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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 Student Orientation

The Fall 2024 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 2024 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, 2024. 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

You can attend either in-person meeting (dates below) based on your arrival date. However, the August 22 session is designed for students with assistantships and will include more information on this topic.

Students With Assistantships:

  • Date: Thursday, August 22
  • Time: Check-in for Orientation: 9:30-10 a.m. Orientation programming: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendees must arrive before 10 a.m.
  • Location: Library 4th Floor Conference Room

All Other Graduate Students:

  • Date: Thursday, August 29
  • Time: Check-in for Orientation: 9:30-10 a.m. Orientation programming: 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Attendees must arrive before 10 a.m.
  • Location: Library 4th Floor Conference Room

Registration is required. The “F-1/J-1 Student Orientation Meeting Registration” request will be available in your ISSS Connect Portal under the “Documents & Requests” section. Registration will open on August 4, 2024.

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. 

Conditional Admission Students: Students with Conditional Admission must attend orientation in the UWM Intensive English Program. Students will attend an orientation at the Center for International Education when their status changes to regular admission. Email el-academy@uwm.edu with any questions.