Freshman Connection

The Freshman Connection Immersion Program is designed to help first year students make a smooth transition into college. Students experience what life is like on campus, meet other first year students, become familiar with the campus, the residence halls, dining hall and our recreation facilities. 

Group activities and engaging programs focus on personal development, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Students will gain self-awareness, develop their self-confidence, and create lasting friendships that will help them be successful at UW-Eau Claire. We look forward to sharing these exciting and enriching experiences with you! 

Freshman Connection 2024 Brochure

Apply for one or both!

Programs are led by trained and certified student staff from the Enviromental Adventure Center, whose goal is to provide a fun and safe experience for everyone. Group activities and engaging programs focus on personal development, leadership, and interpersonal skills. Students gain self-awareness, develop confidence, and create lasting friendships that will help them be successful at UW-Eau Claire. 

3-Day Keep it Local Program

3-Day Schedule

During the 3-day program, experience what life is like being a Blugold, this includes lots of walking! Spend time on campus and in the community; float down the Chippewa River, hang out at the local beach, enjoy music in the park, and dine in the downtown, and get to know Eau Claire area and each other1

Cost: $295
Dates: 
Tuesday - Friday, July 9-12
Tuesday - Friday, July 16-19

5-Day Adventure Program

96% of last year’s 5-Day program participants felt the program helped them develop new friendships and enhance their social skills. 100% felt the program helped them feel more connected to their peers.

5-day Schedule

During the 5-day program, students move in early to their assigned residence hall for the semester. The program starts on campus and then continues off-campus with day trip adventures of rock climbing, canoeing, and hiking. On the final day, everyone participates in a closing ceremony and dinner. 

Cost: $495 
Dates: 
Sunday - Friday, August 25-29

What to Bring

Casual, weather appropriate clothing that allows you to be active, comfortable tennis shoes, sunscreen sunglasses, swimsuit and towel, and rain gear. You may also bring water shoes, an outdoor blanket, and spending money for downtown shops and ice cream! Check our website for additional details. 

Freshman Connection Packing List 2024

Housing

The 3-Day program participants will be housed two/room in Tower’s Hall where there is air conditioning and gender-neutral restrooms/showers.  The 5-Day program participants move into the room they will be assigned for the semester.

housingoffice@uwec.edu
Housing + Residence Life
715-836-3674

Freshman Connection Medical Form and Waiver

Scholarships

Financial support is available. Apply for a $195 (3-day) or $395 (5-day) scholarship. Recipients will be notified, and the amount credited on their registration. 

Individuals with Disabilities

We aspire to provide accessible recreation opportunities for all people. If a disability related accommodation is needed to participate, please contact us ahead of time at 715-836-3377. We respect and appreciate all people. We value the differences that make us unique and the similarities that bring us together. Come as you are and EXPERIENCE RECREATION!

Meet the Freshman Connection Staff

Trip leaders are UWEC Environmental Adventure Center student staff who have strong ties to the campus community and can serve as a resource to answer questions and clarify concerns. All trips have a participant-to-leader ratio of approximately 6:1. Leaders are enthusiastic and extensively trained in the areas of wilderness first aid, CPR, risk management protocols, and small group facilitation.

Sheryl has been at UWEC since 2006 and serves as the Assistant Director of Programs for Recreation and Sport Operations. She is intentional about connecting students to the many programs and services available to help ease the transition to college life.

Samantha is a Blugold Alumni, she did her graduate work at UW-La Crosse, worked as UW-Stout and has returned to UWEC as the Outdoor Program Coordinator. She is very involved in the field of outdoor education and supervising Enviromental Adventure Center.