Join us for Blue Demon Welcome 2026!
Blue Demon Welcome is DePaul's annual New Student Convocation that celebrates the beginning of the DePaul journey for all new students including freshman, graduate, and transfer students. This celebration at the start of the academic year welcomes new students to DePaul. Returning students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend to join in the celebration as we welcome in the newest Blue Demons on Tuesday, September 8.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
First, New Student Convocation will begin at 3:00 p.m. in McGrath-Phillips Arena for all new students. Here, students will hear the annual academic welcome delivered by university leadership, including President Robert Manuel, Provost Russell Ivy, the Student Government Association President, and others. Open to new and international students!
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Following the academic welcome, students will process to the Quad for our Welcome Back Picnic. We encourage all new & returning students to attend this Chicago food festival which combines interactive stations, a DJ, photo stations, and more to create a memorable first day experience for all of our students. Students who attend will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last. Open to all students!
Full Schedule of Events:
11:00 a.m. Check-In begins in Student Center Atrium
3:00 p.m. Event Begins/Doors open for Blue Demon Welcome
3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Academic Welcome at McGrath-Phillips Arena
4:15 p.m. New Student Processional from McGrath-Phillips Arena to Quad
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Chicago food festival, interactive stations, music, and more on the Quad
7:00 p.m. Blue Demon Welcome ends
RSVP for Blue Demon Welcome 2026
Registration for Blue Demon Welcome 2026 is now open via DeHUB! An RSVP is requested, but not required. Active BlueKey credentials are required to register. All attendees will receive a DePaul t-shirt.
RSVP via DeHUB is requested, but not required, to attend this event. Questions? Contact Student Involvement at involvement@depaul.edu.
RSVP Here to Attend