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START

A page within Admissions

START here!

Helping incoming students and families successfully start at UWL

STudent Advising Registration and Transition (START)

START 2025

The deadline to sign up for a START date has passed. For assistance with enrolling in a future term at UWL, call the Admissions Office at 608.785.8939.

Materials for START

START program

Learn more about the START program by reviewing the information provided: START 2025 program

UWL housing reminders

Be sure to review your housing information and make sure you have all necessary items completed: UWL housing reminders

Student Health Center forms

Please complete the Student Health Center forms, which are due May 30, 2025. They are used to verify a student's immunization record, and to provide the SHC staff with information about specific health concerns and emergency notification contacts. Please note that all incoming UWL students should plan to submit an up-to-date immunization history, including vaccination dates.

Student Health Center

Register for START

Is START required?

Yes, START is a program that first-year students are required to attend. At START, first-year students will receive information about attending UW-La Crosse and academic advising to assist students in selecting their first-semester courses. Students will register for their first semester classes during START.

Students who have submitted the $100 enrollment deposit will receive registration information via mail for in early April for 2025 START!

Preparing for START

How should I prepare to attend START?

Prepare by...

  1. Reading through all mailed materials prior to signing up for your START date.
  2. Signing up for a START date that works for you as soon as possible.
  3. Take Placement Tests as directed by the Admissions Office. Specific information about the required exams can be found on the Placement Test Instructional Sheet. 
  4. Completing Student Health Forms.

After May 15, 2025...

  1. Install and set up the Okta App for Two-Step Authentication
  2. Install and set up UWL Email and Microsoft Office 365.
  3. Install and set up the NAVIGATE 360 STUDENT App
  4. Learn more about Advising and Class Selection
  5. Submit your Student ID Photo Online
  6. UWL Dining Services Accommodation Form
  7. Additional information will be emailed to your personal email account with items to complete and next steps prior to your START date.
How do I sign up for the Universities of Wisconsin Placement Tests?

All students are required to take the placement tests regardless of credit earned as it will allow you the greatest selection of courses during the START program. Students should plan to complete their placement tests prior to May 15, 2025.

Placement test scores are part of your student record and are used by your advisor to plan your course schedule. Students who have not taken placement tests may not be able to enroll in math, English, or some language or science courses.

  • Math Placement Test is required for all students.
    • UW-La Crosse students should complete Math Test A, the un-proctored, online, on demand math test.
  • English Placement Test is required for all students.
  • World Language Placement Test is required to enroll in Spanish, French or German language courses, including those students who have taken college credit language classes as transfer courses.

Students admitted for summer or fall 2025 can complete their placement tests by following these instructions: Placement Tests

Students can register for their placement tests online: https://exams.wisc.edu/placement/regionaltesting/information.php 

FAQs

Which date is best to attend?

There is no ‘best’ date. Select a date that works in your schedule and allows you to spend the entire day with us. We have steps in place to open seats in classes throughout the START dates to ensure a wide variety of classes for all students to select - including those attending the final days. There will be enough classes available to create a beneficial schedule for your first semester no matter which date you attend.

What if my family members cannot attend with me?

While we welcome family members to this event, only you (the student) are required to attend.

What if I have changed my major since applying to UWL?

This can be taken care of when you register for your START date. Please log into your WINGS Student Center at https://wings.uwlax.edu and scroll down to the Admissions section. Click on ‘START Registration.’ You will be able to select a new major based on your interests. Click ‘save’ and your major will be updated. Students will only be able to register for the START program if they have submitted their $100 enrollment deposit. 

What if I cannot attend START?

We understand there may be special circumstances preventing you from attending START. Please contact the Admissions office at 608.785.8939 or admissions@uwlax.edu.

Where can I find directions to campus?

View our campus map here!

GPS Location for the Student Union

521 East Ave. N. La Crosse, WI 54601

Special accommodations

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

To request disability accommodations (accessible seating, interpreting, closed captioning, large print materials, FM systems, etc.) contact Sam Pierce at spierce@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8068.

Lodging options

If you are looking for hotel accommodations in the La Crosse area, visit www.explorelacrosse.com