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Welcome Week

A page within New Student & Family Programs

Welcome Week

September 3-15, 2024

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 Group Fitness classes are free for the first week of school. View the class schedule on the Rec Sports app or website. No registration is required, except for cycling classes. From 9/4-9/10 take advantage of the early bird membership that reduces the semester pass by $5!

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC

7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Life Savers 

Have questions about your first day of school? Swing by the Clocktower and consult upperclassmen who've done it before. We're here to help! 

Sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)

Hoeschler Clocktower 

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.-12 p.m.

First Day of School Photos

Stop by the Office of Student Life and take a photo!

Sponsored by: Student Life

149 Graff Main Hall

12-6 p.m.

Rent One, Get One Free Inline Skates

The Outdoor Connection rents a variety of outdoor equipment to help you explore the great outdoors. Rent one pair of inline skates and get a second pair free for a friend.

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC Outdoor Connection

1-4 p.m.

Drops with Cops

Grab a refreshment and meet University Police! 

Sponsored by: University Police Department

University Police Department (Parking Ramp)

3-5 p.m.

Intramural Sports 101

Intramural sports are hugely popular at UWL! Stop by our information table to learn all about intramural sports! Ask questions about working as a scorekeeper or official, or what sports we offer and how to register a team or as a free agent. We offer many sports in both recreational and competitive leagues. 

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC Lobby

5-6 p.m.

New Intramural Official Meeting

If you are interested in officiating, this meeting is Important! You must fill out HR paperwork to be eligible to work and attend sport specific clinics. This meeting is your opportunity to fill out paperwork with our staff. Sports specific training clinics will follow

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC 161

5-8 p.m.

Period Cramp Simulator

Think you can handle it? Stop by and find out!

Sponsored by: PERIOD@UWL

Student Union Lawn

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 

 

Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts

6:00 p.m.

Fall Auditions for Puffs, What the Constitution Means to Me, The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberly

Open to all students!

Sponsored by: Theatre Arts 

 

Toland Theatre, Lowe Center for the Arts

7 p.m.

Rainbow Unity S'mores Social

Welcome back for Fall 2024! Join Rainbow Unity for a s'mores social. Feel free to bring a blanket or chair!

Sponsored by: The Pride Center

Student Union 3130

 

Time Event Description Location
Ongoing

Group Fitness Free Week 

All Group Fitness classes are free for the first week of school. View the class schedule on the Rec Sports app or website. No registration is required, except for cycling classes. From 9/4-9/10 take advantage of the early bird membership that reduces the semester pass by $5!

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 and Financial Aid Office

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

The Bluffs, Student Union (Second Floor)

3-5 p.m.

Intramural Sports 101

Intramural sports are hugely popular at UWL! Stop by our information table to learn all about intramural sports! Ask questions about working as a scorekeeper or official, or what sports we offer and how to register a team or as a free agent. We offer many sports in both recreational and competitive leagues. 

Sponsored by: REC Sports 

Student Union, 1st Floor

5-6 p.m.

New Intramural Official Meeting

If you are interested in officiating, this meeting is Important! You must fill out HR paperwork to be eligible to work and 

attend sport specific clinics. This meeting is your opportunity to fill out paperwork with our staff. Sports specific training clinics will follow. 

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC Conference Room

7 p.m.

Bingo

Try your luck at Bingo! There will be several rounds and opportunities to win some great prizes!

Sponsored by: Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Student Union, Bluffs (Second Floor)

 

Time Event Description Location
Ongoing

Group Fitness Free Week 

All Group Fitness classes are free for the first week of school. View the class schedule on the Rec Sports app or website. No registration is required, except for cycling classes. From 9/4-9/10 take advantage of the early bird membership that reduces the semester pass by $5!

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

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: The Center for Transformative Justice 

1120 Centennial Hall

4 p.m.

Education Abroad 101

Join us for an Education Abroad 101 session today and learn about the many reasons why students should consider education abroad as a life changing opportunity! 

Sponsored by: International Education and Engagement 

1140 Centennial Hall

5 p.m.

Crate Stacking

Google Crate Stacking to learn what all the fun is about! Stack and climb milk crates as you go to see who can get the highest. It’s a fun and crazy way to start off the semester. Truly something to call home about! No experience is necessary (who does really?!). No pre-registration required. 

REC Center Climbing Wall

5:30-7:30 p.m.

Bank vs Credit Union

It's time to put this mystery to rest and understand the difference between financial institutions (banks vs. credit unions) and the accounts and services that are available at each. After this session, you will know what best fits your banking needs! 

 

Sponsored by It Make$ Cents and UW Credit Union 

Student Union 3314

5-7 p.m.

Cookies and Coloring

Stop by and keep your brain active by coloring and chatting with friends. Plus, we'll have cookies!

Sponsored by: Dementia Awareness in Healthcare

Student Union, Room TBD

8-9 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
Ongoing

Group Fitness Free Week 

All Group Fitness classes are free for the first week of school. View the class schedule on the Rec Sports app or website. No registration is required, except for cycling classes. From 9/4-9/10 take advantage of the early bird membership that reduces the semester pass by $5!

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

12-2 p.m.

Intramural Sports 101

Intramural sports are hugely popular at UWL! Stop by our information table to learn all about intramural sports! Ask questions about working as a scorekeeper or official, or what sports we offer and how to register a team or as a free agent. We offer many sports in both recreational and competitive leagues.

Whitney Dining Center

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

Evening

Sunset Paddleboarding with Outdoor Connection 

Join Outdoor Connection for their first trip of the semester enjoying the waters of the Driftless Region. No experience is required. Call (608.785.8860) or visit Outdoor Connection for more information. ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Outdoor Connection (REC)

 

Time Event Description Location
Ongoing

Group Fitness Free Week 

All Group Fitness classes are free for the first week of school. View the class schedule on the Rec Sports app or website. No registration is required, except for cycling classes. From 9/4-9/10 take advantage of the early bird membership that reduces the semester pass by $5!

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC
9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sand Blast 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. Teams will meet at the gazebo by Whitney Dining Center at 8:45 am to check in, play will start at 9:00 am. ADVANCED REGISTEATION REQUIRED on IMLeagues by Friday, September 8th at Noon. 

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

 

Various Locations
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

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Outdoor Yoga

Take a pause from your busy schedule and connect with your mind and body with yoga! This class is for everyone and provides numerous options/variations. Taught by a certified Rec Sports yoga instructor. Yoga mats will be provided. No pre-registration or group fitness membership required. Rain site: Recreational Eagle Center 

Sponsored by: Rec Sports 

Drake Field

 

Time Event Description Location
12-2 p.m. LIT and Paint

Join Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT) in a canvas painting activity!

Sponsored by: Leaders Igniting Transformation (LIT)

Entertainment Cafe, Student Union (Lower Level)

 

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 a.m.

Education Abroad 101

Join us for an Education Abroad 101 session today and learn about the many reasons why students should consider education abroad as a life changing opportunity! 

Sponsored by: International Education and Engagement 

1140 Centennial Hall

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)

10 a.m.-12 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 

Student Union, First Floor

11 a.m.

Education Abroad 101

Join us for an Education Abroad 101 session today and learn about the many reasons why students should consider education abroad as a life changing opportunity! 

Sponsored by: International Education and Engagement 

1140 Centennial Hall

5-6:30 p.m.

LGBTQ+ Welcome 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

6-7:30 p.m. Strength Redefined

You're not alone! Survey responses indicate that the Fitness Center is an uncomfortable and intimidating space for some individuals. Strength Redefined is a night for those that don't typically use the Fitness Center, or use it less often, because they are new to weightlifting/fitness, feel uncomfortable or intimidated in our normal environment. Educational opportunities will be available each night. Allies, who want to redefine the Fitness Center into a more comfortable space for all are welcome to attend. Come find your community where we celebrate the efforts and goals accomplished no matter your experience level. Online registration is required 30 minutes in advance of the session start. This event will be held every other Tuesday night during the semester from 6-7:30pm.

Sponsored by: Rec Sports

REC Fitness Center

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 Leadership and Involvement Center 

Student Union Lawn

1-4 p.m.

Drops with Cops

Grab a refreshment and meet University Police! 

Sponsored by: University Police Department 

University Police Department (Parking Ramp)

6-7 p.m.

Scholar Scoops

Chill with us and get the inside scoop on some of the best strategies for applying for scholarships while enjoying an ice cream sundae bar! Bring your sweet tooth and learn how to be successful in finding and applying for scholarships! 

 

Sponsored by: Scholarship Resource Center 

Student Union 3310

6:30 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 Theatre (Lower Level)

 

Time Event Description Location

12-2 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 

Student Union, First Floor

12-4 p.m.

Diversity & Inclusion Open House

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion 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! You can pick up your signature sheets from a D&I Office starting Friday 9/8 to start planning your route! 

Sponsored by: Offices of Diversity and Inclusion

Various Locations, click link to see.

3:45 p.m.

Moon Tunes

Free concert series in Riverside Park

Riverside Park

4 p.m.

Education Abroad 101

Join us for an Education Abroad 101 session today and learn about the many reasons why students should consider education abroad as a life changing opportunity! 

Sponsored by: International Education and Engagement 

1140 Centennial Hall

6-7 p.m.

Tie Dye with Transform 

Welcome back for Fall 2024! Join Transform for a tie dye event on the Union Lawn to meet new people and go home with a fun craft! Shirt sizes are first come, first serve so be sure to come early!  

Sponsored by: Transform 

Student Union Lawn 

6-7 p.m. 

Grocery Bingo 

It's BINGO time! Grab a seat and a bingo card and get ready to learn how to manage your finances (and budget groceries) with the It Make$ Cents! Team and additional ways to afford your tuition with the Scholarship Resource Center! Bags of grocery prizes to be won and a priceless learning opportunity! 

 

Sponsored by: It Make$ Cents and Scholarship Resource Center 

Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level)

8-9 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
3:30-4 p.m.

Cru Beanbag Registration

 

Eagle/Coate Field

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.

Eagles @ Nite

Join the Eagles @ Nite crew and CAB as we celebrate Friday the 13th! Enjoy the movie and snacks. 

Sponsored by: Eagles @ Nite and Campus Activity Board (CAB)

Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level). 

 

Time Event Description Location
1 p.m.

Football

First home game! The Eagles take on Northern Michigan University! Free admissions with your Eagle ID!

 

Sponsored by: UWL Athletics 

Roger Harring Stadium at Veterans Memorial Field

5 p.m.

Soccer 

The Eagles take on University of Dubuque (Iowa). Free admissions with your Eagle ID! 

Sponsored by: UWL Athletics 

Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex 

 

Time Event Description Location
12 p.m.

Packer Game

The Green Bay Packers take on the Indianapolis Colts. Come to the E-Cafe to watch the Green and Gold 

 

Sponsored by: University Centers and New Student and Family Programs 

Student Union, Entertainment Cafe (Lower Level)

12 p.m.

Men's and Women's Tennis

Watch both the men's and women's tennis teams take on Carroll University! Free Admissions with your Eagle ID!

Sponsored by: UWL Athletics

Green Island Tennis Park