Log into your Admissions Portal to take these actions:

• Submit required documents for your application to UWM
• Check the status of your application to UWM
• View your decision letter
• View contact information for your UWM Admissions Advisor 

Once you’re admitted to UWM, you’ll be invited to register for Orientation and take other necessary steps.

How to Register for Orientation

Log into your Admissions Portal and find “New Student Orientation Registration“.  Select a date and share dietary needs, disability accommodations, and guest registration information.

You will receive a confirmation email after registering. More details about the program will be sent about a week before the event.   

New Freshman & Orientation Fee

The $100 New Freshman fee is paid by all new first-time first-year domestic students. This fee covers costs related to the first-year programming available to you during your first year at UWM. If you cancel enrollment prior to the start of this term, you will not owe this fee. 

The $150 Orientation Fee is paid by all new students (transfer and first-time first-year students) who attend orientation. This fee is not refundable if you participate in orientation. This fee covers the costs associated with your orientation experience (meals, staff pay, gear and giveaways, etc.). 

Changing Your Major

You can change your major up to 14 days prior to your Orientation program. You do this in the registration site. We cannot accommodate major changes at the Orientation program. Please note: Not all academic majors are represented at every Orientation. If you change your major after you register, you may need to select another date.

Additional Information

Disability, Mobility and Dietary Restrictions

We want to accommodate any mobility, disability, or dietary restrictions. If you need an accommodation, indicate this when you register.

Guest Policy

You may bring family/guests to Orientation, but it is not required, and you will be separated from your guests for much of the program, including course enrollment. You are allowed up to two guests. Romantic partners or friends are not appropriate guests for this program, and we do not recommend bringing children. Guests are required to provide their own accommodations for the overnight portion of the program. Panther Family Preferred Hotels can be found here: https://www.visitmilwaukee.org/uwm/ 

Spanish Language Accommodations

If your parents/guests need Spanish language translation, we can accommodate their needs. Please visit our Family Spanish Language Orientation website for more information.

Before you can enroll in classes at New Student Orientation, you have some important next steps to complete. Please complete these steps before attending Orientation to ensure that you are able to enroll in classes:

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA). Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that keeps your account safe. With MFA, you will be using something you know (your password) with something you have (your device/smartphone) to confirm your identity.

Access your UWM Email 

You can access and set up your UWM email 1-2 days after registering for New Student Orientation. Your email account is through Outlook and you can log in to the Microsoft suite here. Your email address is your ePantherID followed by @uwm.edu (ppanther@uwm.edu). Login with your full email address and your ePanther ID password.

Submit Your ID Photo

You will receive your official UWM student ID — your PantherCard– at Orientation. You must upload a photo of yourself to our system at least 48 hours prior to your Orientation date. Guidelines for taking and submitting your photo are available on the PantherCard Office website. 

Schedule

Student and family programs run simultaneously. Please review the schedules listed below:

NSO Student Agenda: Coming Soon!

NSO Family Agenda: Coming Soon!

Check Out Class Options in Advance

One of the most important things you will do at Orientation is register for your first semester of classes. An advisor will be there to guide you and ensure you register for classes important for your major. Check out our schedule of classes to see what classes sound interesting to you in case you have room for one in your schedule.

Family Preparation

We recommend you do the following to get the most out of the (optional) Family Orientation program:

• Talk to your student about their academic classes since you won’t be joining them for class registration.
• Bring something to take notes with – we provide a lot of information about resources and programs.
• Provide your email address in your program registration to get on the PantherFamilies email list.
• Have questions prepared for the offices you’ll be hearing from.
• Bring a sweater! Our buildings can be chilly.
• Connect with your student after the program to hear what they learned.

Packing List

Make sure you’re ready to spend the night with us! We will provide sheets, a blanket and pillow in the residence hall. Feel free to bring your own if you prefer. 

Items to pack: 

• Toiletries 
• Towel
• Phone charger
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Clothes for two days
• Sweater or jacket (buildings are air conditioned and can get cold)
• Spending money (meals are provided, but Panther Shop and vending machines are available) 
• Umbrella (as needed)
• E-Panther ID
• For days with heat advisories, please feel welcome to bring a small fan

Engage with UWM

Check out the Admitted Student website to see if there are any fun events you’d be interested in joining!

Schedule

NSO Student Schedule: Coming Soon!

NSO Family Schedule: Coming Soon!

Parking Details

When attending Orientation, we ask that you park in the Pavilion Parking Garage located off of Kenwood Avenue (3409 N. Downer Ave.). Do not park in a space marked “reserved.” Vehicles higher than 6’9” will not make the garage clearance. 

From the parking garage, Orientation Leaders and signage will direct you to the check-in location. Parking is included in the Orientation Fee and you will be given a pass when you arrive at program check-in.

Due to limited space, we can only accommodate 1 car per family.

Overnight Details

When you check-in, you will drop your luggage off and we will lock it up during the day. You are required to check a bag. During dinner, you will receive your room key and information about your suite and staying overnight. You will also retrieve your luggage. All students will be sharing a suite and bathroom with 4-6 other new students and sharing a room with 1-3 students.

There are several vending options in Sandburg if you’re looking for a late-night snack. Be sure to bring a credit or debit card–machines do not take cash.

You’ll check your luggage again for Day 2 and retrieve it at the end of the program. Orientation Leaders will guide you through all parts of this process!

Expectations

After attending Orientation:

• Students will be able to make informed choices regarding academic, personal and social issues.
• Students will take personal responsibility for their own success.
• Students will feel welcomed, comfortable, engaged and excited to be a member of the UWM community.
• Students will grow in their understanding and respect of others in a diverse community.

We also expect that you have fun, come willing to learn and meet new people, and adhere to all university policies during the program.

Additional Information

Social Media

Use #UWMNSO on your Twitter or Instagram posts during the program to share your experience! (Follow us: uwmnewstudents) 

Campus Map

Click here for a map of the UWM campus.

• Review all of your Orientation materials from your folder and the Student Handbook link provided
• Review the PRIDE Message to set yourself up for success
• Begin your On Campus Job search
• Join Presence to browse student organizations
• Check out our Campus Events calendar
• Get in the right frame of mind for college by checking out our topic-based student videos
• Get excited for Fall Welcome!

What do I need to do before I come to Orientation?  

• Complete items in Steps #1, #2, and #3 above.

Can family and guests attend NSO with me? 

• Family Orientation provides a great opportunity for family members and guests to learn how to support your academic success at UWM.  
• Families and guests (limit 2) are welcome, but are not required.  
• If family or guests attend NSO with you, there will be portions of the day where you are separated.  Some conference sessions and course enrollment are exclusively for students.  
• Students add guest(s) to their registration when selecting their NSO date. Registrations can be updated after submission.  

What are the Fees I’m paying? 

• The $150 Orientation Fee you will see on your account is not due until the first day of classes. The Orientation Fee is not refundable if you participate in Orientation. This pays for all the costs related to your Orientation experience.
• You will also see a $100 New Freshman Fee which is also not due until the first day of classes. This Fee covers many costs related to the first-year programming that will be available to you this year! If you cancel enrollment prior to the start of the term, you will not owe this Fee. 

What should I bring with me to NSO?  

• See “Packing List” in Step #4!
• ePanther ID and password (you will need this to enroll in classes)  
• Umbrella (as needed)

Will meals be provided for me? 

• Students will be provided dinner on Day One and breakfast on Day Two of Orientation. Meals will not be provided for families.

When will I get my placement tests results and be able to sign up for classes? 

• If you completed your course placement requirement 14 days prior to Orientation, advisors will have your results.  
• Advisors will meet with you during the program to help select the appropriate courses to take.
• All students will leave the program with a course schedule! 

I want to change my major. How do I do that?  

• Log into your Admissions Portal at http://uwm.edu/admissionsportal and find the “Change my Major” button! You’ll find the remaining steps in your Admissions Portal.
• Note that not every school/college participates in every Orientation so if you change your major, check that your field of interest is represented on your chosen date.    
• Lastly, note that you can’t change your major inside of 2 weeks before your Orientation. If you want to change your major at that point, it’s best to do so after Orientation.

I’m considering waiting to start at UWM until the Spring or next Fall. How do I do that, and should I do it?

• It’s your choice to start classes in the Fall or Spring. If you’ve been admitted for Fall and want to start classes in Spring, you must submit a Term Change Request form.
• If you Term Change and have paid your $150 Orientation Fee, you will NOT get a refund. Your first Orientation Fee charge will be canceled and you’ll get a new Orientation Fee charge for the correct term. The payment you already submitted will then automatically cover the new Orientation Fee charge.
• There are many implications to changing terms. To get more information about Term Changes and ask questions, email undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu.