Students talking and laughing on campus

Orientations – Graduate

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 Fall 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 Fall 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 September 9, 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: Friday, August 28, 2026
  • Time:
    • Check-in: 10-10:30 a.m.
    • Orientation programming: 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location: TBD

Registration is required and will open in summer 2026. Watch your UWM email for details on how to register. 

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.