, energy and UIC spirit that make this one of the biggest moments of the year.
Together, let’s make UIC known.
What to expect:
- UIC circle mark formation
- Photos and video
- UIC giveaways
- Food and entertainment
All registered participants will receive a free UIC hat and t-shirt.
Getting here:
- All UIC students, alumni, family and guests enter at Gate 3.
- UIC faculty/staff enter at Gate 2.
- ADA-accessible entrance will be at Gate 2. ASL will be provided. For additional access requests, please contact New Student and Family Programs at ORHelp@uic.edu or call 312.996.3271.
Complimentary parking will be available in Lot 1B (corner of Racine Avenue and Harrison Street).
Transportation will be provided from the west side of campus and the School of Law.
West side of campus
Pickup location: Student Center West
Pickup time: 4:15 p.m.
Return time: 6:30 p.m.
School of Law
Pickup location: 19 W. Jackson
Pickup time: 4:15 p.m.
Return time: 6:30 p.m.
Event schedule
| 3:30 p.m. | Check-in opens Credit Union 1 Arena
|
| 4-5 p.m. | Welcome experience Credit Union 1 Arena Kick off the year by connecting with the UIC community. |
| 5-5:30 p.m. | New student convocation Credit Union 1 Arena Join UIC’s official welcome for all new students featuring remarks from university leadership, campus traditions and the start of your journey as a Flame. |
| 5:30-5:45 p.m. | Processional Credit Union 1 Arena Head down to the floor of Credit Union 1 Arena to join fellow students, faculty, staff, university leaders, the Pep Band, Spirit Squad, Sparky and orientation leaders to form our giant human circle. |
| 5:45-5:55 p.m. | One Circle. One UIC. Photo capture Credit Union 1 Arena Show your UIC spirit with thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends in the UIC human circle. |
| 6-8 p.m. | Flames Fest Credit Union 1 Arena Celebrate the start of the academic year with UIC’s biggest welcome event! |
