You will be invited via email to sign up online for Orientation after you have completed the following items:

Step 1: Confirm your commitment to attend UWM in your PAWS account.

Step 2: Complete the “Pre-Orientation” To Do List item in your PAWS account. This Pre-Orientation is required for all incoming students.

Step 3: Complete Housing & UWM Course Placement Requirements (if applicable)

Step 4: Register for Orientation!

Orientation is a required program for international freshmen and transfer students. See the bottom of the page for details on the requirement. After you register, you’ll immediately receive a confirmation with detailed information and the next steps to complete your Online Orientation.

Student Policies

Changing Your Major
Part of your orientation experience is based on the major that you selected when you applied to UWM. If you want to change your major, you are required to contact your CIE admissions counselor at isss@uwm.edu

Submit Your ID Photo [Required] Prior to Orientation, you need to submit the photo you would like to appear on your PantherCard. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself and upload it through the GET UWM app, PantherCard’s online management system. Go here to the PantherCard Office website for detailed instructions and requirements for your photo.

Credit Agreement [Required]
Before being able to register for classes, you must complete your credit agreement. You can complete it through your PAWS account, by clicking “Credit Agreement” on your To Do List items.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) [Required] 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. For more details on how to enroll, sign in, and manage your devices please review instructions: https://kb.uwm.edu/74163 

UWM Email [Required]
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.

Academic Plans
One of the most important things you will do as part of your Orientation experience is register for your first semester of classes. An advisor will help guide you on requirements for your major, but it’s a good idea to explore classes that fit your interests if you have room in your schedule. You can look at the schedule of classes for some ideas.

EAP Holds
Students who have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) hold in their PAWS account will be contacted by ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu for next steps. For further information or questions, contact ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu or 414-229-5757.

Family Preparation
Check out the full array of Family engagement opportunities! We recommend you do the following to get the most out of the (optional) Family Orientation programming:

• Talk to your student about their academic classes since you won’t be joining them for class registration.
• Provide your email address to get on the PantherFamilies email list.
• Connect with your student after the program to hear what they learned.

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

Complete the Canvas Orientation Module

You will have access to the Online Orientation module hosted on UWM’s online learning platform, Canvas as soon as you register for a program. After being enrolled in the Orientation course, you will complete all modules, videos, and quizzes, including the course evaluation to receive full credit. If this course is not completed, you will not be able to enroll in courses.

Register for Classes

It is required for Freshman and Transfer students to complete the Orientation Course before they can register for courses.  

• New Freshman Only: After you complete the course, you are required to meet with an advisor before you register for courses. You can set up an appointment with your advisor by logging into Navigate.  
• Transfers Only: It is highly encouraged you make an advising appointment before you register for courses. You can make an appointment with your advisor by logging into Navigate. You will be able to register for courses anytime after your enrollment appointment.

Attend On-Campus Orientation program

This required on-campus Orientation program on Thursday, January 19th is hosted by the Center for International Education and New Student Programs. Explore campus, complete necessary next steps, meet campus staff and resources, and interact with fellow international students.

As a result of completing 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.

• 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

How do I complete Orientation?  

• You can participate in Orientation by completing the online Canvas course. Click “Orientation Registration for Spring” at the top of this page to go to the Orientation registration page. Once you register, you will receive an email with instructions on how to enroll in the course and complete next steps

I have an EAP hold on my PAWS account? 

• Students who have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) hold in their PAWS account will be contacted by ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu for next steps. For further information or questions, contact ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu or 414-229-5757.

When will I be able to sign up for classes? 

• It is highly encouraged you to make an advising appointment before you register for courses. You can make an appointment with your advisor by logging into Navigate. 

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

• Part of your orientation experience is based on the major that you selected when you applied to UWM. If you want to change your major, you are required to contact your International Admissions Counselor at isss@uwm.edu.

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

• If you want to defer your admission, please complete this online form.
• There are a lot of implications of deferring your admission — it’s best to speak or email with your International Admissions Counselor at isss@uwm.edu before you make a decision and submit the form.