Students celebrating at a Fall Welcome event together

Admitted Students

Begin Your UWM Journey

Congratulations on your admission to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee! Your acceptance is a testament to your academic achievements and potential, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish as a Panther.

Explore your UWM next steps to prepare for your first semester on campus.

Step 1: Activate Your ePanther ID

Every student at UWM is assigned a unique ePanther ID, which serves as the gateway to university resources.

Learn how to activate your ePanther ID. During the activation process, you will provide your Campus ID number. We sent this number, along with detailed activation instructions, to you via email after you submitted your UWM application. If you cannot locate this information, please email undergraduateadmissions@uwm.edu for assistance.

Step 2: Check the Admissions Portal & PAWS

Once you have activated your ePanther ID, there are two essential UWM accounts that you should access and monitor regularly:

Admissions Portal

The UWM Admissions Portal serves as your hub for:

  • Submitting required documents for your application
  • Monitoring your real-time application status
  • Accessing your official decision letter from the university
  • Obtaining contact information for your UWM admissions counselor
  • Completing the critical “Intent to Enroll” step
Log in to the Admissions Portal
Panther Access to Web Services (PAWS)

Your PAWS account allows you to: 

  • Accept your financial aid award(s) 
  • Pay tuition and fees
  • View remaining steps for enrollment, like housing, placement exams, orientation and more
  • Review your transfer credit evaluation
  • View contact information for your academic advisor
Access PAWS

Step 3: Check Your UWM Email Account

In the near future, you will gain access to your official UWM email account, which you should check regularly for important updates and communications from the university. Your UWM email account is provided through Microsoft Outlook, and your email address will consist of your ePanther ID followed by @uwm.edu (for example: ppanther@uwm.edu).

When Classes Start

  • Winter 2025 Semester
    Jan. 2, 2025
  • Spring 2025 Semester
    Jan. 21, 2025
  • Summer 2025 Semester
    May. 19, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Semester
    Sep. 2, 2025
Two newly admitted UWM students holding a rugby ball.
Newly admitted students are introduced to clubs and organizations like rugby at Fall Welcome events.

Required Next Steps

All newly admitted students must complete the following requirements before officially enrolling at UWM. Locate the appropriate checklist for you based on your student type.

New Freshmen
If you recently completed high school or earned an equivalent degree and have not previously enrolled in a college or university, you are a new freshman at UWM. This status applies even if you took college-level courses during high school.
Information for new freshmen
New Transfer
You are classified as a transfer student if you have earned or are currently pursuing college credits after graduating from high school. Additionally, if you previously attended UWM and then enrolled at another institution, you will be considered a transfer student upon your return.
Information for new transfers
Non-degree
As a non-degree applicant, your goal is to enroll in selected courses at UWM without pursuing a specific degree program. This option allows you to take classes for personal enrichment or professional development purposes.
Information for non-degree students
Re-Entry
Welcome back to UWM! As a returning student, you previously pursued a degree program here but have not been enrolled for a full academic year. You are no longer considered a re-entry student if you attended another institution after your time at UWM.
Information for re-entry students
Transitioning
As a transitioning student, you have already been part of the UWM community and are now seeking to transfer to the main campus.
Information for transitioning students

Additional To-do Items

Additional ways to prepare for a successful start as a Panther are:

Required To-do Items

Optional To-do Items

Two students posing with Pounce at Admitted Students Day

Get In Touch

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

Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions