Welcome Home Warhawks!!
The First Year Experience Office is so excited to welcome everyone back to campus for the fall semester. We cannot wait to see all the new students at Warhawk Welcome and New Student Seminar this fall. Both first-year and returning students, please know campus is here to support you both inside and outside of the classroom.
Starting your journey at UW-Whitewater as a first-year student is both exciting and challenging, but there are many ways to make the transition smoother and to feel a part of the Warhawk Family. Building connections from the start helps create a sense of belonging and Warhawk pride. Whether it’s joining a student organization, attending floor meetings in the residence halls, or introducing yourself to classmates, you begin forming bonds that make campus feel like home. Managing time wisely is also key—students should explore study spots around campus, use planners to balance academics and social life, and not hesitate to ask for help when needed.
UW-Whitewater offers many resources to support student success. The Mary Poppe Chrisman Success Center provides tutoring, Supplemental Instruction, and academic coaching for nearly every subject. The University Health and Counseling Services is another important resource, offering both physical and mental health support. First-year students should also make note of their Peer Mentor, Resident Assistant (RA), and academic advisor in Navigate. Each of these individuals can answer questions and guide you through any obstacle that may come your way. Career Services and the Andersen Library are additional resources that can help students academically and professionally.
To feel at home, students should take advantage of the many events hosted around campus. Warhawk Welcome, Glow Night, Homecoming activities, student organization fairs, and athletic events all give first-year students chances to connect with fellow Warhawks. Don’t forget to download the Connect 2 app to stay in the know of what is happening at UWW!! If you see an event you are interested in attending, but are nervous to go alone, I encourage you to reach out to the Peer Engagement Program at [email protected]. PEP will connect you to other students and creates a group of individuals with whom you can attend campus events together. Music and theatre performances, volunteer opportunities, and cultural events also allow students to explore interests and meet others with similar passions. I encourage all students to be Warhawk BOLD- by stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing these opportunities, new students can quickly find their place in the Warhawk Family and truly make UW-Whitewater their home away from home.