Pathway Advising
Academic On-Ramps for New Students
As a temporary home for new freshman students who are undecided about their college major or who are determined through the admission process to need additional support before transitioning into their chosen major, UWM’s Pathway Advising assists students in academic exploration and decision-making through six exploratory pathways called “metamajors,” which allow students to explore multiple majors that share a general academic theme.
Coursework in these pathways lead to a permanent affiliation with one of UWM’s Schools and Colleges by the end of the student’s first school year, with classes that count toward any UWM undergraduate degree. Students in Pathway Advising are empowered and encouraged to form advising relationships, collaborate with faculty and instructional staff, and utilize support services.
Pave Your Own Way
MyMajors Assessment
Want to generate some ideas about what to major in? Try the Universities of Wisconsin’s MyMajors assessment!
Student Support Services
Pathway Advising also partners with UWM’s Student Support Services in support of first generation, low-income, and disabled students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your academic advisor is a professional staff member whose purpose is to help you get the most out of your college experience. Working closely with your advisor can help you set and achieve goals, connect with campus resources, and make responsible decisions consistent with your interests, goals, abilities, and degree requirements.
Pathway advisors work with students who are undecided, exploring multiple programs within our Metamajor Pathways, gaining support from Student Support Services, and/or taking coursework to move into one of our selective majors such as Engineering or Nursing here at UWM.
You can find who is currently assigned as your advisor on PAWS.
1. Log into your PAWS account
2. Click on the “Home” page
3. Your advisor’s name is listed on the lower right-hand side of the screen
Prepare a list of specific questions, and bring the following items to your appointments:
• Your planner or calendar
• Course Planning Worksheet completed (for course planning appointments)
• Questions, plans, and ideas!
Pathway advisors are here to help you throughout the year. We are here to answer questions, connect you with other offices, and assist you in finding your academic path. You can reach out to your academic advisor via email, over the phone or Microsoft Teams, or set up an in-person appointment through Navigate at: https://uwm.guide.eab.com/. Feel free to walk-in or request additional appointments with your advisor at any time.