Welcome Week
A page within New Student & Family Programs
Welcome Week
September 2-14, 2025
Please note that Welcome Week 2025 is still being assembled. Feel free to check out Welcome Week 2024 to get an idea of all the great events we have offered!
Welcome Week is our celebration of new students! This week's events help students feel comfortable in their new campus environment, learn information you need for your time at UWL, and participate in activities with other students, staff, and community members.
These events are subject to change. Be sure to check back frequently for the most up to date information.
Time | Event | Description | Location |
Ongoing |
Group Fitness Free Week |
All classes on the Group Fitness Schedule are free for the first week of school. Just bring your student ID or Rec App barcode. Pre-registration is only required for cycling classes due to the limited number of bikes. See the full schedule online or with the app. Take advantage of our early bird special and get $5 off a semester or annual membership. Early bird special rungs Monday 8/25 through Sunday 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. *Group Fitness Membership 60sec Sign up with Student Billing. *This option is available until Friday 9/5 at Noon. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC |
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Drop-in Academic Advising |
Uncertain of your major or your fall classes? Stop by during drop-in hours and chat with an academic advisor. Sponsored by: Academic Advising Center & Career Services |
1209 Centennial Hall |
11-11:30 a.m. |
Education Abroad 101 |
UWL offers various study abroad/away programs. To start your search, you must attend an Education Abroad 101 session before meeting with an advisor. Sessions occur weekly on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 11am, and Thursday at 4pm (on regular academic days). No reservation is needed, and you only need to attend once. More details are available on the Education Abroad 101 site.
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1140 Centennial Hall |
1-4 p.m. |
Drops with Cops |
Grab a refreshment and meet University Police! Sponsored by: University Police Department |
Main Floor, Student Union |
4 p.m. |
UWL Soccer |
UWL Eagles vs UW-Superior. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex |
5:20 p.m. |
Theatre/Dance Major/Minor/All Interested Information Meeting |
Come learn what it means to be part of the Theatre and Dance department! Sponsored by: Department of Theatre and Dance
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Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts |
6 p.m. |
Intramural Sports Employment Info Sessions |
Become an Official or Scorekeeper! Looking for an on-campus job? Have sports experience? Intramural sports officiating or scorekeeping might just be the perfect job for you! No experience is necessary; we will train you. If you are interested in officiating or scorekeeping, come learn about the job, meet some staff and learn the next steps on how to get hired. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC Conference Room 161 |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
Ongoing |
Group Fitness Free Week |
All classes on the Group Fitness Schedule are free for the first week of school. Just bring your student ID or Rec App barcode. Pre-registration is only required for cycling classes due to the limited number of bikes. See the full schedule online or with the app. Take advantage of our early bird special and get $5 off a semester or annual membership. Early bird special rungs Monday 8/25 through Sunday 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. *Group Fitness Membership 60sec Sign up with Student Billing. *This option is available until Friday 9/5 at Noon. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC |
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Drop-in Academic Advising |
Uncertain of your major or your fall classes? Stop by during drop-in hours and chat with an academic advisor. Sponsored by: Academic Advising Center & Career Services |
1209 Centennial Hall |
10 a.m.-1 p.m. |
Sample the City & Volunteer Fair |
Check out La Crosse area businesses and non-profit organizations as they promote their services right here on campus! Sample free food, pick up free product samples and coupons for future use, and get to know more about the La Crosse area community businesses and services. Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board (CAB) and Leadership and Involvement Center (LIC) |
Student Union Lawn |
10 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Part Time Job Fair |
Employers that will be in attendance can be found in Handshake. Sponsored by: Career Services & Financial Aid Office |
Student Union, Bluffs |
2-6 p.m. |
Murphy Library and Tutoring Open House |
The library is your central location for all things studying and academic support. Drop by to learn about what the library offers, including tours of our Tutoring & Learning Center and our Writing Center. Stop by the Open House for activities, snacks, and ways to see how we can help you have your best semester! Sponsored by: Murphy Library, Tutoring and Learning Center |
Murphy Library |
5:30-6:30 p.m. |
Join the It Make$ Cents! Team for a fun and educational BINGO event focused on managing your finances and budgeting for groceries. Learn valuable tips from the Scholarship Resource Center on how to afford tuition, and play for chances to win grocery prize bags. Bonus Opportunities: Attend events for a chance to win a $50 scholarship. Attend an event and complete a financial consultation to boost your chance to win a $150 scholarship. Cha-ching! Make your time and money count! Sponsored by: It Make$ Cents and Scholarship Resource Center |
Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level) |
|
6 p.m. |
Intramural Sports Employment Info Sessions |
Become an Official or Scorekeeper! Looking for an on-campus job? Have sports experience? Intramural sports officiating or scorekeeping might just be the perfect job for you! No experience is necessary; we will train you. If you are interested in officiating or scorekeeping, come learn about the job, meet some staff and learn the next steps on how to get hired. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC Conference Room 161 |
7 p.m. |
Bingo |
Try your luck at Bingo! There will be several rounds and opportunities to win some great prizes! Sponsored by: CAB |
Student Union, The Bluffs |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
Ongoing |
Group Fitness Free Week |
All classes on the Group Fitness Schedule are free for the first week of school. Just bring your student ID or Rec App barcode. Pre-registration is only required for cycling classes due to the limited number of bikes. See the full schedule online or with the app. Take advantage of our early bird special and get $5 off a semester or annual membership. Early bird special rungs Monday 8/25 through Sunday 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. *Group Fitness Membership 60sec Sign up with Student Billing. *This option is available until Friday 9/5 at Noon. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC |
8:30 – 10 a.m |
Sexual Health Month Celebration |
Celebrate with the Peer Health Advocates and free donuts! Plus, free sexual health supplies and giveaways for all UWL students. Sponsored by: Wellness and Health Advocacy |
Student Union, First Floor |
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Drop-in Academic Advising |
Uncertain of your major or your fall classes? Stop by during drop-in hours and chat with an academic advisor. Sponsored by: Academic Advising Center & Career Services |
1209 Centennial Hall |
2 p.m.-4:30 p.m. |
Campus Thread Closet |
Campus Thread is a FREE UWL community clothing closet. We have jeans, pants, blouses, shirts, skirts, dresses, UWL apparel and career clothing. Sponsored by: Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement |
1120 Centennial Hall |
4-4:30 p.m. |
Education Abroad 101 |
UWL offers various study abroad/away programs. To start your search, you must attend an Education Abroad 101 session before meeting with an advisor. Sessions occur weekly on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 11am, and Thursday at 4pm (on regular academic days). No reservation is needed, and you only need to attend once. More details are available on the Education Abroad 101 site.
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1140 Centennial Hall |
5:30 p.m. |
Moon Tunes |
Free concert series in Riverside Park. This week: Maroon Tunes! Featuring Screaming Eagles Marching Band! Make sure to stop by the UWL Alumni & Friends Tent for fun tabling and giveaways as part of their Maroon Tunes efforts. Chat and connect with Alumni & Friends Foundation, Admissions, and Graduate & Extended Learning offices. |
Riverside Park |
7-8 p.m. |
Cru Weekly Meeting |
Cru is a place for students to come together, relate with each other, and grow closer in community and relationship with God. Join us and meet someone new. Get connected with like minded people and explore the things that matter. If you're looking to find an engaging community that has their hearts set on things that are above and with events all around campus you've come to the right place. Sponsored by: Cru |
260 Graff Main Hall |
7-9 p.m. |
Slime Making |
DISTEM hosts a slime making event in the Student Union! Make some slime and meet some new friends! Sponsored by: DISTEM |
E-Cafe, Student Union, Lower Level |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
Ongoing |
Group Fitness Free Week |
All classes on the Group Fitness Schedule are free for the first week of school. Just bring your student ID or Rec App barcode. Pre-registration is only required for cycling classes due to the limited number of bikes. See the full schedule online or with the app. Take advantage of our early bird special and get $5 off a semester or annual membership. Early bird special rungs Monday 8/25 through Sunday 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. *Group Fitness Membership 60sec Sign up with Student Billing. *This option is available until Friday 9/5 at Noon. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC |
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Drop-in Academic Advising |
Uncertain of your major or your fall classes? Stop by during drop-in hours and chat with an academic advisor. Sponsored by: Academic Advising Center & Career Services |
1209 Centennial Hall |
4 p.m. |
UWL Soccer |
UWL Eagles vs Lawerence University. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex |
4-9 p.m. |
Eagle Fest |
Join us around campus to enjoy Live Music, Games, Snacks, and FREE Prizes! Visit uwlax.edu/event/eaglefest/ for all event details! |
Badger Street/Student Union Lawn |
9-11 p.m. |
Silent Disco After Party |
Celebrate the end of the first week of classes--and Eagle Fest--by joining your friends in a Silent Disco. We promise a great time! |
Student Union Lawn |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
Ongoing |
Group Fitness Free Week |
All classes on the Group Fitness Schedule are free for the first week of school. Just bring your student ID or Rec App barcode. Pre-registration is only required for cycling classes due to the limited number of bikes. See the full schedule online or with the app. Take advantage of our early bird special and get $5 off a semester or annual membership. Early bird special rungs Monday 8/25 through Sunday 9/7 at 11:59 p.m. *Group Fitness Membership 60sec Sign up with Student Billing. *This option is available until Friday 9/5 at Noon. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC |
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. ADVANCED REGISTEATION REQUIRED onIMLeagues by Friday, September 6th at Noon. |
Sandblast Volleyball Tournament |
Kick off the semester with some sand volleyball! This tournament is 4v4, with pool play in the morning, moving into a single elimination tournament in the afternoon. Games will be played on sand volleyball courts around campus. Registration is $10 per team Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
Various Volleyball Courts around Campus |
11 a.m.-6 p.m. |
Pride in the Park |
Everyone is welcome to attend the City of La Crosse's annual Pride event. This event is free and open to the public. There will be entertainment, food, and lots of organizations that support the LGBTQ+ community. Come on down and say hello to the Pride Center! Sponsored by: The 7 Rivers Center LGBTQ Connection |
Riverside Park |
3 p.m. |
UWL Soccer |
UWL Eagles vs Grinnell College. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
3:25 p.m. |
Packer Game |
Need a place to watch the game? Cheer on the green and gold as they take on the Detroit Lions! Sponsored by: University Centers and New Student and Family Programs |
Entertainment Cafe, Lower Lever Student Union |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Drop-in Academic Advising |
Uncertain of your major or your fall classes? Stop by during drop-in hours and chat with an academic advisor. Sponsored by: Academic Advising Center & Career Services |
1209 Centennial Hall |
10-10:30 a.m. |
Education Abroad 101 |
UWL offers various study abroad/away programs. To start your search, you must attend an Education Abroad 101 session before meeting with an advisor. Sessions occur weekly on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 11am, and Thursday at 4pm (on regular academic days). No reservation is needed, and you only need to attend once. More details are available on the Education Abroad 101 site.
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1140 Centennial Hall |
4-6 p.m. |
Second Year Welcome |
Welcome back, Second Years! You’re invited to join Second Year Experience for the 2024 Second Year Welcome celebration! Meet your peers, make collage jars, learn about resources on campus, and check out upcoming opportunities to kick off an awesome second year! Sponsored by: Second Year Experience |
Student Union 3105 |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
9 a.m.-4 p.m. |
Free Credit Check |
Get a better understanding of your finances with an Express Credit Check-up from UW Credit Union. These free, confidential, one-on-one meetings offer the chance to review your finances with a UW Credit Union financial specialist. Tailored to your specific needs, an Express Credit Check-up offers you the chance to take a deep dive into your credit score and explore money-saving opportunities, all in about 30-minutes. Sponsored by: UW Credit Union |
Student Union, UW Credit Union (First Level) |
11-11:30 a.m. |
Education Abroad 101 |
UWL offers various study abroad/away programs. To start your search, you must attend an Education Abroad 101 session before meeting with an advisor. Sessions occur weekly on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 11am, and Thursday at 4pm (on regular academic days). No reservation is needed, and you only need to attend once. More details are available on the Education Abroad 101 site.
|
1140 Centennial Hall |
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. |
Sexual Health Month Celebration |
Celebrate Sexual Health Month with the Peer Health Advocates! Activities, free sexual health supplies, fun freebies and more will be available for all UWL students. Sponsored by: Wellness and Health Advocacy |
Clocktower |
12-4 p.m. |
Access, Belonging, & Compliance Open House |
The Office of Access, Belonging & Compliance would like to invite you to our Open House Take this opportunity to visit our various offices in the division. There will be snacks! Visit each office and potentially win a prize! Sponsored by: Access, Belonging, & Compliance |
Various Locations |
4:30-5:30 p.m. |
Being a college student is tough—but don’t stress about your dough! Join our financial peer mentors to get practical tips and resources on budgeting and making ends meet. Plus, enjoy a sweet treat at our cookie dough bar while learning how to roll in your own cash with a solid financial plan. Bonus Opportunities: Attend events for a chance to win a $50 scholarship. Attend an event and complete a financial consultation to boost your chance to win a $150 scholarship. Cha-ching! Make your time and money count! Sponsored by: It Makes Cents and Scholarship Resource Center |
1300 Centennial Hall |
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5 p.m. |
Pin the Uterus |
How well do you actually know anatomy? Swing by the Student Union Lawn and find out! Sponsored by: PERIOD@UWL |
Student Union Lawn |
5-6:30 p.m. |
Pride Center Welcome Back Social |
The Pride Center invites you to our annual welcome social!! All new and returning students faculty and staff are welcome to attend!! Come see what the Pride Center has planned for the year and the services we offer. Meet the executives of Rainbow Unity and Transform and learn how you can get involved. Sponsored by: The Pride Center |
Student Union Lawn |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
11 a.m.-2 p.m. |
Involvement Fair |
Involvement Fest is a campus classic open to all students. Take the first steps to becoming involved at UWL by connecting with more than 100 Student Organizations! Sponsored by: The COVE and The Leadership and Involvement Center |
Student Union Lawn |
3 p.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs Mary’s University. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
5:30-7 p.m. |
ISO Welcome Back Bash |
Welcome back! Join International Education and Engagement as we welcome back all our students and introduce our new International Students to campus! Sponsored by: International Education and Engagement |
Student Union 3105 |
7 p.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs Luther College. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
9-10:30 a.m. |
Sexual Health Month Celebration |
Celebrate Sexual Health Month with the Peer Health Advocates! Activities, free sexual health supplies, fun freebies and more will be available for all UWL students. Sponsored by: Wellness and Health Advocacy |
Student Union, First Floor |
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Chalk It Up |
Celebrate the start of the semester with welcoming words, art and advocacy. Sponsored by: Center for Civil Dialogue and Civic Engagement |
Between Centennial Hall and the Gazebo near WING and Morris |
1-4 p.m. |
Drops with Cops |
Grab a refreshment and meet University Police! Sponsored by: University Police Department |
Main Floor, Student Union |
4-4:30 p.m. |
Education Abroad 101 |
UWL offers various study abroad/away programs. To start your search, you must attend an Education Abroad 101 session before meeting with an advisor. Sessions occur weekly on Monday at 10am, Tuesday at 11am, and Thursday at 4pm (on regular academic days). No reservation is needed, and you only need to attend once. More details are available on the Education Abroad 101 site.
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1140 Centennial Hall |
4:30-5:30 |
The Write Welcome |
Join the Writing Center crew in our cozy space to make dorm decor, snack on treats, and chat about writing in college. Taking a class like HIS 110, ENG 100, ENG 110, CST 110, FYS 100, or anything with lots of writing? Bring your questions, big or small, and our friendly tutors will share their best tips and tricks for acing your essays. No pressure, no lectures...just a relaxed space to connect, create, and get ready to write with confidence. See you there! Sponsored by: The Writing Center |
Writing Center, 252 Murphy Library |
4:30-6 p.m. |
Strength Redefined |
Strength Redefined is a special program designed to help you feel confident and comfortable in the Fitness Center. Whether you're new to lifting or just prefer a more relaxed environment, this program is for you. Everyone is welcome—regardless of experience level—as long as you support this welcoming space. Pre-registration is required. Visit the Rec Sports website or app to view the full schedule and reserve your spot. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
REC Fitness Center |
5:30 p.m. |
Moon Tunes |
Free concert series in Riverside Park |
Riverside Park |
6-7 p.m. |
Condom Bingo |
Kick off the semester with some friendly competition! The Peer Health advocates and Planned Parenthood invite you to Condom Bingo with prizes from Pleasures! Sponsored by: Wellness and Health Advocacy |
Student Union Entertainment Cafe |
7-8 p.m. |
Cru Weekly Meeting |
Cru is a place for students to come together, relate with each other, and grow closer in community and relationship with God. Join us and meet someone new. Get connected with like minded people and explore the things that matter. If you're looking to find an engaging community that has their hearts set on things that are above and with events all around campus you've come to the right place. Sponsored by: Cru |
260 Graff Main Hall |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
2-3 p.m. |
Outdoor Yoga on Drake Field |
Take time for yourself with Yoga while connecting with others under the sun! This class is for everyone and provides a wide range of variations. Yoga mats will be provided and taught by a Rec Sports certified yoga instructor. Sponsored by: Rec Sports |
Drake Field |
3 p.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs College of St. Scholastica. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
3 p.m. |
Women’s Tennis |
UWL vs UW-Whitewater. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by Athletics |
Green Island Tennis Courts |
3:30-4 p.m. |
Cru Beanbag Registration |
Eagle/Coate Field |
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4-8 p.m. |
Cru Beanbag Tournament |
Whether you call it corn hole or bags, come join Cru for our 3rd annual bean bag tournament! Find a teammate, warm up the ‘ol arm, and try your hand at winning some prizes playing against other competitors. We’ll also have chances to win raffle prizes along with free food, drinks, and snacks for all who come! For information on how to register, visit a weekly meeting on Thursdays at 8:00 PM in 260 Graff Hall. Sponsored by: Cru |
Eagle/Coate Field |
7 p.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs St. Norbert College. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
7 p.m. |
Eagles @ Nite: Casino Night! |
Casino Night! Try your luck at casino games; maybe you'll hit the jackpot! Sponsored by: Eagles @ Nite |
Entertainment Cafe, Student Union (Lower Level) |
Time | Event | Description | Location |
11 a.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs Martin Luther College. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |
1 p.m. |
Women’s Tennis |
UWL Eagles vs UW-Oshkosh. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by Athletics |
Green Island Tennis Courts |
3 p.m. |
UWL Volleyball |
UWL Eagles vs UW-Superior. All UWL students get in free with their Eagle ID. Sponsored by: Athletics |
Mitchell Hall Gymnasium |