Ranger Welcome

Ranger Welcome is the oldest campus tradition at Parkside! Held during the first week of classes, this massive week-long celebration is fully loaded with epic events, essential resources, and countless ways to plug into campus life. Oh, and did we mention the mountain of FREE giveaways, delicious food, and exclusive Parkside swag?

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, August 30. Please plan your travel accordingly, as all students must be settled in and ready because mandatory programming begins on Monday, August 31. While the calendar is packed with activities, attendance at these core programs is required for all first-year students (under 25 years of age and in non-online degree programs, including both commuters and residents). More information regarding move-in can be found on the housing website.

Ranger Ready: Kickstart Your College Career

Kick-Off Event with Campus Leaders
MON, Aug 31 | 7:00-8:30 PM

Student Center, University Ballroom

New Student Convocation

TUE, SEP 1| 11-11:45 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.

The Office of Admissions & New Student Services 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 2026 will take place August 31 – September 4.

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 but 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 2, 2026, 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 2, 2026, 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.

Explore days of activities

Monday, August 31

10 am-3 pm

Move-In
Check-In at Student Center Parking Lot (Lot A)

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.

7:15-8:30 pm

Kick-Off Event with Campus Leaders
(Required for First Year Students)
Student Center, University Ballroom

Excitement. Nervousness. Total confusion. Let’s be real—starting college comes with all the feelings. But you aren’t alone, and you definitely don’t want to miss this!

Dive straight into your Ranger journey! Join new and returning students to make new friends, score tons of free giveaways, and create unforgettable memories to kick off your year!

8:30-11pm

Ranger Late Night: New Student Glow Party
Student Center Terrace & Quad

It’s a glow party on the quad! All returning students are invited to come welcome the Class of 2030 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 1

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, August 31 for required programming. More information can be found on the housing website.

11:00-11:45 am

New Student Convocation
(Required for First Year Students)
Main Stage Theatre, Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts & Humanities

Join us as we officially kick off the academic year lead by student leaders!

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
Student Center, University Ballroom and Brickstone

Check out the unveiling of the NEW UWP letters, meet Chancellor Lynn Akey, and grab some FREE food before kicking off the afternoon activities!

1:30-5 pm

Choose Your Own Adventure
Meet in Student Center Atrium

Choose Your Own Adventure! Need help finding classrooms? Swing by Walk Your Schedule in the Student Center Atrium and our Orientation Leaders will walk your schedule with you. PARC will be hosting Vibe & Thrive where you can stop by and learn about the study buddies program, tutoring opportunities, and pick up FREE giveaways! 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!

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 a movie chosen by YOU! FREE popcorn and concessions while supplies last!

Wednesday, September 2: 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.

11 am-1 pm

Involvement Fair
Upper Main Place, Wylie Hall

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 3

7 am-2 pm & 5-6:30 pm

Ask Me tables
Various locations

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.

12:30-1:30 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 sponsored by Educators Credit Union and the National Guard! This exciting Parkside Tradition is packed with FREE non-stop activities which include a DJ/music, bubble soccer, tie-dye, games, food and so much more!

Friday, September 4

10:30 am-12 pm

Coffee with the Cops
Book & Brew, University Library

Get to know the University Police Officers! Swing by and grab a FREE coffee and donut.

1 pm

Women’s Soccer Game
Wood Road Soccer Fields

Get ready to cheer on the Rangers as they take on the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears. Show your student ID and receive a FREE hot dog!