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Orientation for Freshmen

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will we check-in for Orientation?

Check-in is scheduled from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m. in the Skylight Lounge of the Davies Center. You will also have the opportunity to have your picture taken for your Blugold I.D. card.

Should my parents come with me?

We encourage parents to attend orientation with their student(s). There is a separate program for parents in the morning. Parents will interact with university staff members as well as other parents while learning about both the academic aspects of the university and student services. We will answer your questions about safety on campus, health services available, parking, counseling, etc. In the afternoon parents and students can attend sessions on Housing, Dining services, computing at UW-Eau Claire and Career Planning.

What if my parents cannot come to Orientation?

While we love to have parents, since most of the student’s day is spent in a small group with 8 students or meeting privately with an adviser, a student certainly can attend without a parent. Just make sure you bring a Parent Binder home for your parents.

Where will we park?

A parking permit and information about parking will be sent in late May. Parking is free and convenient to Davies Center.

How do we get there?

A map and directions will be sent with your confirmation mailing in May. In the mean time, check out the on-line map and directions.

What is the Orientation fee?

The Orientation fee for 2008 is $100 per student. This fee will be added to your fall billing statement. You do not pay anything at the time you make your reservation. The Orientation fee covers:

  • The Orientation/Registration program in the summer.
  • The Orientation binder given to both parents and students.
  • Phase II Orientation in August.
  • The year round operations of the Orientation office.

What if I need special accommodations?

If a disability (temporary or permanent) requires a special accommodation during Orientation, please notify the Orientation Office (715-836-5053) at least two weeks before your assigned Orientation date.

If you need special accommodations for placement testing during the summer (the procedures for Regional Placement testing are different), you should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (715-836-4542). Documentation is required.

Information about services available during the school year for students with disabilities will be presented at Orientation.

What if we want to come the day before and stay overnight?

Orientation students and families who want to stay overnight on campus may stay at Towers Hall, a traditional residence hall. Advance reservations are not required. You simply enter the main (west) entrance of the hall and tell the reception desk you wish to stay overnight. You may check in at any time.

A fee of $18.75 per person per night for a double room ($23.50 for a single) will be added to the student's tuition bill in the fall.

  • Linen, blankets, pillows, soap, washcloths and towels will be provided.
  • Guests should bring their own alarm clocks and coat hangers.
  • Towers Hall is not air-conditioned. You may want to bring a fan.
  • You may park overnight in the Towers parking lot.
  • If you prefer to stay in a hotel, a list is available from the Chippewa Valley Visitors Bureau.

PLEASE NOTE: Towers Hall does not allow overnight stays August 17-18.

What is there to do if we come early?

For information about activities at UW-Eau Claire go to the events calendar and search by category and date.

For information about the Chippewa Valley, go to the Chippewa Valley Visitors Bureau.

What should I bring to Orientation?

  • Bring your PIN that you received in the mailing. It is used to access the Registration System.
  • Cash for lunch.
  • A sweater (air temperatures in Davies Center vary greatly).
  • Comfortable walking shoes.

What if I want to go to Summer School?

New freshmen may begin classes during summer. Registration for summer school is already in progress. If you have not already registered, you should contact the Office of Admissions (715-836-5415) to change your desired entrance term to summer. You will then receive information about meeting with an adviser.

If you take summer classes, you must still come to Orientation. Let your instructor know about your Orientation date at the start of your class.

What if I want to audition for a musical ensemble?

CHORAL ENSEMBLES: Membership in University Choral Ensembles is open to all university students. You may sign up for a vocal audition during check-in. Later during the day you will go to the Music Department for a voice audition and then be assigned to an ensemble.

BAND AND ORCHESTRA: You do not need to be a music major or minor to participate in band or orchestra. You can sign up for the concert band, marching band or symphony orchestra during orientation. When you come to campus in the fall you will have an audition which will finalize your placement.

What if I want information about other student activities?

You will be invited to visit the Student Organizations Complex in Davies Center to learn about how you can make the most of your Blugold experience by getting involved on campus. Staff and students will be available to answer your questions, introduce you to the many opportunities available and provide you with informational resources.

What if I am in the Honors program?

While continuing students in the Honors program register early, new freshmen come to the regular Orientation sessions. The Honors program director will be available to answer questions of parents and students at 12:30 p.m. each day.

What if I plan to take Advanced Placement tests?

If you took Advanced Placement tests prior to your senior year, it is important to bring the results to Orientation with you.

If you plan to take the tests at the end of your senior year, we will not have the results by Orientation. However, in most cases your Orientation adviser can help you choose courses that will not be duplicative. If you need to change your schedule once you receive your AP results, you can do so from home via the web.

What if I took college level work while in high school?

You must send a completed transcript to the Admissions office.

Your Orientation adviser will have a copy of the official evaluation of the course(s) in your file.

What if I plan to participate in varsity athletics?

Your adviser will have the practice schedule available so that you can arrange your classes around these times.

A representative from varsity athletics will be available at 12:30 p.m. each Orientation session to talk with varsity athletes and their parents.

When will I know my residence hall room assignment? Will I be able to see my room?

You will receive your room and roommate assignment in early June. This will allow you to tour your actual residence hall and see a room very much like your room while you are at Orientation.


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