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! 

Sign up for the 3-Day Program, the 5-Day Program or both to maximize your college experience!

Cost includes housing in the residence halls, meals, t-shirt, water bottle, and all programming. Bring your own cash for downtown shops and ice cream!

3-Day Keep it Local Program

Experience what life is like being a Blugold! Become familiar with the campus while utilizing meeting rooms, residence halls, the dining center, and recreation facilities. Your experience will include day trips like floating down the Chippewa River, going on a hike, or discovering the hidden gems in downtown Eau Claire. All trips are guided by trained and certified student leaders from the Environmental Adventure Center whose goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for everyone. 

Cost: $295

Dates: July 18-20 & July 25-27

5-Day Adventure Program

Move in early to your residence hall room and avoid the rush! Jump start your campus connections while utilizing the ropes course, dining center, and recreation facilities. Continue with off-campus day trip adventures of rock climbing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and hiking. All trips are guided by trained and certified student leaders from the Environmental Adventure Center whose goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for everyone. On the final day, everyone will participate in a closing ceremony and dinner.

Cost: $495 

Dates: August 27-31

Housing

Are you planning on staying in the residence hall the night after a Freshman Connection program to participate in a Blugold Experience Day offered by Orientation? There is an additional charge of $26 and you need to contact Housing to reserve your room.

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

Scholarships

Financial support is available, visit our website to apply for a $195 (3-day) or $395 (5-day) scholarship. Recipients will be notified, and the amount credited on their registration. 

Meet the Freshman Connection Staff

Trip 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. All trips have a participant-to-leader ratio of approximately 6:1. Leaders are enthusiastic and extensively trained in the areas of wilderness first aid, CPR, risk management protocols, and small group facilitation.

Al has been at UWEC since 1992 and currently serves as the Assistant Director of Operations for Recreation and Sport Operations. His role keeps him involved in the field of outdoor education and supervising Environmental Adventure Center.

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.