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  • Big E Welcome 2026

Big E Welcome 2026

Date/Time:
August 19, 2026 - August 23, 2026
Students form the "big E" on the CG Bank Field Roy Kidd Stadium football field at night with fireworks in the background.

Big E Welcome’s Signature Sneak Peak

Big E Welcome is your official introduction to life at EKU! This exciting multi-day experience helps new students transition smoothly into college life. During Big E Welcome you’ll connect with new friends, explore campus resources, and gain valuable skills to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Signature events include:

  • Big E Kickoff & Welcome Walk – A spirited celebration marking the start of your EKU journey.
  • Powell Palooza – A high-energy night filled with games, music, and fun.
  • Big E Bash – A late-night festival to cap off an unforgettable experience.
  • Big E Photo and Spirit & Traditions Night – Capture your first big EKU moment and learn what it means to be a Colonel.
  • New Student Convocation & President’s Dinner – A special evening honoring your new beginning at EKU.

Big E Welcome happens just before classes begin, so students start their first semester feeling prepared, connected, and excited for the journey ahead!

We can’t wait to introduce you to life on the “Campus Beautiful!”

Quick Links

Contact Information

Student Life & First-Year Experience
Powell 152
859-622-3855
studentlife@eku.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Big E Welcome is mandatory for all first-year students, this includes all commuter and on-campus residential students. Transfer students with less than 30-credit hours are expected to attend. Transfer students with more than 30-credit hours and regional campus students are welcome to attend Big E Welcome but need to email studentlife@eku.edu using their official EKU account to sign up for the program.

No. Big E Welcome is FREE for all students.

Students who are unable to attend any portion of Big E Welcome need to email studentlife@eku.edu using their official EKU email account to be excused.

Big E Welcome primarily takes place the 4 days prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Big E Welcome allows students to connect and build friendships with other first-years, equip themselves with the necessary skills to excel in and outside the classroom, and to truly welcome them to EKU and the Exceptional Eastern Experience. Orientation is another required program for first-year students which occurs over the summer. For more information about orientation, please contact the Office of Admissions.

Commuting students can park in any of the designated commuter lots around campus. These lots can be found on the EKU Parking Map and more information on EKU Parking can be found on the EKU Parking & Transportation Services webpage.

Residential students can park in any of the designated residential lots around campus. These lots can be found on the EKU Parking Map and more information on EKU Parking can be found on the EKU Parking & Transportation Services webpage.

We want the best experience for all our students at EKU and to ensure that their individual needs are met. If a student needs accommodations due to a disability, they may apply through the Center for Student Accessibility‘s online application.

EKU Meal Plans activate the first day of move-in. Students may use their meal swipes or flex dollars to eat at Case Dining Hall. To learn more about dining, including their hours of operation, please visit the EKU Dining Services website.

The Colonel’s Cupboard & Closet, located in Powell 215, provides students with FREE food and clothing.

Yes. Transfer students with less than 30-credit hours are expected to attend Big E Welcome. Transfer students with more than 30-credit hours are welcome to attend Big E Welcome but need to email studentlife@eku.edu using their official EKU account to sign up for the program

Of course, the more the merrier! Regional campus students may attend Big E Welcome but need to email studentlife@eku.edu using their official EKU account to sign up for the program. Regional students need to register for parking if they plan on attending Big E Welcome or visiting main campus. Regional students can register their vehicle through the EKU Parking Portal using the “Guest Login” and a non-EKU email account; the first 2 permits are free then $5 each day after.

The Office of Student Life & First-Year Experience, located in Powell 152, is here to help however we can! We can be reached by phone: (859) 622-3855 or by email: studentlife@eku.edu.