Orientation
We are so excited for you to join our community! Whether you are a new student or transfer, living on campus or commuting from home, doing dual-enrollment or traditional courses – welcome home.
Early Arrival Schedules
Welcome to New Student Orientation!
New Student Orientation is August 21 – 25, 2026. Event information and schedules are available below. Review this page in August for any updates. Students will also be contacted via email with arrival and check-in details later this summer. If you have any questions, you can reach out to orientation@unwsp.edu. We are getting ready for your arrival and can’t wait to welcome you to campus!
What to Expect
- Friday: Move-In, Check-In, Welcome from University Leadership, Meet your Orientation Group, Social activities
- Saturday: Spiritual Life Session, Campus Scramble, Living Area Connection Lunch, Island Adventures, Movie Night
- Sunday (optional): Worship Gathering, Brunch, Open Gym, Gaming Lobby, Ice Cream Social
- Monday: Academic Workshops, Involvements Fair, Evening event
- Tuesday: Technology Session, Meet your Faculty, Community Lunch
- Wednesday: Classes begin
Orientation Highlights
Welcome
Orientation Groups
Involvement Fair
Island Adventures
Meet the Faculty
Workshops
Orientation Schedule
The Orientation Schedule applies to all students. A few events are intended for specific audiences, which are indicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
All incoming students must attend Orientation. This includes traditional Undergraduate Students, on-campus Dual Enrollment/PSEO students, and new transfer students. New Student Orientation takes place Friday, August 21 through Tuesday, August 25. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 26. Plan family vacations, camp commitments, work schedules, etc. with this schedule in mind. All new on-campus students are expected to attend all of Orientation.
Yes! You are welcome to invite parents, family, and other guests, but that is completely up to you. Some students come with their parent and others come alone. We host special connection times for parents and guests that attend Orientation.
To move-in, Resident Students will receive their dorm key during a drive-through key pickup. Residents will then unload into dorm rooms, with support from student leaders. Following your dorm move-in, you will go to Check-In.
Commuting Students will begin their Orientation at Check-In. Check-In is required for all students.
During Check-In, you’ll receive your Student ID and Orientation schedule information. Additionally, service areas will be available to support questions and tasks you may have.
For athletes, your coach will have your complete schedule, including practice times. For other extracurriculars, contact your group supervisor. Note, early arrival is limited to students participating in specific extracurricular events.
New Students with extracurricular involvement are still required to attend Orientation sessions; other Orientation activities may be optional. Contact UNW Athletics or Orientation@unwsp.edu with specific questions.
Before You Arrive
Make sure you complete your New Student Checklist. Most steps can be completed through your Admitted Student Portal. If you have questions about any of these steps, let your admission counselor know!
Questions?
Contact orientation@unwsp.edu
