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 are required to attend the following programs:
- Monday, September 4, 7-8:30 pm: Kick-Off Speaker, "First Year Excellence" with Linnita Hosten, Student Center Cinema
- Tuesday, September 5, 10:30-11:45 am: New Student Convocation, De Simone Arena Sport & Activity Center
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 2023 will take place September 4 – 9.
A big thank you to our sponsors from 2022
Involvement Level
Kenosha Human Development Services
Lavelle Industries Inc.
Connection Level
The Sherwin-Williams Company
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 5, 2023 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 5, 2023 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 4
10 am-3 pm
Move-In
Various Residence Halls
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 4 for required programming. More information can be found on the housing website.
11 am-4 pm
Parent/Guest Q + A/Hospitality Tent
Ranger Hall & Pike River Suites
Join Parkside Faculty and Staff for some light refreshments and parent/guest swag!
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.
6-7:15 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: First Year Excellence with Linnita Hosten
(Required for First Year Students)
Student Center Cinema
Award-winning author, national edutianer, and philanthropist - Linnita Hosten empowers Generation Z to embrace, exemplify, and expect ellence.
This event is required for all first year students, 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 2027 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!
Tuesday, September 5
10 am-5 pm
Move In: Returning Residents
Various Residence Halls
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 4, 2023, 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)
De Simone Arena, Sports & Activity Center
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, residential and commuter.
12-1:30 pm
Chancellor’s Picnic
The Commons, Wyllie Hall
(Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons)
Come meet Interim Chancellor Scott Menke and enjoy some FREE food before heading to the afternoon activities!
1:30-5 pm
Walk Your Schedule
Meet outside Bookstore
Need help finding your classrooms? Our Orientation Leaders will walk your schedule with you!
4-6 pm
Parkside Athletics Open House
Sports & Activity Center
Parkside Athletics is hosting an open house with giveaways, snacks, and fun! Redeem your coupon from convocation for a chance to win a $150 Swag Bag!
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 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse! FREE popcorn and concessions while supplies last!
Wednesday, September 6
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!
2-6 pm
Transfer T-Shirt Swap
Outside Bookstore
Calling all Transfer students! Come exchange your old university tee for brand new Parkside gear. Just bring your student ID to verify your student status. All old t-shirts exchanged will be recycled and donated.
4-6 pm
OMSA Welcome Back Kick-Back
Student Center Terrace
Welcome Back to campus! Kick back with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs to celebrate the start of a new year at UWP. Enjoy cultural food, fun activities, music, a chance to get free swag, meet new Rangers and reconnect with familiar faces. Get info about different identity-based student orgs, campus resources, and different places to explore in our local community!
Thursday, September 7
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 am-1 pm
On-Campus Employment Fair
Upper Main Place, Wyllie Hall
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!
11am-12pm
Men's Soccer Tailgate
Wood Road Soccer Field
Get ready to cheer on the Rangers as they take on the Prairie Stars of University of Illinois Springfield. Join in for music and some FREE food!
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Slice & 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 have previously found their transfer home at Parkside.
12:30-1:30 pm
Take a Break with a Sweet Treat
Molinaro Bridge
Come enjoy some FREE ice cream served by the Chancellor and their cabinet! 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 non-stop activities which include a DJ/music, rock climbing wall, inflatable football toss, bubble soccer, tie-dye T-shirts, games, food and so much more.
6 pm
Women's Volleyball: Parkside Rangers vs. Truman State Bulldogs
De Simone Arena, Sports & Activity Center
Come cheer on the Rangers as they take on the Bulldogs of Truman State University in the De Simone Arena!
Friday, September 8
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.
12 pm
Tacos with the Tutors
Parkside Academic Resource Center
(Callahan Family Student Success & Learning Commons)
Join us for some FREE food and meet the peer tutors who are available throughout the semester to help you with your academic success!
6 -9 pm
Meet the Greeks
Student Center Den
Interested in learning more about fraternities and sororities at Parkside? Join us for some FREE food, music, and the chance to win some awesome prizes. Greek Life is a great way to get invovled on campus and create lasting friendships. You won't want to miss this!
Saturday, September 9
5 pm
Women's Volleyball: Parkside Rangers vs. Minnesota State University Moorhead
De Simone Arena, Sports & Activity Center
Come cheer on the Rangers as they take on the Dragons of Minnesota State University Moorhead in the De Simone Arena!