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! 

Programs are led by trained and certified student staff, 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. 

Keep it Local Program

Program Schedule
Medical Form and Waiver

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, dine in the downtown, and get to know Eau Claire area and each other! If you choose to, you can then register to attend the Friday Blugold Experience Day. 

Cost: $295
Dates: 
Tuesday - Friday, July 8-11
Tuesday - Friday, July 15-18

Blugold Adventure Program

Program Schedule
Medical Form and Waiver

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 24-29

UWEC-EC Launch Connection Program

Program Schedule
Medical Form and Waiver

This program is designed specifically for students accepted into the UWEC-BC Launch Program. Experience what life is like being a Blugold. Become familiar with the campus and get connected to the community you will soon call home. Throughout the program, you will be accompanied by Student Success Student Assistants for the Launch Program and Adventure Trip Leaders from the Environmental Adventure Center whose goal is to establish a firm foundation for success at UWEC.

Cost: Free (Full participation is required)
Dates: August 28-30

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

Housing

The Keep It Local Program participants will be housed two/room in Tower’s Hall where there is air conditioning and gender-neutral restrooms/showers.  The Blugold Adventure Program and UWEC-BC Launch Connection Program participants move into the room they will be assigned for the semester.

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

Scholarships

Financial support is available. Apply for a $195 (Keep It Local Program) or $395 (Blugold Adventure Program) 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 Staff

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. Leaders are enthusiastic and extensively trained in the areas of wilderness first aid, CPR, risk management protocols, and small group facilitation. Student Success Assistants work for the UWEC-BC Launch Program throughout the year and offer academic support during weekly office hours. They are also available to assist with questions and can connect students with the support systems needed to be successful. 

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.