UWM students reading books outside

Congratulations! Your UWM journey is just beginning! Here’s what’s next.

Every admitted student needs to take the same steps to access information required to successfully enroll at UWM and become a UWM Panther. 

Activate Your ePanther ID

Each student is given an ePanther ID that will be used to log in to their UWM accounts.

To activate your ePanther ID, visit the UWM Account Activation website. You will need your Campus ID number to activate your ePanther. You received your Campus ID, along with activation instructions, in an email after you submitted your application to UWM. If you cannot find that information, contact undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu.

Check Admissions Portal & PAWS

After you’ve activated your ePanther ID, there are two UWM accounts you should access and check regularly. 

Admissions Portal is used to: 
  • 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 counselor.
  • Complete your “Intent to Enroll” as your first step to enrolling at UWM.
PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) account is used to: 
  • Accept your financial aid award(s). 
  • Pay tuition and fees. 
  • View remaining steps for enrollment to UWM (i.e. housing, placement exams, orientation, etc.). 
  • Review transfer credit evaluation. 
  • View contact information for your Academic Advisor.

Check Your UWM Email Account

Soon, you’ll have access to your UWM email account, which you should check regularly for important updates. Your UWM email account is provided through Microsoft Outlook, and your email address is your ePanther ID with @uwm.edu after it. (Example: ppanther@uwm.edu) 

Other To-Do Items

We encourage all admitted students to also do the following:  

Have a Question?

We’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to reach out — someone will get back to you shortly.

When Classes Start

  • UWinterim 2023: Jan. 3
  • Spring 2023: Jan. 23
  • First Summer Session 2023: May 30
  • Second Summer Session 2023: June 26

Required Next Steps for Admitted Students

Ready to take your next steps to become a UWM Panther? Below are required steps all admitted students must complete before they can enroll. Use the checklist based on your student status.

  1. Check Your Accounts — Often! 

    Your Admissions Portal and PAWS account and UWM email contain important application and enrollment information. You will receive information about your application and admission status in your Admissions Portal. In PAWS, you have a To-Do List, which lists steps you need to take to enroll. Once active, you will begin receiving important information regarding enrollment in your UWM email, and it’s important to check this regularly since this is the university’s main channel of communication to UWM students.

  2. Accept Your Offer of Admission

    Complete a one-question survey in your Admissions Portal. It’s your way to let UWM know if you plan to be a student in the fall. The priority deadline to accept your offer of admission for the fall semester is May 1.

  3. Determine Living Arrangements (only for freshmen under 21)

    New full-time freshmen under the age of 21 are required to live on campus their first academic year or ask for an exemption

    Living on campus: Living in University Housing is a great way to transition to college life. Whether you’re taking part in a volunteer project or just relaxing with friends in your room, you’ll discover that our residence halls sit at the intersection of classroom, campus and community. And research has shown that living on campus contributes positively to a student’s overall success. 

    Review the details of the housing contract and learn how to submit your University Housing contract. After submitting your contract, you’ll be billed the $100 Housing Prepayment/Deposit. Be sure to pay this deposit in PAWS to secure your spot in University Housing. 

    Living off campus: If you need to request an exemption from living on campus, be sure to fill out the exemption request form and submit required documentation. 

    If you commute from home, we’ll help you get connected to campus! You’ll hear from your peer mentor, a student from the Student Success Center who helps you meet other students, shows you around campus and assists you with your academic success.

    The priority deadline for all University Housing paperwork is May 1. For more information, visit University Housing

  4. Course Placement

    Your course placement can be satisfied by submitting your official ACT/SAT scores to UWM or by completing the free UWM online placement tests in math and English. If you plan to continue foreign language study, you also need to complete placement steps. Learn more about course placement at UWM.

  5. Register for New Student Orientation

    New Student Orientation is a required program for all new freshmen and is where you will enroll in courses with support from academic advisors.

    At New Student Orientation, you will meet other new Panthers, receive your PantherCard and UPASS and learn more about your academic program.

    Orientation registration begins in March for fall semester and October for spring semester. When you’re eligible to register for New Student Orientation, you’ll see it as a To-Do List item in your Admissions Portal. A few days after registering for New Student Orientation, you’ll gain access to your UWM email. It’s important to check your UWM email regularly — it’s the university’s main communication channel to students.

    For more information visit the New Student Programs website

  6. Submit Your ID Photo

    All UWM students are required to have a photo identification card. Download the Get Mobile App to upload your photo or directly upload a selfie to the Panther Card Office.  Make sure to complete this at least 48 hours prior to New Student Orientation. 

  7. Complete Your University Credit Agreement

    Every student must electronically sign the University Credit Agreement. This appears on your To-Do List in your PAWS account and must be signed before you can register for classes. For more information, visit the Bursar Office

  8. Send in Your High School Transcripts

    Work with your admissions counselor to send us your final high school transcript once your final grades and graduation date have been posted. Transcripts can be sent electronically or mailed to:

    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    P.O. Box 749
    Milwaukee, WI 53201

  9. Pay Your Tuition and Fees

    After you’ve registered for classes, tuition and fees will be posted to your account. Two of those fees are the $150 Orientation Fee (not refundable once you complete New Student Orientation) and the $100 New Freshman Fee, both of which cover various costs for campus resources and programs, such as Fall Welcome

    Tuition and fees are due by the first day of classes, though installment plans are available. For more information, visit the Bursar Office

  10. Attend Panther Academic Welcome

    Panther Academic Welcome (PAW) is a required in-person program for students starting in the fall, where you’ll get acclimated to academic expectations at UWM and learn more about how to succeed in college. PAW is a part of the Fall Welcome experience. Learn more here: uwm.edu/welcome 

    Students starting in the spring should attend Winter Welcome events to help acclimate them to campus.

  1. Check Your Accounts — Often!

    Your Admissions Portal and PAWS account and UWM email contain important application and enrollment information. You will receive information about your application and admission status in your Admissions Portal. In PAWS, you have a To-Do List, which lists steps you need to take to enroll. Once active, you will begin receiving important information regarding enrollment in your UWM email, and it’s important to check this regularly since this is the university’s main channel of communication to UWM students.

  2. Accept Your Offer of Admission

    Complete a one-question survey in your Admissions Portal. It’s your way to let UWM know if you plan to be a student in the fall. The priority deadline to accept your offer of admission for the fall semester is May 1.

  3. Check Your Transfer Credit Evaluation & Schedule an Appointment With Your Academic Advisor

    Your incoming transfer credits are evaluated within two to three weeks of admission. You will receive an email to your UWM email account when transfer credits are posted in PAWS under the My Academics tab. You can see the evaluation in your PAWS account under the My Academics tab. 

    Official records for AP/IB or college credits taken while in high school need to be received directly by UWM in order to award transfer credit. These records are not needed for the admissions process, so don’t forget to request these official records get sent to UWM to ensure you receive all transfer credit prior to course registration. 

    Monitor your PAWS account for your academic advisor assignment which will be posted 1-2 weeks after admission. Once your advisor is listed in PAWS, use Navigate to setup an appointment to meet with your academic advisor to go over the transfer credit evaluation, determine what degree requirements you need to meet, schedule the appropriate classes and figure out your path to graduation. If you have questions regarding your school/college or academic program, you can find your advising office’s contact information here. Important information from your academic advisor will be sent to your UWM email, so make sure to start checking your account.

  4. Complete Transfer and Adult Student Orientation

    Transfer & Adult Student Orientation (TASO) is a required, self-paced program in Canvas. You must register for TASO in your Admissions Portal. The required Canvas course can be completed right away after you register.

    TASO registration opens in March (October for spring admits), and programming is held throughout the summer (January for spring admits). Register today! 

  5. Complete Your University Credit Agreement


    In order to enroll in courses, you must electronically sign the University Credit Agreement in your PAWS To-Do List. For more information, visit the Bursar Office

  6. Course Placement 

    Transfer students who do not have transferable courses in math or English need to complete course placement if they hope to register for courses in those subjects. Course placement can be satisfied by submitting your ACT/SAT scores to UWM or completing our free UWM online placement tests in math and English. For those who may need placement testing, options including online placements are available. Learn more about course placement at UWM. 

  7. Monitor PAWS for Your Enrollment Appointment

    In April (for spring admits, November), you’ll receive an enrollment appointment identifying the date and time you can begin registering for classes in PAWS. You must sign your University Credit Agreement before enrolling.

    Your enrollment appointment is not an advising appointment. It’s the date and time PAWS will allow you to hit the enroll button for your classes. We highly recommend scheduling an advising appointment as soon as you’re able. It’s ideal to meet with your academic advisor at least two weeks prior to your enrollment appointment time, so schedule your advising appointment as soon as you’re able.

    To schedule an appointment with your academic advisor, in to Navigate or call the advising office for your school/college at the contact information listed here.

  8. Send in Your Final Transcripts

    If you’re currently enrolled at another college or university, or have just completed your final semester there, be sure to send us your final transcript once your grades have been posted.

    Transcripts can be sent electronically directly from your current college/university to undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope from the institution to:


    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    P.O. Box 749
    Milwaukee, WI 53201

  9. Submit Your ID Photo

    All UWM students are required to have a photo identification card. Download the Get Mobile App to upload your photo or directly upload a selfie to the Panther Card Office.  Make sure to complete this at least 48 hours prior to your orientation program. 

  10. Pay Your Tuition and Fees

    After you’ve registered for classes, tuition and fees will be posted to your account. One of those fees is the $150 Orientation Fee (not refundable if you complete Orientation) which covers various costs for campus resources and programs, such as the Fall Welcome programming

    Tuition and fees are due by the first day of classes, though installment plans are available. For more information, visit the Bursar Office

  1. Check Your Accounts — Often! 

    Your Admissions Portal and PAWS account contain important application and enrollment information. You will receive information about your application and admission status in your Admissions Portal. In PAWS, you have a To-Do List, which lists steps you need to take to enroll. There, you will receive information from the Admissions and Financial Aid offices. 

  2. Complete Your Intent to Enroll

    Your Intent to Enroll is a one-question survey in your Admissions Portal. It’s your way to let UWM know if you plan to be a student in the fall. Click on the Intent to Enroll item as it appears in your Admissions Portal and follow the instructions. The priority deadline to complete your Intent to Enroll for the fall semester is May 1.

  3. Course Placement (only for freshmen)

    Your course placement can be satisfied by either submitting your ACT/SAT scores to UWM or by completing our free UWM online placement tests in math and English. For those who may need placement testing, options including online placements are available. Learn more about course placement at UWM. 

  4. Register for Orientation

    Starting in April (October for spring admits), you’ll be invited to register for Orientation one to two days after you’ve completed your Intent to Enroll and course placement step (freshman only). 

    Orientation is a required program for all new students and is a great opportunity to get acclimated to campus, meet fellow UWM Panthers, connect with an advisor and register for classes. You won’t be able to enroll in classes until you complete Orientation. You must register for this program. 

    When you’re eligible to sign up for Orientation, you’ll see it as a To-Do List item on your Admissions Portal.  

    For more information and to register, visit the New Student Programs website

  5. Submit Your ID Photo

    All UWM students are required to have a photo identification card. Download the Get Mobile App to upload your photo or directly upload a selfie to the Panther Card Office.  Make sure to complete this at least 48 hours prior to your orientation program. 

  6. Complete Your University Credit Agreement

    Every student must electronically sign the University Credit Agreement. This appears on your To-Do List in your PAWS account and must be signed before you can register for classes. For more information, visit the Bursar Office

  7. Send in Your Final Transcripts

    Freshmen: Work with your counselor to send us your final high school transcript once your final grades and graduation date have been posted.

    Transfers: If you’re currently enrolled at another college or university, or have just completed your final semester there, send us your final transcript once your grades have been posted.

    Transcripts can be sent electronically to undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope from the institution to:

    University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
    Office of Undergraduate Admissions
    P.O. Box 749
    Milwaukee, WI 53201

  8. Pay Your Tuition and Fees

    There is a $150 Orientation fee that all new students are required to pay for attending 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.

    Tuition and fees are due by the first day of classes, though installment plans are available. For more information, visit the Bursar Office.

  1. Check Your Accounts — Often!

    Monitor PAWS for your enrollment appointment time, which is when you can register for classes. Class schedules post one week before the enrollment period begins. Once open enrollment begins, we do not assign appointments.

    • For courses during UWinteriM, our winter break academic session, check PAWS in mid-October. 
    • For spring, check in mid-November. 
    • For summer, check in late March.  
    • For fall, check in mid-April.

    Check PAWS for holds and items on your to-do list. Before you register for classes, address any outstanding issues. Most students need to complete the university credit agreement hold under the finances section before registering on PAWS. The non-resident tuition hold does not prevent registration.  

  2. Register for Classes

    Register for classes on PAWS. Go to uwm.edu/schedule to see which classes are offered each semester. Use the advanced search function to find online or evening classes. To register for classes, click on “enroll” under the academics section. If your class has prerequisites, you may need to contact the department or professor for permission. If a class is closed or you do not get added from the waitlist, you may be able to ask the professor to add you to the class on the first day. Please bring a registration change form.  

    Planning to take online courses? Explore Canvas, UWM’s web-based learning environment.  

    View the required books for your class at uwm.ecampus.com.  

  3. Submit Your ID Photo

    All UWM students are required to have a photo identification card. Download the Get Mobile App to upload your photo or directly upload a selfie to the Panther Card Office.

  4. Log into Your UWM Email

    Access your UWM email through Microsoft Outlook by going to uwm.edu/o365.  

  5. Learn About Campus Parking and Transportation

    Learn about campus parking and transportation options at uwm.edu/parking. The following services also make commuting easy:  

    • FREE UPARK: Park at our satellite parking lot at Capitol Drive and Humboldt Avenue, and hop on the UPARK bus that drops you off at one of six campus locations. Buses pick up and drop off about every 10 minutes. 
    • FREE U-PASS: Stop in at UWM Parking and Transit, located in the Union, Room WG25, one week before school starts. UWM students get a bus pass for unlimited free rides on Milwaukee’s bus system. You can also use your U-PASS at many park-and-ride locations. Online students are not eligible. 
    • B.O.S.S.: You can call the B.O.S.S. (Be On the Safe Side) transportation service to escort you home after hours if you live within a few miles of campus. Learn more at uwm.edu/boss 
    • On-campus permit: Student parking in the Northwest Quad (NWQ) parking garage is $50 per month.  
    • Washington County parking: wsh-park@uwm.edu 

  1. Reset Your ePantherID Password

    Your password for your ePantherID has most likely expired. If you experience an error when activating your account, contact the UWM Help Desk at 414-229-4040 or helpdesk@uwm.edu.  

  2. Check Your Accounts — Often!

    Your Admissions Portal and PAWS account and UWM email contain important application and enrollment information. You will receive information about your application and admission status in your Admissions Portal. In PAWS, you have a To-Do List, which lists steps you need to take to enroll. Once active, you will begin receiving important information regarding enrollment in your UWM email, and it’s important to check this regularly since this is the university’s main channel of communication to UWM students.

  3. Make An Appointment With Your Academic Advisor

    We strongly recommend you set up an appointment to meet with your advisor to:

    • Evaluate your transfer credits (if you have any).
    • Determine degree requirements.
    • Schedule the appropriate classes.
    • Map out your path to graduation.
    • Discuss changing your major (switching majors in the College of Letters and Science requires a minimum 1.75 GPA. All other majors require a 2.0 or higher GPA).

    Your academic advisor is listed in your PAWS account about a week after you have been admitted to UWM. To schedule an appointment with your academic advisor, sign in to Navigate or call the advising office for your school/college at the contact information listed here.

    If you have a probation hold you are required to meet with your advisor before you can register.

  4. Complete Your University Credit Agreement

    Every student must electronically sign the University Credit Agreement before registering for classes. A new agreement is required when re-entering the university; it’s on your To-Do List in your PAWS account. For more information, visit the Bursar Office website.  

  5. Monitor PAWS for Your Enrollment Appointment 

    In April (for spring admits, November), you’ll receive an enrollment appointment identifying the date and time you can begin registering for classes in PAWS.

    Your enrollment appointment is not an advising appointment. It’s the date and time PAWS will allow you to hit the enroll button for your classes. We highly recommend scheduling an advising appointment with your academic advisor at least two weeks prior to your enrollment appointment time.

  6. Submit Your Photo ID

    All UWM students are required to have a photo identification card.  You don’t need a new card if you already have one, but if you don’t have your original campus ID, you’ll need to get a new one.

    To do so, first submit your photo online. Then visit the Panther Card Office in the Student Union Room W198 to pick up your card. If you’re an online student, you can have your card mailed to you (email campusid@uwm.edu). There is a $20 new card fee. 

  7. Pay Your Tuition and Fees

    After you’ve registered for classes, tuition and fees will be posted to your account.  

    Tuition and fees must be paid by the first day of classes. Installment plans are available. For more information, visit the Bursar Office website.