New Student and Family Programs

Welcome to the Falcon Family!

The Department of New Student and Family Programs is committed to providing new students and their families with the information, resources, and support that is needed during the transition to and through the college experience. 

We will challenge and support new students as we introduce them to educational opportunities and the social responsibilities that are expected of campus community members.

We also believe that involved and informed parents and family members are an essential resource to new students during their transition to campus and consider them to be valuable partners in encouraging student success.

Fall 2020 New Students - Your Next Steps!

 

1. Check your UWRF Email

Now that you're officially a UWRF student, all communication from the university will be sent to your UWRF email. It is important to check your UWRF email regularly so you don't miss important updates related to your class schedule, student billing, residence life updates, and more!

2. Submit your University ID photo!

Your ID card is an important tool that you need on campus to check out textbooks, access your residence hall and meal plan, receive student discounts, and more. To submit your ID photo, visit the link below to get started. You’ll need your driver’s license or state-issued photo ID to complete the process.

Submit your photo by August 16th to receive your ID in the mail before move-in and WOW.

You will receive your student ID in the mail before the fall semester starts. Questions? Please contact the Carding Office at dots@uwrf.edu or call at 715-425-3687.

3. Living on campus? Reserve your move-in time!

New students should be selecting a move-in date between Wednesday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 30 so they can be settled in and ready to go for the Week of Welcome beginning on Monday, Aug. 31. New students can check their UWRF email from Residence Life notifying students when the Housing Portal will be open to select a move-in appotintment date and time. Please plan accordingly as there are limited time slos avaiable each day of move-in. For more information, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/ResidenceLife/.   

4. Reserve your textbook pick-up appointment

Textbook Services has modified book issue to provide a safe environment for you to collect the textbooks for your courses. You can coordinate a time fthat works for you to check in and pick up your textbooks. Textbook Services will pull your books and package them for your immediate pick-up-- you'll just need your student ID and you'll be ready to go!

5. Send in your final transcripts

Remember, we need official, final transcripts for high school and any colleges you might be receiving credit from. Before you arrive on campus, you should send the Admissions Office your final high school and college transcripts! We'll verify that you've successfully graduated from high school and completed your most recent college terms. We will also post updates to your degree audit for Associate of Arts (AA) degrees or MnTC (Minnesota Transfer Curriculum) completion and update your class standing. Additionally, if you have them, send in any military transcripts.

6. Apply for Financial Aid

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if you haven’t already done so.

• Complete FAFSA verification (if applicable): Being selected for FAFSA Verification is common. If you are chosen for verification, be certain to follow up with the requested information right away so that your financial aid award is not delayed.
• Accept or Decline Financial Aid Awards on eSIS: Many types of financial aid need to be accepted. Be sure to complete this step of the process so that your financial aid is in place.

Note: MN Residents, if you haven’t taken care of applying for tuition reciprocity, make sure you take care of this step so we can adjust your tuition rate.

7. Get excited for the Week of Welcome and Orientation
New students are encouraged to move in to campus by Sunday, August 30^th to fully participate in the Week of Welcome and other orientation activities officially beginning on Monday August 31^st. During the Week of Welcome, students will be paired up with an orientation leader to meet other new students, get to know campus and the River Falls community, learn about life as a college student, and prepare for their first year at UWRF!

Unofficial orientation activities will kick off beginning on Wednesday, August 26^th in the evening, and will take place each day through Friday, September 4^th. No matter when you move-in, be prepared to explore campus, meet fellow Falcons, participate in fun FREE events, and get some awesome UWRF giveaways.

First-year students will also begin connecting with their We Are Falcons Orientation group through Canvas beginning in late August. Watch your UWRF email for updates and information to learn more about your orientation group and how to rock out your first year of college.