The New Student Experience helps students prepare for a successful transition into their college career at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. This experience is for new first-year students (freshmen) and transfer students at UW-Platteville and UW-Platteville Baraboo Sauk County.

Our dedicated faculty and staff have developed programming to help you along the way, with information specific to each campus and important next steps like completing placement testing, registering for classes, and more. 

As part of your New Student Experience, you will:

  • Register for classes with assistance from an academic advisor. Some students will need to complete placement tests to register for classes.
  • Attend an Orientation Day to build connections and learn about the resources available to you.
  • Get support from Peer Mentors, who will help you get to know other new students and guide you through the NSE process.
  • Participate in exciting welcome activities when you arrive on campus for your first semester.

Keep reading for important information about the New Student Experience.

Orientation Information

Platteville Orientation Day

January 23, 2026
This will be a half-day session starting at 12:45 p.m. Detailed schedule to follow.

Baraboo Sauk County Orientation Day

January 20, 2026
This will be a half-day session starting at 12:30 p.m. Detailed schedule to follow.

New Student Experience Fee

The New Student Experience fee will appear on your semester billing statement and helps cover materials, student staff, Orientation Day, and welcome activities at the beginning of their first semester. All new students will be charged the New Student Experience fee, even if they are unable to attend an Orientation Day. Please note the New Student Experience fee for your campus and student type.

  • Platteville campus, first-year student: $75 (pending administrative approval)
  • Platteville campus, transfer student: $45
  • Baraboo Sauk County campus, first-year student: $75
  • Baraboo Sauk County campus, transfer student: $45

Additionally, all new students will be charged the $45 Universities of Wisconsin Placement Testing Fee for access to placement tests, including if they are not required to take a placement test.

Next steps for the new student experience

  • Log into your PASS account and accept your admission
  • Begin your New Student Experience by selecting “New Student Experience” in the left-side menu of your PASS account. In this module, you will choose a date to attend an orientation event at your campus. Check out this Step by Step Guide for more detailed information.
  • Placement testing is available for all students. Visit Placement Testing for more information.
  • Additional information, such as how to access email, will be shared as it becomes available.
  • Check out the Platteville campus Orientation Booklet for information about campus resources.

Frequently Asked Questions