Students have returned, the campus is buzzing and every day seems to feature a new event or activity. That can only mean one thing: School is back in session for the Fall semester.

We've already kicked off with a great week-plus of events during Lions Roar, which featured the annual Lion Walk, a soccer match against the Oklahoma Sooners, the grand reopening of the Morris Rec Center, and so much more.

But that's enough about the past. Here are a few big dates to look forward to during the 2026-27 academic year at East Texas A&M:

• Sept. 6 – ETAMU Day with the Texas Rangers. (It's not too late to get your tickets!)
• Sept. 12 – Family Weekend. Sign up to enjoy a full day of activities with your Lion student, or encourage your friends with children attending ETAMU to register.
• Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 – Homecoming Week. Stay tuned for more updates on Homecoming event staples such as the Hot Dog Spirit Rally, National Night Out, Homecoming concert and more. The football game is set for Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
• Oct. 8 & 9 – Fall Break. New for the 2026-27 academic year, ETAMU is instituting a two-day fall break where no academic activities will be held.
• Nov. 10, 12 & 15 – Southland Conference Women's Soccer Tournament. For the third time since joining NCAA Division I, East Texas A&M was selected to host a Southland Conference postseason championship event. Cheer on Lion Soccer, which has made the SLC Tournament finals twice in four years, as they look for ETAMU's first conference championship in the D1 era on home ground.
• Dec. 11 & 12 – Fall Commencement Ceremonies
• Spring 2027 – Dedication of the Ted and Donna Lyon Center for Gamebird Research
• Spring 2027 – Dedication of the Rene' Griffin Event Center
• May 7 & 8, 2027– Spring Commencement Ceremonies

Another key period is the Texas 90^th Legislative Session, set to begin Jan. 12 and end May 31, 2027. Key priorities for ETAMU this upcoming legislative session include performance-based funding for comprehensive regional universities, restoration of 3% of funding cut in the 89^th legislature, additional formula funding, and much more.

Standout priorities include Capital Construction Assistance Funding Requests totaling $79 million for the completion of Phase II of the Agricultural Multipurpose Education and Training Center (aka The Spur) and the Lyon Center.

President Rudin expressed excitement for the year ahead.

“This year is poised to be a big step forward,” Rudin said. “I am excited to work with all of our faculty and staff as a team to continue providing the knowledge, tools and resources to help students attain their dreams.”

For more info on what's ahead and university priorities for 2026-27, check out the recording of the Fall Assembly.