Ranger Welcome
Ranger Welcome is the oldest campus tradition at Parkside! Held the first week of classes, the week is packed with events and resources to welcome you to campus. Plus, there are tons of free giveaways, food, and Parkside swag!
While there are many events happening throughout the week, first-year students (under 25 years of age and in non-online degree programs), both residential and commuter, are required to attend the following programs.
Jumping ALL In-Kickstart Your College Career
Kick-Off Speaker Aaron K. Wilson
MON, SEP 2 | 7:15-8:45 PM
Main Stage Theatre, Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts & Humanities
New Student Convocation
TUE, SEP 3 | 10:30-11:45 AM
Main Stage Theatre, Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts & Humanities
Questions? Please email orientation@uwp.edu or call us at (262) 595-2721.
Ranger Welcome Sponsorship Opportunities
The Office of Student Engagement & Connection at UW-Parkside has an exciting opportunity for area businesses and companies to be a part of our Ranger Welcome program! Ranger Welcome is our welcome week during the first week of classes and is one of Parkside’s oldest traditions. The week provides transition events and social opportunities for all students (incoming and returning) to celebrate the start of a new academic year. Approximately 500 students participate each year in our Ranger Welcome programming. Ranger Welcome 2024 will take place September 2 – 6.
A big thank you to our sponsors from 2023
Connection Level
Enterprise
ULINE
Engagement Level
Specialized Accounting Services
We want YOU to be a part of this tradition! There are several ways in which you can sponsor Ranger Welcome as outlined below:
Involvement Level: $500 sponsorship (Five opportunities available)
- Company logo included on Ranger Welcome marketing, including by not limited to, flyers, schedules, social media graphics, and banners.
Engagement Level: $1,000 sponsorship (Four opportunities available)
- Company logo included on Ranger Welcome marketing, in addition to Involvement Level, company logo will appear on official Ranger Welcome t-shirt.
- $50 off registration fee for one of UW-Parkside’s Internship & Career Fairs (fall or spring)*
Connection Level: $2,500 sponsorship (Three opportunities available)
- All the above marketing opportunities
- $50 off registration fee for one of UW-Parkside’s Internship & Career Fairs (fall or spring)*
- Invitation to attend New Student Convocation on Tuesday September 3, 2024 which includes:
- Table available after the event at the Chancellor’s Picnic to speak with interested students about career opportunities
Ranger Level: $5,000 sponsorship (Two opportunities available)
- All the above marketing opportunities
- $50 off registration fee for one of UW-Parkside’s Internship & Career Fairs (fall or spring)*
- Invitation to attend New Student Convocation on Tuesday September 3, 2024 which includes:
- Identified as a speaker during New Student Convocation where you are able to promote and advertise to all incoming students for a dedicated 5-7 minutes
- Table available after the event at the Chancellor’s Picnic to speak with interested students about career opportunities
- Dedicated social media post on UW-Parkside’s social media (Instagram & Facebook) outlining the company as a premiere sponsor of Ranger Welcome
*UW-Parkside’s Internship & Career Fairs are intended for recruiting UW-Parkside students for internships and full-time career opportunities. Limited spaces are available – register early! Welcome Week sponsor reduced registration does not apply to Internship & Career Fair sponsorships.
Monday, September 2
10 am-3 pm
Move-In
Check-In at Student Center Parking Lot (Lot A)
Welcome Residential Rangers to your new or returning home! We are excited to have you living with us in the residence halls. Move-In begins Sunday, September 1. All first-year students are strongly encouraged to arrive on Monday, September 2 for required programming. More information can be found on the housing website.
11 am-4 pm
Parent/Guest Hospitality Tent
Ranger Hall & Pike River Suites
Join Parkside Faculty and Staff for some light refreshments and pick up some Parkside swag for guests/parents!
5-6 pm
Floor Meeting
Student Center and Molinaro Hall
Students living in the residence halls will participate in in-person floor meetings. During this time, you'll meet others living in your community and learn more about residential policies, hall-specific information, and living in a residential community. Attendance is required for first-year and transfer residential students.
6-7 pm
Dinner with RA’s
Brickstone Grill & Eatery
During Welcome Week, you'll continue to build community amongst other residents living in your residence hall or apartment. Your Resident Advisor (RA) will take their floor(s) to dinner in the Student Center following your Floor Meeting. Your RA will outreach to you and share additional details.
7:15-8:45 pm
Kick-Off Speaker: Jumping ALL In - Kickstart Your College Career
(Required for First Year Students)
Main Stage Theatre, Rita
As a first-year student, there are a bunch of emotions. Excitement, confusion, readiness, and exploration. Aaron K. Wilson shares stories and commonalities about what first-year students in college go through in his engaging keynote.
This event is required for all first-year students (under 25 years of age and in a non-online degree program, residential and commuter. Commuter Students should plan to arrive at this time.
8:45-11pm
Ranger Late Night: New Student Welcome Party
Student Center Terrace & Quad
It’s a glow party on the quad! All returning students are invited to come welcome the Class of 2028 and new transfer students! We’ll have music with a light up dance floor, glow mini golf, glowcade games, food, and so much more. You are not going to want to miss this exciting Parkside tradition!
Tuesday, September 3
10 am-3 pm
Move In: Returning Residents
Housing Office, Ranger Hall 036
Welcome Residential Rangers to your new or returning home! We are excited to have you living with us in the residence halls. All first-year students are strongly encouraged to arrive on Monday, September 2 for required programming. More information can be found on the housing website.
10:30-11:45 am
New Student Convocation
(Required for First Year Students)
Main Stage Theatre, Rita
New Rangers assemble! Join us as we officially kick off the academic year! You’ll receive a coupon for a freebie from the Parkside Athletics Open House later tonight!
This event is required for all first-year students (under 25 years of age and in a non-online degree program), residential and commuter.
12-1:30 pm
Chancellor’s Picnic
The Commons, Wyllie Hall D1 Level
(Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons)
Come meet Chancellor Lynn Akey and enjoy some FREE food before heading to the afternoon activities!
1:30-5 pm
Choose Your Own Adventure
Meet outside Bookstore
Choose Your Own Adventure this afternoon! Need help finding classrooms? Swing by Walk Your Schedule in the Student Center Atrium and our Orientation Leaders will walk your schedule with you. Need to refresh on campus technology? Head over to the University Library to brush up on Canvas, SOLAR, and Navigate. Want to learn more about study buddies for your classes? Swing over to the PARC in The Commons. Unsure of your placement for Math and English courses and want to complete Placement Testing? Come chat with our Placement Coordinator at Walk Your Schedule. Lastly, don't forget to stop at the University Bookstore to ensure you have all your materials ready for the first day of classes!
4-6 pm
Parkside Athletics Open House
Sports & Activity Center
Parkside Athletics is hosting an open house with giveaways, free pizza, and fun! Redeem your coupon from convocation for a chance to win a $150 Swag Bag full of goodies!
8-10:30 pm
Movie Night in the Cinema
Student Center Cinema
Before you start your first day of classes come join us for a FREE showing of Inside Out 2! FREE popcorn and concessions while supplies last!
Wednesday, September 4: First Day of Classes
7 am-2 pm & 5-6:30pm
Ask Me tables
Various locations
Have a question about where your class is located? Visit an Ask Me table and a staff member can answer any questions you may have. Ask Me tables are located at the entrances of Rita Tallent Picken Hall, The Student Center, and the D1 and L1 levels of Molinaro Hall.
7:45-11 am
Welcome Teams
Various locations
Stop by a Welcome table to grab a snack and take a first day of school photo! These tables are located at the entrances of Rita Tallent Picken Hall, The Student Center, Pike River Suites, and Ranger Hall.
11 am-1 pm
Involvement Fair
Student Center Plaza
Come out to the Student Center Plaza on the first day of classes for your opportunity to meet student organizations/clubs and learn how to get involved on campus. FREE snow cones, treats, and lots of energy!
4-6 pm
OMSA & GSAC Open House
Wyllie Hall D180 (The Commons, Wyllie D1 Level)
Welcome back to campus! Kick back with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) and the Genders & Sexualities Advocacy Center (GSAC) to celebrate the start of a new year at UWP. Enjoy food, fun activities, music, and a chance to get free swag! Get info about the offices, upcoming events, meet the staff, see the office mural, and much more. Refreshments will be served.
Thursday, September 5
7 am-2 pm & 5-6:30 pm
Ask Me tables
Various locations
Have a question about where your class is located? Visit an Ask Me table and a staff member can answer any questions you may have. Ask Me tables are located at the entrances of Rita Tallent Picken Hall, The Student Center, and the D1 and L1 levels of Molinaro Hall.
11:30 am-1 pm
On-Campus Employment Fair
Bridge
Searching for an on-campus job? Join us at the On-Campus Student Employment Fair! Various departments will be available to speak to students regarding the available positions in their offices. Make sure to stop by!
11: 30 am-12:30 pm
Transfer T-Shirt Swap & Slice and Advice
Book & Brew, University Library
Calling all transfer students! Join us for a transfer student social with FREE pizza. Come meet other transfer students while getting some advice from current students who previously found their transfer home at Parkside. In addition, exchange an old university tee for brand new Parkside gear - just bring your Student ID to verify your student status.
12:00 pm
Men's Soccer Game
Wood Road Soccer Fields
Get ready to cheer on the Rangers as they take on the Hawks of Qunicy University and come enjoy a FREE hot dog by bringing your student ID!
12:30-1:30 pm
Take a Break with a Sweet Treat
Bridge
Come enjoy some FREE ice cream served by the Chancellor and their cabinet! Students, this is your chance to meet University administration and tell them about YOUR Parkside experience.
4-7 pm
Back Yard Bash
Student Center Terrace
Join us for some fun at our Back Yard Bash! This exciting Parkside Tradition is packed with FREE non-stop activities which include a DJ/music, rock climbing wall, inflatables, bubble soccer, tie-dye t-shirts, games, food and so much more!
Friday, September 6
10:30 am-12 pm
Coffee with the Cops
Book & Brew, University Library
11 am- 1 pm
Tacos with the Tutors
Parkside Academic Resource Center
(Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons, D1 Level of Wyllie)
Join us for some FREE food and meet the peer tutors who are available throughout the semester to help you with your academic success!
1 pm
Women's Soccer Game
Wood Road Soccer Fields