Eastern hosting dedicated fall Open Houses September 12, October 12 and November 13; other visit opportunities available
CHARLESTON, IL (08/20/2026) Eastern Illinois University will welcome prospective students and their families to campus this fall for three dedicated Open House events designed to provide high school students, transfer students, and their families with an opportunity to explore EIU, learn about academic programs and connect with members of the campus community.
Fall Open Houses at Eastern Illinois University are scheduled for Saturday, September 12; Monday, October 12; and Friday, November 13. Prospective students can sign up for any of these events at eiu.edu/openhouse.
The events are designed to give prospective Panthers a closer look at the EIU experience while providing opportunities to ask questions and gather information about EIU’s academic programs, admissions process, financial aid availability, housing & dining options, and student life experiences.
During an Open House, prospective students can personalize their visit by connecting with faculty and staff in academic areas of interest. Representatives will discuss academic programs, career preparation, and other research and scholarship opportunities available to students in their fields of interest.
Prospective students and families also can meet with representatives from key University offices, including Admissions, Financial Aid and Housing and Dining. Admissions staff will be available to answer questions about the application and enrollment process, while Financial Aid representatives can provide information about paying for college, applying for scholarships, and navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.
Open House activities will include a tour, an opportunity to see Eastern’s Charleston, Illinois-based campus and experience the EIU environment firsthand. EIU’s regular fall daily visits include a guided walking tour and an opportunity to explore a residence hall.
A panel of currently enrolled EIU students will provide visitors with additional perspectives, allowing prospective Panthers to hear directly from current students about the transition to college and life at EIU.
Additional Open House opportunities include information about the Sandra and Jack Pine Honors College, as well as Career Services, where future Panthers can learn about resources designed to help students prepare for careers or graduate school.
The Sept. 12 Fall Open House coincides with Panther Tailgate, giving registered Open House guests an opportunity to experience EIU football following the campus visit.
Interested students and families who cannot attend one of EIU’s three fall Open Houses have several other opportunities to experience Eastern.
- Fall 2026 Daily Campus Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Each visit includes a guided walking tour, an opportunity to explore a residence hall and an informational presentation. Visits also can be personalized through connections with faculty in an academic area, the Honors College, campus resources or an EIU admissions counselor.
- For prospective transfer students, Fall 2026 Transfer-Specific Tours are offered Fridays from 9 to 11 a.m. These visits include a campus walking tour, including a residence hall, and a meeting with an EIU admissions counselor.
- Select Saturday Visits are also available during the fall. These visits include an admissions presentation and a walking tour of campus.
- For prospective Panthers unable to travel to Charleston, EIU offers virtual counselor meetings that allow prospective students to connect with an admissions counselor for a virtual meeting and get answers to any questions they may have about EIU.
- A self-guided campus tour provides another flexible option. Prospective students can explore campus at their own pace and, by registering in advance, may meet individually with an admissions counselor. The self-guided experience also includes a tour folder, T-shirt and bottled water.
EIU encourages prospective students and families who cannot find a scheduled visit that fits their needs to contact the Admissions team, and EIU’s admissions staff will work directly with families to identify a visit opportunity that fits their schedules.
To explore visit options and register for an EIU campus experience, visit eiu.edu/admissions. Questions about campus visits can be directed to the Office of Admissions at (217) 581-2224 or via email at visiteiu@eiu.edu.
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EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, community-based services and opportunities, visit Eastern Illinois University or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.