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Freshman Connection

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Welcome!

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The Freshman Connection Immersion Program is designed to help first year students make a smooth transition into college. Students experience what life is like on campus, meet other first year students, become familiar with the campus, the residence halls, dining hall and our recreation facilities. 

Group activities and engaging programs focus on personal development, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Students will gain self-awareness, develop their self-confidence, and create lasting friendships that will help them be successful at UW-Eau Claire. We look forward to sharing these exciting and enriching experiences with you! 

Programs are led by trained and certified student staff, whose goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for everyone. Group activities and engaging programs focus on personal development, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Students gain self-awareness, develop confidence, and create lasting friendships that will help them be successful at UW-Eau Claire.

A group of first-year student participating in Freshman connection wearing UWEC merch clothes
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A group of first-year student participating in Freshman connection wearing UWEC merch clothes
Group of freshman hiking
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Group of freshman hiking
Group ropes course
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Group ropes course
96% Agree: The Freshman Connection helped me be more confident in my ability to be successful at UW-Eau Claire
Students canoe trip in river
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Students canoe trip in river
Freshman rock climbing outing
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Freshman rock climbing outing
Student ambassadors talking to students at Welcome Week
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Student ambassadors talking to students at Welcome Week
Students do low level ropes course for team building
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Students do low level ropes course for team building
Students waling across footbridge to downtown farmers market
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Students waling across footbridge to downtown farmers market
Explore Our Program Options
Register for Freshman Connection Here!
Student of Freshman Connection sitting on stairs
Experience Campus Life
Freshman connection was so much fun and the leaders were amazing. The week helped me make friends, as well as become comfortable with campus without the stress of everyone being here.
Jordan, Greenfield, WI

What to Bring

Casual, weather appropriate clothing that allows you to be active, comfortable tennis shoes, sunscreen sunglasses, swimsuit and towel, and rain gear. You may also bring water shoes, an outdoor blanket, and spending money for downtown shops and ice cream! Check our website for additional details. 

Freshman Connection Packing List

Housing

The Keep It Local Program participants will be housed two/room in Tower’s Hall where there is air conditioning and gender-neutral restrooms/showers.  The Blugold Adventure Program and UWEC-BC Launch Connection Program participants move into the room they will be assigned for the semester.

housingoffice@uwec.edu
Housing + Residence Life
715-836-3674

Scholarships

Financial support is available. Apply for a $195 (Keep It Local Program) or $395 (Blugold Adventure Program) scholarship. Recipients will be notified, and the amount credited on their registration. 

Apply for Scholarships Here!

Individuals with Disabilities

We aspire to provide accessible recreation opportunities for all people. If a disability related accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us ahead of time at 715-836-3377. We respect and appreciate all people. We value the differences that make us unique and the similarities that bring us together. Come as you are and EXPERIENCE RECREATION!

Meet the Staff

Leaders are UWEC Environmental Adventure Center student staff who have strong ties to the campus community and can serve as a resource to answer questions and clarify concerns. Leaders are enthusiastic and extensively trained in the areas of wilderness first aid, CPR, risk management protocols, and small group facilitation. 

Student Success Assistants work for the UWEC-BC Launch Program throughout the year and offer academic support during weekly office hours. They are also available to assist with questions and can connect students with the support systems needed to be successful. 

Sheryl has been at UWEC since 2006 and serves as the Assistant Director of Programs for Recreation and Sport Operations. She is intentional about connecting students to the many programs and services available to help ease the transition to college life.

Tristen Collins is the Outdoor Program Manager at UW–Eau Claire and an alum of the university. With a background in outdoor instruction and commercial guiding, Tristen now oversees the Environmental Adventure Center, helping students explore the outdoors through recreation, education, and community-building.

Page Family

Recreation and Sport Operations

Hilltop Center 105
15 Garfield Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
United States

715-836-3377