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WIU School of Music to Celebrate First Performance in New Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts

September 2, 2026

The Western Illinois University School of Music will mark a historic milestone during Homecoming weekend with its School of Music Celebration Concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the Great Hall of the new Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts. Read more.

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WIU Department of Art & Design Hosts September “First Wednesday” Event

September 2, 2026

The Western Illinois University Department of Art & Design is excited to present its September “First Wednesday” event from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, in Garwood Hall, the Heating Plant Annex, and the University Art Gallery. Read more.

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Western Illinois University Begins Academic Year with Strong Retention and Continued Investment in Students

September 2, 2026

Western Illinois University is entering the fall semester with a renewed focus on student success, academic innovation and strategic investments that strengthen the student experience and position WIU for the future. Read more.

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WIU Beta Kappa Recognized as Four-Star Chapter

September 1, 2026
WIU’s Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha was recently named a Four-Star Chapter, one of only six chapters nationwide to earn the honor this year.

The Beta Kappa Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha at Western Illinois University was recently recognized as a Four-Star Chapter, celebrating the chapter's commitment to creating a positive and meaningful sorority experience for its members. Read more.

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Free Workshop to Help Start, Strengthen, and Grow Your Business

September 1, 2026

Current and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to attend Growing Your Business in Illinois, a free educational event designed to provide business owners with practical information to help establish, strengthen and grow their businesses. Read more.

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WIU Awarded GenCyber Grant to Host Free Cybersecurity Camp for High School Students

August 31, 2026
WIU will host the WIU GenCyber Cybersecurity Camp in June 2027 after receiving an $89,401.33 GenCyber Grant. The free, hands-on camp will welcome 30 students entering grades 9–12, with a focus on introducing students from rural communities to the field of cybersecurity.

Western Illinois University has been awarded an $89,401.33 GenCyber Grant to host the WIU GenCyber Cybersecurity Camp in June 2027. Read more.

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Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts Seat Challenge Announced

August 31, 2026
A final push is underway to finish naming all of the seats in the Great Hall, the main performance facility in the new center.

As Western Illinois University prepares for the opening celebration for the Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts (GCPA) on Tuesday, Sept. 15, a final push is underway to finish naming all of the seats in the Great Hall, the main performance facility in the new center. Read more.

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Benton Stidd Obituary

August 28, 2026

Former Western Illinois University professor Benton Maurice Stidd, 90, of Bloomington, IN, passed away July 13. Read more.

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Board of Trustees Action Items

August 28, 2026

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees met at the WIU-Quad Cities campus for a special BOT meeting today (Aug. 28). Read more.

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New RecRe Box Coming to the University Union in Fall 2026

August 28, 2026
Free recreational and convenience rentals to enhance student experience! WIU students now have convenient, on-campus access to recreational and everyday essentials through the new RecRe Box in the University Union.

Western Illinois University students will soon have a new way to relax, recharge, have fun and connect with friends in the University Union. New for Fall 2026, the RecRe Box will provide students with free access to a variety of recreational and convenience items. Read more.

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WIU Alumna Lao Named Director of The Muscatine Art Center

August 27, 2026
Lao graduated from the WIU Museum Studies program in 2011 and remains in the Quad Cities.

Western Illinois University Museum Studies graduate Kelly Lao ('11) has been named the next director of the Muscatine Art Center in Muscatine, IA, following a three-month national search. Read more.

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Western Illinois University Rings in New School Year with Carillon Challenge

August 27, 2026
Ferrere graduated from WIU in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Information Science.

Since 1939, the sound of the Western Illinois University carillon has been part of the Leatherneck experience, marking the hours, welcoming students and carrying traditions like “Western Loyalty” across campus. Larry Ferrere `81 recently committed a generous gift and challenged the WIU community to help restore and modernize this iconic campus staple, ensuring it continues to ring for future generations of Leathernecks. Read more.

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Last updated: Wednesday 2nd of September 2026 07:16:48 PM


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Fall Semester Calendar

  • August 24, Mon. -- Classes Begin
  • September 7, Mon. -- Labor Day -- No Classes/University Closed
  • September 8, Tues. -- Classes Resume
  • October 16, Fri. -- Fall Break -- No Classes
  • October 19, Mon. -- Classes Resume
  • November 23-25, Mon.-Wed. -- Thanksgiving Break -- No Classes
  • November 26-27, Thurs.-Fri. -- Thanksgiving Holiday -- University Closed
  • November 30, Mon. -- Classes Resume
  • December 14-18, Mon.-Fri. -- Final Exam Week
  • December 19, Sat. -- Undergraduate and Graduate Commencement

View academic calendars for the current and future academic years.

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