Follow UWM’s International Admissions application process – all steps found here!

After you receive official notification of your admission from isss@uwm.edu, and you have decided to attend UWM, you will be ready to register for New Student Orientation of International Students!

Follow this link to register for New Student Orientation!

After you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with program details and directions on completing the required orientation online course.

Once registered for orientation, follow the steps below:

1. Complete the New Student Orientation for International Students course:

• The confirmation email you receive will have instructions on logging into the orientation online course – Log in using your ePanther ID and password!
• Complete the course; it typically takes about an hour. Once you’ve completed the course, we’ll release the Orientation Hold on your PAWS account that prevents you from enrolling in classes.

2. Complete your Credit Agreement

• Complete your “Credit Agreement” in the Finances Section of your PAWS account – just click on “Credit Agreement” and follow the steps. Find more information on how to complete the agreement here.

3. Enroll in Classes!

• New Freshmen students: You are required to meet with your Academic Advisor before enrolling in classes. You can schedule a meeting using Navigate. During this meeting, your Academic Advisor will support you in finding the best classes for you and your program. At the end of this meeting, your Advisor will release the “New Student Advising” hold on your PAWS account, so you can enroll in classes.
• New Transfer students: After completing Orientation, we will release your “Orientation” hold and you can enroll in classes. We recommend that you schedule a meeting with your Advisor through Navigate, so they can support you in finding the best classes for you and your program. 

Below are a number of other items you should take care of or consider before arriving on-campus and starting classes this Fall!

Credit Agreement
Before being able to register for classes, you must complete your credit agreement. If you have not done it yet, you can complete it through your PAWS account. Log in to PAWS, click the Credit Agreement link on your “To Do List” and complete your Credit Agreement there.

Submit Your ID Photo
You will receive your PantherCard, your official UWM student ID, at Orientation. Prior to Orientation, you will 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 GET UWM, PantherCard’s online management system. Go to the PantherCard Office website for detailed instructions and requirements for your photo. Be sure to upload your photo ASAP so you can pick it up this Fall when you’re on campus.

Learning Communities and Living Learning Communities
You can also look into the different Learning Communities UWM has to offer. Here is the complete list of Learning Communities.

Academic Plans
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 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 must participate the information session for EAP hold. You will not be eligible to register for courses and the hold will not be lifted until you attend. For further information or questions, contact ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu or 414-229-5757.

Register for the required on-campus F1/J1 Orientation on August 31
You will get email communication to sign up for this program later in the summer! You can also register for this program in your ISSS portal.

Campus Map
Click here for a map of the UWM campus.

Note: There is a $150 Orientation fee that all new students are required to pay for participating in New Student Orientation. This fee is used to fund our Orientation programs and bring students an unforgettable experience! The $150 Orientation fee is due along with your tuition on the first day of classes and is nonrefundable if you attend Orientation, complete the Orientation Course, or if you do not cancel your Orientation registration at least 10 days prior to the program.

• Review all of your Orientation materials from your folder and the Student Handbook link provided on the Orientation Cling
• 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 Panther Transition Day (required for all new freshmen)

What do I need to do before I come to UWM this Fall?  

• Take a photo of yourself for your student ID and submit it through “Get UWM,” PantherCard’s online management system. Go to the PantherCard Office website for detailed instructions and requirements for your photo. Be sure to upload your photo ASAP – you can pick up your card this Fall when you get to campus!
• Complete the University Credit Agreement (paws.uwm.edu) In the Finances section click “Credit Agreement”). This must be completed to enroll in classes for the upcoming semester.  
• Pay outstanding balances on your PAWS account (in the Finances section). If you have overdue charges and a Bursar’s Hold is placed on your account, this may impact your ability to register for classes. 
• Review the schedule of classes online: uwm.edu/schedule. 
• Check out the website for newly admitted international students.

Can family and guests attend NSO with me? 

• International Student Orientation does not have programming for family and guests for international students. However, we encourage family and guests to visit Panther Families to stay updated on UWM news.

I have an EAP hold on my PAWS account? 

Students who have an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) hold in their PAWS account must participate the information session for EAP hold. You will not be eligible to register for courses and the hold will not be lifted until you attend. For further information or questions, contact ELA at el-academy@uwm.edu or 414-229-5757.

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

• If you want to change your major, you are required to contact your International Admissions counselor at isss@uwm.edu.