STudent Advising Registration and Transition (START)
A page within Admissions
START dates
Summer 2026
Monday, June 15
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, June 18
Friday, June 19
Monday, June 22
Tuesday, June 23
Thursday, June 25
Friday, June 26
Monday, June 29
START is a required one-day registration event for incoming first-year students and families. During START, students receive information about attending UW-La Crosse, meet with academic advisors, and register for fall semester courses. The content provided here will prepare you for a successful registration experience.
Steps for Success
Before you signup for START
ACTIVATE YOUR UWL NETID
Your UWL NetID must be active to log in to WINGS and register for START. If you have not already done so, complete the steps to set up your UWL password and Okta Multifactor Authentication.
- Need assistance? Use these tips to troubleshoot or contact the Eagle Help Desk, open weekdays, 7:45 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | helpdesk@uwlax.edu | 608.785.8774
PAY YOUR ENROLLMENT DEPOSIT (complete before May 1)
Admitted first-year students (for summer or fall) who have submitted the $100 enrollment deposit are eligible to register for a START date. If you have not completed this step, sign in to WINGS and pay your $100 enrollment deposit.
Register for your START date
START REGISTRATION (open April 1 - May 31)
- Log in to your WINGS Student Center
- Scroll to the Admissions section and click START Registration
- Complete the registration form and select a date. Only dates with availability will appear for selection.
- Click 'save'
- A confirmation box will appear (please turn off pop-up blockers). Save a screenshot of your confirmation for your records. Your registration is not complete until you view the confirmation.
- View your START date. After successful registration, your START date will appear below the "START Registration" link in your WINGS Student Center.
If you have an unavoidable conflict and cannot attend any START date, contact UWL Admissions for additional instructions.
Items to note:
- START space is limited; sign up early to select the date that works best for you.
- There is no “best” date—class seats are released throughout all START sessions to ensure a wide range of course options, including for students attending later dates.
- You should select the START date that fits your schedule, allowing you to attend the full day.
- START registration deadline: May 31. If you have an unavoidable conflict and cannot attend any START date, contact UWL Admissions for additional instructions before this date.
- Students who do not register by the deadline may be unable to attend START and may not be eligible to enroll for the fall semester.
Items to complete before START
PLACEMENT TESTING (complete before May 15)
Universities of Wisconsin online placement tests are required for all new UWL students, regardless of previous credit earned. Test scores are part of your student record and are used by your advisor for course planning.
- REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS
Math Placement Test (Math Test A) | 90 minutes
English Placement Test | 90 minutes - REQUIRED TO ENROLL IN SPANISH OR FRENCH LANGUAGE COURSES
World Language Placement Test | 60 minutes - Complete your placement tests before May 15. Results must be submitted and processed before class registration. Students without scores on file will not be able to enroll in specific courses at registration and may have to wait until scores are submitted to complete registration.
UWL EMAIL & MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 (complete after May 15)
All UWL students receive a UWL email and Microsoft Office 365 account, providing access to apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. Office apps are regularly updated with the latest features and security enhancements.
- Access your UWL email and Office 365 account
- Pro tip: Download the Microsoft Office mobile app to have easy access to your email.
SUBMIT YOUR STUDENT ID PHOTO (complete after May 15 )
To speed up your check-in process at START, submit your ID photo before you arrive! Photos must be submitted by 11 a.m. on the last business day before your START date. You will also have the option to have your ID photo taken while on campus.
Need Help? Contact the Card Office at 608.785.8891
NAVIGATE360 STUDENT (complete after May 15)
Navigate360 Student helps you stay on track by showing important dates and deadlines, syncing your course schedule, and connecting you with classmates and UWL support offices like Career Services, Financial Aid, and Tutoring & Learning.
CANVAS (prior to your START date)
Canvas is UWL's learning management platform. Before your START date, you'll receive instructions to access your account and complete the START Preparation Course, allowing you to:
- Review important information and academic videos
- Explore resources to help with class registration
- Access START materials and recorded presentations after the event
DINING ACCOMMODATION REQUEST (optional)
UWL Dining Services is committed to supporting students with food allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences. To request a dining accommodation, complete this form prior to START. After submission, the UWL Dining Registered Dietitian will contact you to discuss your dietary needs, answer questions, and provide guidance on the next steps.
Bring these items to START
- START packet (sent in the mail)
- Laptop
- WINGS username and password
- Driver's license or government-issued photo ID
ARRIVING ON CAMPUS
- Plan to arrive in the Student Union (521 East Ave N) before 8:45 a.m.
- Park in Lot C-12 or the north parking ramp (no permit required).
- At check-in, you'll receive your registration folder, student ID card (be sure to bring a government-issued photo ID), and group assignment for session rotation.
START
Event Schedule
8-8:45 a.m. | Check-in, Student Union
9-9:25 a.m. | Welcome & General Info
9:40-10:40 a.m. | Session 1*
10:55-11:55 a.m. | Session 2*
11:55-12:40 p.m. | Lunch (provided for students; guests may purchase)
12:45-1:45 p.m. | Session 3*
2-2:45 p.m. | Student Registration Instructions
2:45-3:30 p.m. | Course Registration
2:45-4 p.m. | Resource Fair and Residence Life & Dining Center Open House (optional)
*Rotating sessions, including academic advising appointments and campus resources.
Course registration information
Academic Advising
Before your START date, you'll watch academic videos in Canvas covering general education, your degree path, placement (math, English, and world languages), AP credit, and your UWL college or school:
- College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CASSH)
- College of Business Administration (CBA)
- College of Science and Health (CSH)
- School of Education (SOE)
UWL Academic Advising offers additional suggestions to help you prepare for START registration.
During START, you'll meet with an academic advisor to review requirements, discuss course options, and learn about opportunities in your field.
Toward the end of your START date, you'll register for classes. A partial schedule may appear in your WINGS Student Center before START. You'll complete and finalize your schedule during the registration session with guidance from your advisor.
First-year coursework
First-year coursework focuses primarily on General Education requirements. The General Education program provides a well-rounded foundation for your bachelor's degree. Some majors and programs require specific General Education courses, which your academic advisor will discuss with you.
Most students register for 12-18 credits. To be considered a full-time student, you must enroll in at least 12 credits.
Explore major requirements
- Program requirements
- Course descriptions
- Department websites (linked in the catalog) provide additional information about faculty, resources, and opportunities
AP, IB, CLEP, & COLLEGE CREDIT
You should discuss any Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and other college credit with your academic advisor at START.
To receive credit
- AP scores must be sent directly from College Board to UWL Admissions. If you tested during your junior year, you should already have your scores. Senior year exam scores are typically reported in July.
- To receive credit for completed college coursework, you must request an official final transcript (from the college granting credit) be sent to Admissions. Submitting these transcripts before START helps ensure credits are posted to your record in time for advising.
FAQ
Which date is best?
There's no "best" date. Choose the date that fits your schedule and allows you spend the full day with us. We open seats in classes throughout START to ensure a wide variety of classes across all dates. You can build a strong first-semester schedule no matter when you attend.
What if these dates don't work?
If special circumstances prevent you from attending START, you must contact Admissions by May 30, 2026? at 608.785.8939 or admissions@uwlax.edu to discuss an alternative option.
My family is unable to attend with me
While we encourage family members to attend START, only our incoming students are required to attend
I want to change my major
You can update your major when you register for your START date. Log in to your WINGS Student Center, scroll to the Admissions section, and click START Registration. Select your new major and click SAVE.
Special accomodations
To request disability accommodations (e.g., accessible seating, interpreting, captioning, large print, FM systems) contact Sam Pierce at spierce@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8068.
Getting to campus
Student Union GPS address
521 East Ave N
La Crosse, WI 54601
Explore the La Crosse area
As part of the Driftless Region, the La Crosse area is a great place to call home! Use this resource to learn more about what is happening in the La Crosse community.
Fall 2026
Important Dates
- July (first week) | Residence Life distributes move-in information
- September 2-5 | Move-in dates
- September 5-7 | New Student Orientation (move in by 12 p.m., Sept. 5 to fully participate)
- September 8 | First Day of Classes
- September 11 | Eagle Fest
- October 9-11 | Family Weekend