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New Student Orientation

We know things can get confusing. You may be surprised to know that everyone is asking similar questions and we have gathered those answers below. If you don’t see your question listed, make sure to contact us personally so we can help you.

Summer Session Orientation FAQs

If you are an incoming student for fall semester, please see the included FAQs below. 

Which date/time should I pick for my virtual advising and registration meeting?
First Year Students:

For advising and registration dates, we always say the sooner, the better. You'll be selecting classes for your first semester and you'll want as many options as possible. However, we do monitor classes closely, to offer more sections if needed throughout the summer, so you can keep that in mind.

Make sure to pick a date and time that you know you'll be able to make, and place it on your calendar to avoid having to cancel last minute. Unexpected reschedules and no-shows to appointments make it difficult for our advising staff to accommodate shifting schedules. 

You'll also be required to attend a pre-advising meeting with our Orientation Staff the evening before your appointment from 7-8:30pm, so be sure to include that on your calendar as well.

Lastly, don't forget that your placement exams and your Pre-Advising Survey (PAS) need to be completed before your scheduled orientation date.

Transfer Students:

You will be contacted by the office of orientation as soon as you've paid your enrollment deposit, welcoming you to campus and providing you with more information about the orientation and registration experience for transfer students. Shortly thereafter, you should receive an email from your Academic Advisor directly asking you to schedule your virtual appointment. 

Continue to check your email for updates. More information can be found here: https://www.uwec.edu/academics/academic-support/advising/orientation/transfer-students/

When is virtual orientation scheduled for transfer students?

Our official Transfer Orientation program is typically hosted virtually the week before classes begin. For the fall of 2023, Transfer Orientation will be held on Thursday, August 24th via Zoom.

Transfer students will arrange their 1-on-1 appointment with an Academic Advisor ahead of their scheduled orientation date, and you'll receive more information about this in an email from your advisor once you've been accepted to UW-Eau Claire. These appointments are flexible and can be done via phone, video chat, or in person; the schedule will vary based on when you are available. 

Your official Day of Orientation then will be another chance to connect with your advisor, build relationships with other transfer students, learn more about helpful campus resources, and have fun getting acquainted with your new home!

In addition to orientation, all transfer students are encouraged to attend Blugold Experience Days, which are in-person, on-campus experiences designed to acquaint you with your new home - learn more and register here!

What if the date/time I want isn't listed?
First Year Students:

This means that particular day and time is full, so make sure to have a backup day you're interested in. You can keep checking back to see if there’s an opening, but there won’t be a waiting list. 

*not applicable to transfer students.

What if I have to change my meeting day and time?
First Year Students:

You have the ability to change your day and time on your own by going back into the registration system the way you'd done it initially. You can make any changes up until 5 days prior to your scheduled appointment. After that time, you will need to call 715-836-5053 to reschedule or make changes.

Please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@uwec.edu with any questions or concerns.

Transfer Students:

If you have any concerns with dates/times for orientation events, please email orientation@uwec.edu

What if my major listed isn't what I want? What if I change my mind before my appointment?
First Year Students:

If during registration you see that your major choice is different than what you'd like to pursue, you can change it right away. Also, if you initially registered with a specific major choice and then changed your mind, you can still change your major online before your appointment.

You have the ability to change your major on your own by going back into the registration system the way you'd done it initially. You can make any changes up until 5 days prior to your scheduled appointment. You will get assigned an advising group based upon your major, so it is important that this information is as accurate as possible.

Please contact the Office of New Student Orientation at orientation@uwec.edu with any questions or concerns.

Transfer Students:

That can easily be changed. Just make sure to make the change as soon as possible, as you get assigned an advising appointment based upon your major.

To change, email transfers@uwec.edu being sure to include your name, campus ID number and what your new major should be. GPA requirements may apply to certain majors, and we will notify you via email when the major has been changed.

What if I can't make my scheduled advising and registration date?
First Year Students:

It's important that you try diligently to plan and attend your advising + registration date, because it can be difficult to reschedule and fill spots. If you need to reschedule last minute, please contact orientation@uwec.edu to discuss your options.

Transfer Students:

The scheduling of your 1:1 advising meeting will happen between you and your advisor at a time that is convenient for both parties. It's important that you try diligently to plan and attend your advising + registration date, because it can be difficult to reschedule and fill spots.

If you must miss the Transfer Orientation Program in August, there will be a recording made available. Please let us know ahead of time of your conflict.

How do I prepare for my advising and registration meetings?

[X] Complete your Pre Advising Survey (PAS) and placement exams well in advance of your appointment - see your orientation checklist for details.

[X] Watch your UWEC email for more information, as detail about all aspects of orientation is shared with you throughout the summer.

[X] Know your UWEC username, student ID number, and the password you created — you’ll need this to access platforms and register for your classes.

[X] Make sure you have adequate access to a computer, internet, and wifi (a tablet or mobile phone will work if you don’t have access to a computer, but these are less user-friendly when signing up for classes). 

And bring a positive attitude — there is a lot to learn when transitioning to college!

Your advising and registration meetings will be a success if you: complete your PAS and placements tests, are ready to learn new information, interact when meeting new people, and openly ask any questions you might have. Remember, many of your peers will experiencing similar questions and emotions, and our staff will be there to support you.

What if I have not yet taken placement tests?

UW-Eau Claire requires that new students complete online exams in Math, English, and if it's applicable to you, World Languages (French, German, and Spanish). Please view all up-to-date information regarding Placement Testing examinations at UW-Eau Claire here.

All students are encouraged to complete these exams as soon as possible to ensure scores are ready for your scheduled advising appointment.

 

Are there disability accommodations?

If a disability (temporary or permanent) requires a special accommodation during any aspect of our orientation experience, please email the Services for Students with Disabilities Office at ssd@uwec.edu, at least two weeks before your assigned Orientation meetings if possible. We want your experience to go smoothly, so please reach out ahead of time.

Residence Life & Housing | 715-836-3674, housing@uwec.edu

I completed my housing application, when will I be updated?

Fall Admits:

Students who submit by early May (May 1st is the deadline to update housing contract preferences) will receive details about housing assignments in June. If you qualify for room self-selection, you will be able to pick your room in early June.

Those who apply later should know their assignment within 5 business days of submission.

I don’t have a roommate assigned yet, when will I find out?

You will find out about your roommate via the 'housing assignment email' you receive in early June. You can also continue to watch your 'My Housing Portal - Roommate Information' as assignments and room changes can occur throughout the summer.

It's important to get to know your roommate ahead of time and decide who brings what, as well as expectations of one another as roommates.

When is move in and how do I prepare?

Move-in typically happens the week before classes begin, and is a very exciting (yet stressful) time! Make sure to communicate with your parents and roommates on expectations to lessen the stressors ahead of your scheduled move-in date. Review all move in details here.

A note that while carts are provided during move-in, we do also encourage you to bring your own dollies and a toolkit if you're able.

Who do I contact for any additional questions about housing?

First, check out Housing & Residence Life's page of FAQs here: https://www.uwec.edu/campus-life/housing-dining/housing/faq/. Check out the housing contact information above if you wish to connect to someone!

Financial Aid | 715-836-3000, blugoldcentral@uwec.edu

Parking and Transportation | 715-836-3000, blugoldcentral@uwec.edu

How do I get a parking permit?

You’ll have to apply for a parking permit through our lottery system. Contact Blugold Central for more information at blugoldcentral@uwec.edu, or you can visit their website here: https://www.uwec.edu/blugold-central/parking/

Also, a special note that:

  • All UWEC students can ride the city bus for free. Just show the bus driver your Blugold Card and enjoy the ride.
  • There are miles of paved trails if you enjoy walking, skating, or biking to school. Many students prefer this because they are primarily located along our beautiful rivers.

 

Technology | 715-836-5711, helpdesk@uwec.edu

What if I forgot my username or password?

We’ve got you covered! You can find your username in your application documents that you'd received when you were accepted to UW-Eau Claire. Your username is a combo of your first and last name and various numbers. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it here. Once there, enter your username, student ID number and your PIN. See question about PIN numbers below if you've forgotten that information.

If you have further questions related to account activation or changing/resetting your password, please contact the LTS Help Desk at 715-836-5711 or helpdesk@uwec.edu.

What do I do if I forgot/lost my PIN?

Contact the Blugold Central office (blugoldcentral@uwec.edu), being sure to include your full name and student ID number if you have it in your email. We can also send you a copy of your PIN in the mail; otherwise, you can get your PIN number during orientation as well.

What technology / apps should I use to stay informed?

It is highly recommended that you regularly check your UWEC email as well as the Navigate Student app.

Navigate Student includes reminders, to-do's, schedules and upcoming deadlines specific to you. First-year Blugolds are encouraged to download the app as soon as possible, as important messages are communicated through the app throughout the year.

We have our entire list of recommended apps (including ones that can help you with searching for jobs and looking at student organizations on campus) on our main orientation pages (scroll down to view either transfer or first year websites).

All apps are free and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Additional Questions? 

We're here to help! Please email orientation@uwec.edu and someone will get back to you shortly.