Week of Welcome

UWRF Orientation
Phone: 715-425-3500
Email: orientation@uwrf.edu
Location: 103 Rodli Hall, Admissions
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., M-F

What is Week of Welcome?

Week of Welcome (WOW) is more than two weeks of jam-packed free events for new students to celebrate their arrival to campus! From the Involvement Fair to Late Night Great Night, Butter Carving to Main Street Mosey, and movie nights to the Rodli Rave, there will be free food, giveaways and fun for everyone. This is where you’ll find ways to get involved on campus, make new friends and begin to call UWRF “home.”

The schedule of events for the fall 2026 Week of Welcome (WOW) is HERE! This year's theme is Life in the Falcon Fast Lane, because once you’re a Falcon, you’ll need to buckle up for endless opportunities, connections and activities that you get to be a part of! Get revved and ready to be ‘WOW’ed as you start your journey at UW-River Falls! Check out the full schedule of each day's activities below!

Any questions can be emailed to orientation@uwrf.edu or texted to 715-941-0410 throughout Orientation and WOW. For live event updates and behind-the-scenes updates, follow @uwrforientation on Instagram!

Monday, Aug. 31

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
- University Center, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  - All new students should expect to attend both days of Orientation and Falcon 101. These programs are designed to help new students acclimate to campus, meet new friends and connect with the people and resources that will help you succeed as Falcons! Schedules can be found in your UWRF email or posted throughout your residence hall if you're living on campus.
Falcon Fly Time
- 1-2 p.m.
  - Fish up Orientation Day 2 with casual activities all around campus and the UC to meet other students, connect with campus resources and relax with the OLs! Specific event details will be provided at Orientation.
New Scholar Orientation
- Falls Room, UC, 2-3 p.m.
  - Orientation for New TRIO SSS Scholars. By invitation only.
Trivia
- Pete's Creek (UC), 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  - General Trivia hosted by Sporcle, inc. Teams of 4-5 with prizes from the Falcon Shop for the top three groups!
Sunset Yoga
- Amphitheatre, 7-8 p.m.
  - Wrap up your second day of Orientation with a 45-minute yoga class taught by an instructor with Campus Rec
Outdoor Movie
- Ramer Football Field, 8 p.m.
  - A movie (title TBD) shown on the video board at Ramer Field where students can watch while sitting on the football field! Free giveaways including folding/camping chairs and picnic blankets and popcorn w/toppings as a treat!

Tuesday, Sept. 1

New Scholar Orientation
- Falls Room (UC), 9-10 a.m.
  - Orientation for new TRIO SSS scholars (by invite only).
Inflatables
- UC Front Lawn, 9 a.m.-noon
  - Bouncy house, mechanical sharks, free T-shirts, oh my! Stop by, bounce around and get your "GAME DAY' shirt if you did not get it at Orientation!'
Roamin' Rodli Scavenger Hunt
- Rodli Hall, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  - Feel free to explore all of the many offices and resources available to support students in Rodli Hall! After both days, winners will be selected to receive exclusive WOW merch!
FALCON 101
- Academic Buildings, 1-3 p.m.
  - Falcon 101 is the academic component of New Student Orientation. Each academic department will meet separately in assigned locations. Students can expect to meet faculty and older students, while also getting tips, tricks and advice for how to navigate the academic transition into college.
Hall Olympics
- East side sand volleyball courts, 4 p.m.
See the Falls in River Falls
- UC Front Patio, 4-6 p.m.
  - Come on a short hike to explore Glen Park and River Falls most iconic falls with new friends and Falcon Outdoor Adventures!
Taco 'Bout It Tuesday
- UC Trimbelle River Room, Room 231, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  - College is here... are you ready? Hang out with our peer counselors and fellow Falcons as we chat about navigating campus, making friends, overcoming first-year jitters and making the most of your college experience. Chips and salsa/queso provided, but participants are encouraged to continue the great conversation with dinner in the UC after as well.
Noah Sonie
- Falcon's Nest, 7-8:30 p.m.
  - Touring hypnotist and comedian, Noah Sonie, is bringing flocks of laughter and entertainment to the Falcon's Nest!

Wednesday, Sept. 2 (First Day of Classes!)

First Day of Class
- Academic Buildings
First Day Food Trucks
- UC Lawn, 8-10 a.m.
  - Kickstart the first day of class with donuts or a coffee to help celebrate the start of the fall semester!
Roamin' Rodli Scavenger Hunt
- Rodli Hall, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  - Feel free to explore all of the many offices and resources available to support students in Rodli Hall! After both days, winners will be selected to receive exclusive WOW merch!
Hall Olympics
- Scavenger Hunt Across Campus, 4-5 p.m.
Involvement Fair
- Falcon Center, 5-7 p.m.
  - Get involved on campus! Connect with our 120+ student organizations, check out local businesses and win free swag! There's something for everyone! Shuttle available from the University Center to the Falcon Center.

Thursday, Sept. 3

AFS Brunch and Bingo
- Ag Sci 211, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  - Open to all animal and food science students! Stop by for free food and a game of BINGO to meet new people and learn about the Animal and Food Science Department
Meet the Greeks - Floats and Frisbees
- UC Patio, 1-3 p.m.
  - Learn about sorority and fraternity life here at UWRF. Get a root beer float, meet the chapters and design your very own frisbee!
Hall Olympics
- Hathorn Hall Front Lawn, 4 p.m.
New Climber Night
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 5-7 p.m.
  - Come to the FOA Climbing Wall to learn the ropes of rock climbing! Get an intro to the wall, learn the basics and meet other new climbers. We've got the tips, the gear and the community...you just show up! No experience necessary!
Football vs. Southern Virginia
- Ramer Field, 6 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the defending national champion Falcon Football team as they kick off the 2026 college football season at home under the lights at Ramer Field!

Friday, Sept. 4

Lego My Eggo
- SIB Center, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  - Come check out the Student Inclusion and Belonging Center, build a Lego project and enjoy Eggo waffles. You can also enter a contest to have your Lego sculpture judged for prizes!
Bag Toss Tournament
- UC Lawn, 4-6 p.m., FREE
  - Grab a friend and come to the WOW Bag Toss Tournament. All teams are guaranteed two games and the winners will receive IM Champ T-Shirts!
Late Night Great Night
- UC, 8-11 p.m.
  - Kick off Week of Welcome (WOW) with one of our biggest events of the year! Late Night Great Night is packed with cosmic bowling, knockerball soccer, permanent bracelets, DIY succulents, photobooth, bingo, s'mores, a chicken and waffles bar, free giveaways and tons of ways to meet new friends. The UC is transformed into a high-energy hangout with something fun around every corner. Come ready for a night of nonstop excitement!

Saturday, Sept. 5

Women's Golf Invite
- River Falls Golf Club
  - Come cheer on the Falcons during their home tournament!
Kayak the Kinni: Lower
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
  - Join FOA for the perfect first trip for Falcons looking to stretch their new wings! Kayak the lower section of the Kinnickinnic River, a fun, technical section of the river! You will likely get wet! Previous paddling experience is strongly recommended. Advanced registration required.
Women's Tennis vs. Wartburg
- Ramer Tennis Courts, 10 a.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Wartburg Knights!
Sand Volleyball Tournament
- Crabtree Sand Volleyball Courts, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., FREE
  - Grab a friend and come to the WOW Sand Volleyball Tournament. All teams are guaranteed two games and the winners will receive IM Champ T-shirts!
Main St. Mosey
- Downtown River Falls, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  - Take a stroll downtown to explore River Falls and connect with local businesses. Use our interactive map to discover cool spots, special deals and hidden gems. It’s a great way to get to know the community and find your new favorite hangout. Don’t miss this chance to explore, shop and chill with friends!
Kayak the Kinni: Upper
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 1:45-6 p.m.
  - Join FOA for the perfect first trip for Falcons looking to stretch their new wings! Kayak the upper section of the Kinnickinnic River, a relaxing, calm section of the river. No previous experience required. Advanced registration required.
Women's Tennis vs. UW-Superior
- Falcon Center Tennis Courts, 4 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Yellowjackets!
Tie Blanket Movie Night
- UC Mall, 7:30-10 p.m.
  - Enjoy a cozy outdoor movie night on the UC Mall. Watch "10 Things I Hate About You" on the big screen, make a tie blanket and snack on some free Chipotle! Supplies are first-come, first-served. See you there!

Sunday, Sept. 6

Women's Golf Invite
- River Falls Golf Club
  - Come cheer on the Falcons during their home tournament!
Kayak the Kinni: Lower
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 9:45 a.m.-2 p.m.
  - Join FOA for the perfect first trip for Falcons looking to stretch their new wings! Kayak the lower section of the Kinnickinnic River, a fun, technical section of the river! You will likely get wet! Previous paddling experience is strongly recommended. Advanced registration required.
Freddy 500
- Crabtree Sand Volleyball Courts, 1-3 p.m.
  - Race your way around campus and complete a series of fun challenges for a chance to win some amazing prizes!
Kayak the Kinni: Upper
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 1:45-6 p.m.
  - Join FOA for the perfect first trip for Falcons looking to stretch their new wings! Kayak the upper section of the Kinnickinnic River, a relaxing, calm section of the river! No previous experience required. Advanced registration required.
S'mores with the OLs
- UC Firepit, 5-7 p.m.
  - Stop by the UC firepit and decompress from your first week of college with some of the Orientation Leaders! First come, first served while s'mores kits are available!

Monday, Sept. 7

Community Gardening
- Grow to Share, 9 a.m.-noon
  - Start off Labor Day with some community service at the Grow to Share Community Gardens at Hoffman Park in River Falls. Shuttle service will be provided by the UWRF Sustainability Office. Sign up in advance to claim your spot!
Craftin' Cookout
- UC Front Patio, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  - You can't have Labor Day without a Falcon grill out! Come get a grilled hot dog or hamburger and make some crafts like tie-dying, iron-ons and banner making!
Women's Soccer vs. Bethel
- Ramer Soccer Field, 2 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Bethel Royals!
Free Movie
- Falls Theatre (105 S. Main St.), 7:30 p.m.
  - Stop by the Falls Theatre for your choice of two brand new movies! Free popcorn, candy and soda included.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

Sustainability Kickoff
- Melvin Wall Amphitheatre, 4-6 p.m.
Taco 'Bout It Tuesday
- UC Trimbelle River Room, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  - College is here... are you ready? Hang out with our peer counselor and fellow Falcons as we chat about navigating campus, making friends, overcoming first-year jitters and making the most of your college experience. Chips and salsa/queso provided, but participants are encouraged to continue the great conversation with dinner in the UC after as well.

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Lunchtime Bingo
- Pete's Creek, noon-1 p.m.
  - Bingo, prizes and good vibes during your lunch break. It’s quick, easy and fun with no sign-up needed. Come for lunch, stay for the game (and the free stuff)!
Men's Soccer vs. Carleton
- Ramer Field, 4 p.m.
  - Come cheer on our men's soccer team as they take on Carleton College!
New Climber Night
- Falcon Center Climbing Wall, 5-7 p.m.
  - Come to the FOA Climbing Wall to learn the ropes of rock climbing! Get an intro to the wall, learn the basics and meet other new climbers. We've got the tips, the gear and the community...you just show up! No experience necessary!
Free Bowling
- St. Croix Lanes, 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
  - Free bowling for students with your UWRF ID! No registration required, lanes are first come, first served!

Thursday, Sept. 10

Library Mini Golf Tournament
- Chalmer Davee Library, 4-6 p.m.
  - Come to the library for a mini golf tournament! Learn about campus departments through themed greens and grab some fun giveaways (while supplies last). The winners of the tournament will win a free T-shirt from Campus Rec!

Friday, Sept. 11

9/11 Stair Climb Challenge
- Falcon Center, all day
  - Stop into the Falcon Center, sign up and climb the number of stairs equivalent to the Twin Towers as a day of remembrance. All those who participate will be entered into a drawing for Campus Rec swag.
Frances Cohler Coffee Concert
- Abbott Concert Hall, noon-1 p.m.
  - The UWRF Music and Stage and Screen Arts Department is proud to present a FREE concert as part of the Frances Cohler Coffee Concert Series. Please join us for music and refreshments!
Women's Soccer vs. Augsburg
- Ramer Field , 3:30 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the women's soccer team as they take on the Auggies!
Men's Soccer vs. Grinnell
- Ramer Field, 5:30 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the men's soccer team as they take on Grinnell!
Volleyball vs. Lake Forest
- Page Arena, Falcon Center, 7 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the volleyball team as they face off against the Lake Forest Foresters!
UWRF Rodeo
- UWRF Lab Farm, 7 p.m.
  - Join us for one of UWRF’s biggest traditions and cheer on the UWRF Rodeo Team as they compete against top college athletes from across the region at their home rodeo!

Saturday, Sept. 12

Climb at Interstate State Park
- FOA Rental Center, 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
  - Spend the day on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin scaling the basalt cliffs of the St. Croix with Falcon Outdoor Adventures! This one-day excursion will leave the FOA Rental Center early in the morning and be back in time for dinner. This is a beginner-friendly trip with transportation, equipment, instruction and snacks included. Advanced registration required.
Art on the Kinni
- Downtown River Falls, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  - Art on the Kinni features 80+ juried artists, a children's art tent, two musical venues and food vendors. Close to 6,000 art lovers provide a steady stream of foot traffic along the scenic Kinnickinnic White Trail and Heritage Park.
Volleyball vs. Concordia
- Page Arena, Falcon Center, 1 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on Concordia!
Women's Tennis vs. UW-Eau Claire
- Falcon Center Tennis Courts, 2 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the women's tennis team as they take on the Blugolds!
UWRF Rodeo
- UWRF Lab Farm, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  - Join us for one of UWRF’s biggest traditions and cheer on the UWRF Rodeo Team as they compete against top college athletes from across the region at their home rodeo!
Volleyball vs. Bethel
- Page Arena, Falcon Center, 5 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Bethel Royals!

Sunday, Sept. 13

Women's Soccer vs. Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Ramer Field, 1 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the women's soccer team as they take on the MSOE Raiders!
Women's Tennis vs. UW-Whitewater
- Falcon Center Tennis Courts, 2 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the tennis team as they take on Whitewater!

Monday, Sept. 14

Slack and Snack
- North side of UC (outdoors), noon-3 p.m.
  - Join FOA for a midday hangout! Come try the Slackline, enjoy a s'more or two and chat about our upcoming fall trips!
Maker's Night: DIY Doormat
- Falcon's Nest, 6-8 p.m.
  - Add a personal touch to your space with a custom-painted doormat! All materials are provided—just bring your creativity. No experience necessary, just show up and get crafty!

Tuesday, Sept. 15

National Voter Registration Day
- Campus Mall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  - Are you registered to vote? Come and learn how to register, find your polling location and answer all voter-related questions you may have. Free T-shirts and waffles for all! Come and celebrate democracy!
Taco 'Bout It Tuesday
- UC Trimbelle River Room, Room 231, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  - College is here... are you ready? Hang out with our peer counselors and fellow Falcons as we chat about navigating campus, making friends, overcoming first-year jitters and making the most of your college experience. Chips and salsa/queso provided, but participants are encouraged to continue the great conversation with dinner in the UC after as well.

Wednesday, Sept. 16

Study Abroad Fair
- UC Lawn (Rain location: Falcon's Nest), 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  - Join us at the Study Abroad Fair to explore international opportunities available to UWRF Falcons, with programs for all majors offered in a variety of locations and lengths. From week-long experiences to full semesters, study abroad may be more affordable than you think thanks to available financial aid, grants and scholarships.

Thursday, Sept. 17

Dog Therapy
- Involvement Center, 4-6 p.m.
  - Back and better than ever! De-stress with certified therapy dogs and friendly handlers! While you're there, grab some giveaways and participate in some yoga. It's the paw-fect way to take a break and lift your spirits!
Men's Soccer vs. Luther
- Ramer Field, 4 p.m.
  - Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Luther College Norse!