After you’ve been admitted to the College of Community Engagement and Professions (Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, School of Education, and School of Information Studies), take care of the following to prepare for enrollment/registration:
Campus ID Number
Your 9-digit number (99X-XX-XXXX) is listed in your admission letter/email from the University. You’ll need this number to activate your student accounts.
Activate your ePanther Account
You’ll need your ePanther account activated to log in to all of your UWM student accounts. To start this process, visit: https://account.uwm.edu/public/activate
Set up your Email & Multi-Factor Authentication
It’s important to check your UWM email on a regular basis (https://uwm.edu/office365/). Log in using your ePanther ID and password. For security reasons, our campus uses multi-factor authentication (MFA) for the ePanther ID verification. To set this up, visit https://uwm.edu/information-technology/digital-id/mfa-student/.
University Terms & Conditions Agreement
Before you’re able to enroll, you’ll need to complete the University Terms & Conditions Agreement in PAWS. It will show up as a “Hold” on the right-hand side of your student account. More info at https://uwm.edu/finances/finances/university-terms-and-conditions-agreement/
Plan your Schedule
Using the Schedule of Classes (https://catalog.uwm.edu/course-search/) is the best way to search for course offerings each term. Check with your advisor if you have questions about your course options and graduation plan.
Sign up for Classes
You’ll register for classes through PAWS (https://uwm.edu/paws/). First, add classes to your shopping cart, then ‘finish enrollment’ to officially register. PAWS how-to tutorials can be found at https://uwm.edu/registrar/students/enrolling/adding-dropping-and-changing-classes/
After enrolling/registering for classes, check out the following resources to prepare for the first day of classes:
Apply for financial aid (if applicable)
Apply for financial aid online at fafsa.gov. Designate UWM as a recipient using the Title IV code 003896. Visit the UWM Financial Services website for more details: https://uwm.edu/financialaid/. Be sure to check out UWM Scholarship Opportunities at https://uwm.edu/finances/scholarships/portal/. Monitor your UWM student accounts for updates regarding your financial aid offers and acceptance details.
Complete the General Application for the UWM Scholarship Portal
All available UWM scholarships are posted here. Create a general application to be auto matched to scholarships. https://uwm.edu/finances/scholarships/portal/
Sign up for Accommodations
If you need accommodations in any of your courses you should connect with the Accessibility Resource Center (ARC) to get them set up. https://uwm.edu/arc/
Military and Veteran Student Information | UW-Milwaukee Veterans
Visit the UWM Military and Veterans website (https://uwm.edu/military-veterans/) for information about MEBO (Military Education Benefits Office) and support for veterans through MAVRC (Military and Veterans Resource Center)
Log in to Canvas
Canvas is the UWM web-based learning environment. All UWM courses (online and onsite) in which you are enrolled should appear in Canvas by the first day of the term. Access Canvas via the UWM Homepage, or by going directly to UWM Canvas Site (https://uwm.edu/canvas/home/). To log in to Canvas, you need to know your ePanther ID and Password.
Get your Student ID Card
Your PantherCard is your official UWM identification card and is an essential part of accessing services throughout the University. All enrolled Students are eligible for a PantherCard and new students can submit ID photos online – check the full details at https://uwm.edu/retailservices/panthercard/
Order Books/Class Materials
Find all required course materials and order any needed books etc. https://www.bkstr.com/uwmilwaukeestore/shop/textbooks-and-course-materials
Pay your tuition
Tuition and fees are due on the date indicated on your PAWS account. Eligible students who wish to participate in the tuition installment payment plan must pay at least $100.00 toward tuition charges by the tuition due date. Important tuition information can be found at: Business & Financial Services https://uwm.edu/onestop/finances/billing-and-payment/
Get a Bus Pass or Parking Permit
UWM students have access to a free bus pass, or can purchase a campus parking pass. https://uwm.edu/transportation/
Last Updated | July 2025