Students talking and laughing on campus

International graduate students (master’s/PhD students) on an F-1 or J-1 student visa are required to attend a variety of orientations, details are below.

F-1/J-1 International Student Orientation

The Spring 2026 F-1/J-1 Student Orientation will be held in two parts, both as an online course and an in-person meeting. This orientation is for F-1 and J-1 degree-seeking students who will be joining UWM in-person for the Spring 2026 semester.

You are expected to complete both parts of this orientation.

Part 1: Online Course

The course is being held through Canvas, which is UWM’s online course system. The online course is self-paced and must be completed by January 30, 2026. Completion of this course is required.

You will be automatically enrolled in the online course after you have completed your Arrival Check-In.

Part 2: In-Person Meeting
  • Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
  • Time:
    • Check-in: 10-10:30 a.m.
    • Orientation programming: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location: Enderis Hall 103

Registration is required. Beginning December 23, 2025 you can register following these instructions:

  1. Log into your application portal.
  2. Find your Post Admit Checklist.
  3. Select “Register for the Spring 2026 In-Person F1/J1 International Student Orientations” and complete the registration form.

Additional UWM Orientations

Graduate School Orientation

The UWM Graduate School hosts an orientation for new students. For more information about their orientation, visit the Graduate School website.

Department Orientations

Most Graduate Students are required to attend a Department Orientation hosted by your academic department. To learn more about possible department orientations, contact your academic department.

Assistantship Orientation
  • All graduate students who have accepted an assistantship offer may be required to attend an orientation for the assistantship.
  • If you have accepted a Teaching Assistantship, Research Assistantship or Fellowship, contact your department for information regarding orientation and training requirements.