WIE Orientation Overview
Optional Pre-Orientation Virtual Group Mentoring
WIE is hosting a series of pre-orientation virtual group mentoring sessions to build a sense of community and help students prepare before coming to campus for WIE Orientation. These sessions will be led by small groups of WIE Orientation Mentors, who are current student leaders from a variety of majors in Grainger Engineering. The sessions will be informal for students to ask questions of the mentors and interact with new people in the Women in Engineering community. After registration closes on July 19, students will receive an email with a separate registration link to sign-up for these sessions.
- Thursday, July 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT
- Wednesday, July 30, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT
- Tuesday, August 5, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CDT
Dates and Registration
WIE Orientation is scheduled on August 20-21, 2025. Registration is available from May 15-July 19, 2025. Capacity is limited, so register early! Once we reach capacity, registrants will be put on a wait list. WIE Orientation is designed to provide an interactive, multifaceted, and valuable program experience for new first-year and transfer students. With support from our Corporate Sponsors, WIE is able to offer this program free of charge to students. Registration is required to help us organize the best program possible, with appropriate volunteer staffing, activities, SWAG, and food orders. Please be mindful not take a spot from another student unless you are committed to full participation in our program!
REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 15.
Early Move-In Information
WIE recommends that you elect Early Arrival on Tuesday, August 19, for a smoother move-in process and to get settled in before orientation and other activities during Welcome Week. University Housing charges a $60 fee to your student account for room/meals for Early Arrival. Note that WIE Orientation is not an early move-in program that covers any housing fees. Registrants should contact University Housing about move-in options, including Early Arrival for University Housing. Visit Early Arrival options for Private Certified Housing for more information about Private Certified Housing.
Schedule
The program schedule for WIE Orientation 2025 is included below.
Wednesday, August 20
| 2:00 PM-2:30 PM | Check-In for registered students | CIF 1035 |
| 2:30 PM-2:45 PM | Collaborative Engineering Identity Warm-Up Activity: "Draw an Engineer." Check in early to have more time to connect with peers! [mixed-major groups] | CIF Monumental Steps |
| 2:45 PM-2:50 PM | Transition to Auditorium | |
| 2:50 PM-3:10 PM | Welcome & Overview: "Making the Most of WIE Orientation" |
CIF 0027/1025 Auditorium |
| 3:10 PM-3:40 PM | Grainger Alumna Keynote: "Every Experience Takes Flight" with Isha Tyle (BS, ME '21) | CIF 0027/1025 Auditorium |
| 3:40 PM-3:50 PM | Wellness Break/Transition | |
| 3:50 PM-4:50 PM | WIE Resource Fair: "Exploring with Purpose: Co-curriculars, Experiential Learning, Leadership Opportunities, and Academic and Wellness Support Resources" |
CIF 0035, CIF 0018, CIF 0036 [CIF 0027/1025 networking] |
| 4:50 PM-5:00 PM |
Wellness Break/Transition [pick up dinner outside breakout rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors] |
|
| 5:00 PM-6:00 PM | "Making Connections" Dinner & Activity with Peers and WIE Mentors [mixed-major groups] | CIF Breakout Rooms |
| 6:00 PM-7:00 PM | WIE Escape Room: "Lost in Space: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work" [mixed-major groups] | CIF Breakout Rooms |
Thursday, August 21
| 9:00 AM-9:15 AM |
Check-In [pick up coffee/bagel outside breakout rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors] |
CIF Breakout Rooms |
| 9:15 AM-10:15 AM |
Fireside Chat with Department Faculty & Staff [grouped by majors/departments] |
CIF Breakout Rooms |
| 10:15 AM-10:25 AM | Wellness Break/Transition | |
| 10:25 AM-10:40 AM | WIE Group Photo [Don't forget to wear your new WIE t-shirt!] | CIF Monumental Steps |
| 10:40 AM-10:45 AM | Transition to Breakout Rooms | |
| 10:45 AM-11:45 AM | Community-Building Activity: "I am an Engineer AND..." [grouped by majors/departments] | CIF Breakout Rooms |
| 11:45 AM-12:00 PM |
Wellness Break/Transition [pick up lunch outside breakout rooms on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors] |
|
| 12:00 PM-1:00 PM | "Curious About My Major" Lunch & Activity with Peers and WIE Mentors [grouped by majors/departments] | CIF Breakout Rooms |
| 1:00 PM-1:10 PM | Wellness Break/Transition | |
| 1:10 PM-2:10 PM | Moderated Panel with Engineering Career Services and Corporate Sponsors: "Getting a Head Start with your Engineering Career" | CIF 0027/1025 Auditorium |
| 2:10 PM-2:30 PM | Wrap-Up Reflection & Closing Activity: "Community Insights and Creating Value" | CIF 0027/1025 Auditorium |
| Door Prizes and Distribution of WIE's "First Two Weeks Scavenger Hunt" |