UIndy Traditions

The traditions at UIndy bring our community together. Experiencing campus life, developing long-lasting friendships and making memories is something students look forward to the most. Our traditions bring out the University’s Greyhound pride and spirit and help students get the best out of their UIndy experience. Below are the long-standing traditions that we celebrate every year.

Move-In Day

students carrying fridge and boxes during move-in

Move-In Day is the kick-off to Welcome Week—five activity-filled days before the start of classes to help you meet new friends and get adjusted to life at UIndy. Once you have checked in and received your keys, the Move-In Crew will help you move in so you can get ready for the activities for the day.

Welcome Week

Welcome Week is a fun week designed to help new Greyhounds make a successful transition to college, meet new friends and connect with the University before classes start. Events and programming are meant for both new, incoming freshmen, as well as new transfer students. By working with upper-class Orientation Leaders and Guides, students have an opportunity to learn about the social, cultural, and academic life at our University.

Some of the Welcome Week activities include; the Welcome Lunch, Meet your Professors, Block Party, outdoor movies, and so much more!

Homecoming & Family Weekend

family portrait of a mother and 5 children

One of the most anticipated events of the year, UIndy’s Homecoming tradition is a fun-packed week, full of events where you can unleash your Greyhound pride and spirit. It is also a time to relax and reconnect with your UIndy family as well as make new friends.

Homecoming Day starts off with a Hound Hustle 5K Run/Walk through campus and the local neighborhood, followed by events such as Tailgate Town and block parties, where everyone can enjoy music and feast at the food trucks.

Family Weekend is one of UIndy’s long-standing Greyhound traditions. This annual event provides an opportunity for families to experience campus life with our students; attend a lecture, tour the campus, and meet other UIndy families. There are lots of events to keep students and their families entertained throughout the weekend such as Lunch with the President, the cornhole tournament, football, and so much more. Whether you have children enrolled at UIndy or not, we hope all our Greyhound families join us for this fantastic weekend.

Celebration of Flags

panoramic shot of the Celebration of the Flags ceremony on Smith Mall

The Celebration of Flags is a UIndy tradition modeled after the Olympics opening ceremony. The ceremony celebrates UIndy’s rich diversity and honors students, faculty, and staff from more than 75 countries. It is a unique experience like no other. During this beautiful spectacle, flag bearers feature the national colors and dress of their country.

Following the Celebration of Flags, students, faculty, and staff make way to the International Exposition, held in the Shreve Atrium of Schwitzer Student Center. The Expo features interactive displays and activities, such as henna tattoos, Chinese calligraphy, traditional artifacts, and clothing displays.

Flapjacks & Finals

students eating in UIndy Hall

Don’t we all love late-night munching? Flapjacks & Finals is all about sharing the night with your UIndy family. Students can take a breather from the stress of finals and hop in line for a free breakfast. You’d be surprised what eggs and pancakes can do for the brain!

Giving Tuesday

Grady the Greyhound posing in front of a fireplace with students wearing UIndy socks

Caring for others—that’s what Greyhounds do the best. At UIndy, we embrace a holistic approach to improving wellness in every sense—physical, mental, community, and social health. Greyhounds live out our motto, Education for Service, every day while healing the sick, counseling those in need, building community programs, and much more! Giving Tuesday is your opportunity to support the many programs that enhance the well-being of our communities and earn incentives. A healthier community starts with you.

Pack the House

UIndy basketball player jumping to shoot the ball

UIndy’s annual Pack the House brings energy and fun to campus. Free to any UIndy student, Pack the House is full of fun activities—and men’s and women’s basketball! Surrounding the games, students enjoy the Hound Pound Block Party and after-parties. And there are always chances to win great prizes, too!

UINDY DAY

A group of UIndy students posing on Smith Mall with the UIndy costume mascot, Ace, holding a UIndy Day sign.

UIndy Day is a day to unite and show the world your Greyhound pride while helping to support current and future students at the University of Indianapolis. Whether you're a UIndy alum, student, parent, or faculty or staff member, this day is for you to celebrate and support our Greyhound community.