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

Week of Welcome

The schedule of events for the fall 2025 Week of Welcome is HERE! This year's theme is Endless Summer @ UWRF: Fun in the Sun, Your Falcon Journey Has Just Begun! Check out the full schedule of each day's activities below!

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This is the first step of your new student transition experience. Learn more about how to sign up for registration and see all in-person dates at the link. Sign up below!

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What is Week of Welcome?

WOW is nearly two jam-packed weeks of free events for new students to celebrate your arrival to campus! From the Involvement Fair to Late Night Great Night and butter carving competitions to outdoor movies, there is 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.”

  • New Student Move In
    • Residence Halls, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
  • Open Recreation and Fitness
    • Falcon Center, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
      • Swing by the Falcon Center and use our services FOR FREE!
  • Esports Open Rec
    • Esports Arena (DL 101), 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
      • Come check out and use the Esports Arena in Davee Library, room DL101!
  • Dining Hall Open
    • Riverside Commons, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
      • Riverside Commons is open all day and welcomes students and their families and supporters for a complimentary meal!
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels Open
    • University Center, Main Level, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
      • Einstein is open with a limited menu, serving coffee, bagels and shmear!
  • Freddy's Dairy Bar Open
    • 212 Agricultural Science, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Family Fest
    • University Center Lawn, Noon-4 p.m.
      • Family event with Dueling Pianos, food trucks, t-shirt tie-dye and more! Activities and food will include Midwest Dueling Pianos, Kona Ice Shave truck, Eggroll Queen food truck and t-shirt tie dye!
  • Women's Soccer vs. Crown College
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 5 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they face off against Crown College!
  • First Night BINGO!
    • Pete's Creek (UC), 5-7 p.m.
      • Once you're all moved in, come to the UC for multiple rounds of BINGO with your OLs!
      • Winners will be the FIRST to receive exclusive 2025 Orientation merch!
  • FIRST YEAR FLOOR MEETINGS
    • Residence Halls, 7-9 p.m.
  • Open Recreation and Fitness
    • Falcon Center, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
      • Swing by the Falcon Center and use our services FOR FREE!
  • Esports Open Rec
    • Esports Arena (DL 101), 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
      • Come check out and use the Esports Arena in Davee Library, room DL101!
  • Dining Hall Open
    • Riverside Commons, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Commuter/Transfer Breakfast
    • University Center, Dining Hall, 7-8 a.m.
      • Commuter and transfer students: Come find community and eat your first meal on campus among other commuters and transfers!
  • ORIENTATION
    • University Center, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Women's Tennis vs. Bethany Lutheran
    • Ramer Tennis Courts, 10 a.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they face off against Bethany Lutheran!
  • Women's Golf Home Invite
    • River Falls Golf Club, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they host their home invitational!
  • Women's Tennis vs. Ripon
    • Ramer Tennis Courts, 4 p.m.
      • Women's tennis faces off against Ripon - come cheer them on!
  • See the Falls in River Falls!
    • 5-6 p.m., Meet in front of the UC at 5 p.m.
      • Come on a short 'hike' to explore River Falls most iconic falls with new friends and Orientation Leaders!
  • Sunset Yoga
    • Amphitheatre, 7-7:45 p.m.
      • Wrap up your first day of Orientation with a 45-minute yoga class taught by an instructor with Campus Rec!
  • Butter Carving Competition
    • Pete's Creek Game Room (UC), 8-9 p.m.
      • Show off your artistic skills, best butter wins!
  • Open Recreation and Fitness
    • Falcon Center, 1-10 p.m.
      • Swing by the Falcon Center and use our services FOR FREE!
  • Esports Open Rec
    • Esports Arena (DL 101), 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
      • Come check out and use the Esports Arena in Davee Library, room DL101!
  • Dining Hall Open
    • Riverside Commons, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Women's Golf Home Invite
    • River Falls Golf Club, 7 a.m.-2 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons during their home invitational!
  • Sunrise Yoga
    • Amphitheatre, 7-7:45 a.m.
      • Start your day with a 45-minute yoga class taught by an instructor from Campus Rec!
  • ORIENTATION
    • University Center, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Women's Soccer vs. St. Norbert
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 2 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they face off against St. Norbert!
  • See the Falls in River Falls!
    • 5-6 p.m., Meet in front of the UC at 5 p.m.
      • Come on a short 'hike' to explore River Falls most iconic falls with new friends and Orientation Leaders!
  • Mission IMPROVable Game Show
    • UC Ballroom, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Win prizes and laugh with one of the country's most well-known college orientation entertainers!
  • Trivia
    • Pete's Creek (UC), 6:30-8 p.m.
      • Join Residence Life for Trivia in the UC! The top three teams will win a prize!
  • Outdoor Movie
    • Ramer Football Field, 8 p.m.
      • Come out to Ramer Field and catch a flick on the football field with free popcorn and giveaways!
  • Open Recreation and Fitness
    • Falcon Center, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
      • Swing by the Falcon Center and use our services FOR FREE!
      • Regular Open Rec hours begin Sept. 2. Check the Campus Rec webpage for daily hours.
  • Esports Open Rec
    • Esports Arena (DL 101), 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
      • Come check out and use the Esports Arena in Davee Library, room DL101!
  • Dining Hall Open
    • Riverside Commons, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Copperhead Jacks and Absurd Bird
    • Rapids Cafeteria, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • Morning Yoga
    • Amphitheatre, 10-10:45 a.m.
      • Start your day with a 45-minute yoga class taught by an instructor from Campus Rec!
  • Inflatables!
    • Campus Mall/UC Ballroom, Noon-4 p.m.
      • Bring a friend and come bounce around on the inflatable mechanical shark, meltdown and two-lane bungee run!
  • Men's Soccer vs. Wisconsin Lutheran
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 1 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they face off against Wisconsin Lutheran!
  • Hall Olympics Kick Off
    • East side sand volleyball court area, 4:30-7 p.m.
      • Volleyball tournament and banner making
  • See the Falls in River Falls!
    • 5-6 p.m., Meet in front of the UC at 5 p.m.
      • Come on a short 'hike' to explore River Falls most iconic falls with new friends and Orientation Leaders!
  • Noah Sonie
    • Falcon's Nest (UC), 6:30 p.m.
      • Touring hypnotist and comedian, Noah Sonie, is bringing flocks of laughter and entertainment to the Falcon's Nest!
  • Holy Donuts Food Truck
    • UC Mall
      • Fuel up for the first day with a few mini donuts on your way to class!
  • Pizza with Career Services
    • Rodli Hall (Front Entrance), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
      • Stop by for a slice of pizza and information about Career Services events and on-campus job opportunities.
  • Involvement Fair
    • Knowles Fieldhouse (Falcon Center), 5-7 p.m.
      • Kick off the semester by discovering all the ways to get involved on campus! Chat with student orgs, campus departments and local businesses. Whether you’re looking for leadership opportunities or just something fun to do, the Involvement Fair has it all. PICK ONE!
  • Hall Olympics Kick Off
    • Outside the UC, 6-8 p.m.
      • MarioKart
  • FALCON 101
    • Academic Departments, 5-7 p.m. (Find your location).
      • Get to know the faculty, students and resources in your academic department/program!
  • Hall Olympics
    • Grass between UC and KFA/Falcon's Nest, 7-9 p.m.
      • Lawn Bowling
  • Tutoring Services Scavenger Hunt
    • Student Success Center, 3-5 p.m.
      • Explore the tutoring spaces around campus for your chance to win a prize!
  • WOW Bag Toss Tournament
    • Hathorn Mall (grass field between Hathorn Hall and Library), 4-5:30 p.m.
      • Join Campus Recreation in the annual Free Bag Toss Tournament. Registration will take place on IMLeagues or in person until 3:45 p.m.
      • Teams will consist of two people. Teams are guaranteed two games and the tournament winners will receive the 2025-26 IM Champ Shirt.
  • Planting New Seeds @ the Sustainability Kickoff
    • KFA Outdoor Classroom (Greenspace between KFA and CSH), 4-6 p.m.
      • Paint a pot and transplant a seedling while connecting with friends and getting to know the Sustainability Office and other sustainability-related groups on campus! Rain site is 222 North Hall.
  • Men's Soccer vs. Lawrence
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 4 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on Lawrence!
  • Hall Olympics
    • Grass between east side halls, 4:30-7:30 p.m.
      • Obstacle course and trophy ceremony
  • Volleyball Home Tournament
    • Page Arena (Falcon Center), 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons during their home tournament!
      • UWRF vs. Simpson, 1 p.m.
      • UWRF vs. North Park, 7 p.m.
  • Late Night Great Night
    • University Center, 8-11 p.m.
      • Join us for one of our biggest events of the year! The UC is transformed into a high-energy hangout with something fun around every corner. Come ready for a night of nonstop excitement!
      • Late Night Great Night is packed with Glow Casino, Portrait Sketch Robot, Inflatable Knockerballs, Fashion Color Analysis, DIY Crafts, a Mirror Photobooth, Bingo, S'mores, a Pretzel Bar, Giveaways and tons of ways to meet new friends. 
  • Sand Volleyball Tournament
    • East sand courts (near Crabtree Hall), 10 a.m.
      • Join Campus Recreation for the annual Free Sand Volleyball Tournament. Registration will take place on IMLeagues or in person until 9:45 a.m. on Sept. 6.
      • Teams will need at least two people.  Teams are guaranteed two games and the tournament winners will receive the 2025-26 IM Champ shirt.
  • Volleyball Home Tournament
    • Page Arena (Falcon Center), 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons during their home tournament!
      • UWRF vs. Nebraska Wesleyan, 3 p.m.
      • UWRF vs. Carleton, 7 p.m.
  • Football vs. Alma
    • Smith Stadium/Ramer Football Field, Noon
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on Alma in their season opener!
      • Mental Health Awareness Game
  • Main Street Mosey
    • Downtown River Falls, 2-6 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!
  • Tour de River Falls
    • Starts at FOA (Falcon Center), 3-5 p.m.
      • Join Falcon Outdoor Adventures on a tour-by-bike through downtown River Falls, culminating with a stop at Freddy’s Dairy Bar for your choice of ice cream or cheese curds. Register now. Bring your own bike or borrow one of ours!
  • Movie Night
    • Falls Theatre, 6 p.m.
      • Check out the iconic Falls Theatre in downtown River Falls, featuring first-run films and classic movie treats at a low cost. Free with your student ID and includes free concessions. First come, first served, so get in line early! Free soda, candy and popcorn included!
  • Kayak the Kinni: Lower
    • Starts at FOA/Falcon Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
      • Want to see River Falls from a different perspective? Or maybe learn why we’re called “River Falls” in the first place? Falcon Outdoor Adventures is proud to partner with River Guide Kayaks to explore the Kinnickinnick River! Registration required. $10 fee. *Previous paddling experience required for this session.
      • Challenge your navigational skills on the Lower section! All equipment and some snacks included.
  • Kayak the Kinni: Upper
    • Starts at FOA/Falcon Center, 2-6 p.m.
      • Want to see River Falls from a different perspective? Or maybe learn why we’re called “River Falls” in the first place? Falcon Outdoor Adventures is proud to partner with River Guide Kayaks to explore the Kinnickinnick River! Registration required. $10 fee. *No previous paddling experience required for this session.
      • Paddle along the Upper section to enjoy picturesque views! All equipment and some snacks included.
  • WoW Wrap Up Bonfire
    • UC Firepit, 7-9 p.m.
      • Wrap up a fun-filled Week of Welcome with a s'more and some music around the UC firepit!
  • Men's Soccer vs. Concordia
    • Smith Stadium/Ramer Field, 7 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the men's soccer team as they take on Concordia!
  • Cookies & Cream Welcome Wagon
    • Student Inclusion and Belonging Center (269 Rodli), 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
      • Start your semester with a swirl of creativity, comfort and community at the SIB (formerly DIB) Open House event!
      • Whether you're new to campus or returning, this is your space to feel seen, supported and celebrated. Join us for crafts and drawing stations, student org sign ups, cookies and cream and comfort food, creative vibes and connection.
  • Wellbeing Fair
    • Involvement Center (UC), 4-6 p.m.
      • Explore resources and activities that support your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Connect with our on-campus services and you’ll leave with tools and goodies to help you thrive this semester. Drop in, recharge and take care of yourself.
  • Women's Soccer vs. Gustavus Adolphus
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 4 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Gusties!
  • Yoga in the Garden
    • KFA Outdoor Classroom, 5-6 p.m.
      • Breathe, stretch and unwind with a beginner-friendly yoga session in nature!
      • A few yoga mats will bee available. Bring your own if you have one, or a towel! Rain site is 222 North Hall.
  • Free Bowling
    • St. Croix Lanes, 10 p.m.-midnight
      • Free bowling for students with their UWRF ID! No registration required but lanes are first come, first serve!
      • Discounted bowling for UWRF students is every Wednesday! $6 unlimited bowling, shoes included.
  • Men's Soccer vs. St. Scholastica
    • Ramer Soccer Field, 4 p.m.
      • Come cheer on the men's soccer team as they take on St. Scholastica!
  • Dog Therapy
    • Involvement Center (UC), 4-6 p.m.
      • De-stress with certified therapy dogs and friendly handlers! Spend time petting and playing with some very good pups. It’s the paw-fect way to take a break and lift your spirits.
  • Mini Golf Tournament
    • Chalmer Davee Library, 6-8 p.m.
      • Come to the library for a mini golf tournament! Freddy's Dairy Trike will be on site with free ice cream for the first 10 attendees. Learn about campus departments through themed greens. The top three tournament winners will win a free t-shirt from Campus Rec! Open to all UWRF students, faculty and staff.

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