University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Something Great in Mind

Frequently Asked Questions

ACADEMICS

ADMISSIONS

FINANCIAL AID, TUITION & FEES

CAMPUS LIFE & HOUSING

HEALTH & WELLNESS

MISCELLANEOUS

SAFETY

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

ACADEMICS

How is UWM ranked? or Program(s) ranked?
UWM has many programs that rank among the best in the country.  Click here for details.

Is it possible to graduate in 4 years? 
It is certainly possible to graduate in four years, provided the student works hard and plans his or her coursework accordingly.

What majors do you offer?
UWM offers over 120 undergraduate majors and submajors in a variety of disciplines, and students can also build their own major with a "Committee Interdisciplinary Major."

Do you need a computer?
There is no general computer requirement at UWM, however, certain programs do require students to have laptop computers. There are six computer labs located throughout the campus and most buildings offer standing computer stations for checking email or other web applications.

What is the average class size?
The average class size differs depending on both the type of the class and the enrollment for the particular course. Classes can be as small as 15 and as large as 300.

What if my student doesn't like or doesn't get along with their advisor?
UWM students have many different options for different advisors. Talk with your respective Academic Advising office for details, or stop at the First Year Center for advice.


ADMISSIONS

What are your requirements for admission?
UWM is committed to excellence and access. We look for evidence of solid academic preparation, motivation and the potential for further development, so each application receives a comprehensive review. For more information, please review the Admission Guidelines.

What is the minimum ACT score?
UWM admits students with a wide range of standardized test scores. There is no absolute minimum score, and this is just one factor among many that we consider.


What test(s) do you prefer? ACT or SAT?
Either is acceptable, but the ACT is the test more commonly taken by students in Wisconsin.

How does my student apply?
Your best bet is to apply online. Complete the application form and submit it, along with other required materials by the appropriate deadline. The electronic application form and detailed instructions may be found at www.apply.wisconsin.edu

Is there an application deadline?
Information on application deadlines can be found here.

My student is planning on transferring. Which of his or her credits will transfer to UWM?
The Admissions Office will examine your student’s transcripts from an accredited institution to determine how external courses equate to UWM courses. More information is available on the Future Students site.

How long does it take to process my student's application?
Application processing and review can take up to 3 - 4 weeks from a completed application file. However, depending on the time of year, some students with a complete application file receive an admission decision as quickly as 1 - 2 weeks.


FINANCIAL AID, TUITION, AND FEES

How much does it cost?
The cost varies, depending on enrollment status (undergraduate vs. graduate) and residency (on vs. off-campus), as well as the number of credits. Take a look at the current tuition and fee facts for detailed information.

How is tuition determined?
The tuition is determined by the UW-System Board of Regents, in the summer preceding each academic year. More information is available at the UW-System web site.

How do I pay my student's tuition and fees?
You can make payments online through your student's PAWS account. Detailed instructions are available to walk you through each step.

If you wish to pay by check, please make the check payable to "UW-Milwaukee" and include your student's identification number on the check. Checks can then be sent to the address on the billing coupon. If you do not have the billing coupon, send your payment to UW-Milwaukee, PO Box 500, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0500. Overnight payments should be sent to UW-Milwaukee Cashier's Office, Mitchell Hall Room 285, 3203 North Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211. 

Payments can also be made in person at the Cashier's Office in Mitchell Hall Room 285, or placed in the depository box outside 285, as long as the building is open (click here for hours).

If a student lives with another family member that's not his or her parent, but the parent is still recognized as the guardian on his or her income taxes, who should submit information for the FAFSA?
The parent.

How does my student get his or her tax information?
Tax information is available through the Bursars office in Mitchell Hall room 285. Tax information is also mailed directly to the student.


CAMPUS LIFE & HOUSING

What is living in a residence hall like? 
Life in campus housing is truly an experience. There are a variety of housing options available in Sandburg Halls, Purin Hall, and RiverView Residence Hall. In addition, Kenilworth Square is available for upper classmen and graduate students. Regardless which housing option your student chooses, he or she has access to laundry facilities, a variety of dining options, fitness equipment, computer labs and internet access, multiple gathering spaces, and movies and programs at the "Flicks" theater.

No matter which facility your student lives in, trained, responsive staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at each facility to respond to resident needs and concerns.

How can I get my student a housing contract?
When your student applies for admission, select “on campus housing” as the housing preference. This information is passed along to on campus housing for follow up. Housing is awarded on a first come, first served basis to admitted students.

How far away is Riverview from campus? Can you walk? 
Riverview is approximately 1.5 miles from campus, which is a short bike ride away. It is possible to walk, but the university offers a shuttle bus every 10 minutes.

Does everyone leave campus on the weekends? 
No. A large portion of the students remain on campus for most weekends. Milwaukee offers a tremendous variety of activities for students, including fantastic restaurants, a thriving performing arts scene, great movie theaters, professional and semi-professional sports organizations, and beautiful lakefront. Many activities are within walking distance or a short bus ride away.

How can my student get involved on campus if they’re shy?
Join a student organization (there are over 300!), volunteer with the Center for Student Volunteerism and Leadership, or get involved with the performing arts or athletics.

How can my student get involved in athletics on campus?
In addition to seven women's and six men's teams that compete at the NCAA Division 1 level, UWM offers many intramural sports options including: Floor Hockey, Volleyball, Dodgeball, Disk Golf, Soccer, Football, Tennis, Downhill Skiing, Racquetball, Basketball, and Kickball. Look for listings of events at www.recsports.uwm.edu or visit the Klotsche Center web site.

How can my student get an internship or an on-campus job? 
Campus jobs and internships can be found in a number of different ways: Have your student stop by the Union room 316, look at the Career Development Center online listings, or just ask around campus.

What if my student doesn’t like or doesn’t get along with their roommate?  
Living with new people is one of the many challenges that students face when living away from home for the first time. Students living in on-campus housing can contact their RA for advice on how to deal with roommate issues.


HEALTH & WELLNESS

Are drugs and alcohol a problem at UWM?
Each year, students at UWM and universities nationwide are profoundly affected by problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs.  Substance use can cause interpersonal, academic, legal, and health concerns.  As a University, the safety, health, and well-being of our students are our top priorities. UWM does not condone the illegal use of alcohol or other drugs. We aim to provide students with the information and skills necessary to make healthy decisions with regards to substance use and to foster a community where students look out for one another and act responsibly to prevent alcohol and other drug-related problems for themselves and their peers.
 

How can I help my student make healthy decisions about alcohol or other drugs?
Talk to your students about alcohol and other drugs both before and throughout their college careers. Research shows that family members can have a powerful influence on the substance-related behaviors of college students. For instance, the children of parents who spoke with them about binge drinking prior to their arrival on campus displayed lower drinking tendencies and were less likely to experience negative alcohol-related consequences than those of their peers whose parents had not initiated discussions about these issues.

What can I do if I suspect that my student is experiencing problems as a result of alcohol or other drug use?
While most college students who use or experience problems as a result of alcohol or other drugs are not necessarily at the point of being addicted to these substances, some may still display behaviors that cause individuals close to them to become legitimately concerned about their substance use.  Behaviors of concern may include:

  • Continued use despite repeatedly experiencing problems as a result, such as fights or arguments with family or friends; interference with school, work, and other important responsibilities; or taking risks or getting seriously injured while under the influence.
  • Tendency to avoid events where substances will not be readily available or a propensity to consume quantities of alcohol or other drugs before attending these events.
  • Increased tolerance and difficulty cutting down or controlling level of use.
  • Becoming angry, defensive, or annoyed when their use of alcohol or other substance is discussed.
  • If you are worried about your student's substance use, express your observations and concerns in an open and nonjudgmental manner and offer to help your student connect with available resources.

What kind of alcohol/drug treatment services are available on campus?
Norris Health Center's Counseling Department provides alcohol and other drug screening, assessment, and treatment.  Call Norris Health Center at 414-229-4716 to schedule an appointment. 

Additionally, an online alcohol assessment and personalized feedback tool is available to all members of the UWM community at www.e-CHUG.uwm.edu. Norris Health Center's Department of Health Promotion and Wellness also offers BASICS - a brief alcohol screening and feedback session specifically designed for college students.  BASICS appointments can be scheduled by calling 414-229-4675.

What mental health concerns do UWM students experience?
UWM students experience a variety of mental health concerns that range from stress to mental disorders, or diagnosable clinical conditions.  The "top 4" issues that students receive counseling for at Norris Health Center are depression, anxiety, phase of life issues, and relationship issues.

What can I do if I suspect that my student is experiencing emotional distress?
Express your observations and concerns in an open and nonjudgmental manner, and offer to help your student connect with available resources.  Refer to this guide for information regarding warning signs and symptoms of emotional distress, as well as tips for broaching these topics with your student.

What mental health services are available on campus?  Who can my student contact if he or she experiences a mental health emergency?
Norris Health Center's Counseling Department offers confidential short-term services. These include individual counseling; couples or relationship counseling; alcohol and drug counseling; eating disorder screening/treatment; crisis intervention; and psychiatry services.  Students who are currently enrolled for class credits at UWM and have paid the student segregated fee are eligible for services at no cost.  With the exception of emergency situations, students are encouraged to phone or stop by the Norris Health Center to make an appointment in advance. Norris Health Center can be reached at 414-229-4716.

For students experiencing crisis situations or who have urgent needs that are not life threatening, a crisis counselor or member of the counseling staff is available to provide emergency screenings at the Norris Health Center between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on Friday.  

For urgent matters that arise when Norris Health Center is closed, students may contact the Milwaukee County Crisis line at 414-257-7222.  This crisis line is answered twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

In the event of a life threatening emergency, call 911 (or 9-911 from a campus phone).


MISCELLANEOUS

Why, if I am paying the bills, can I not see my student’s grades or get information?
The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act of 1972 (FERPA) prohibits UWM from providing access to a college student's records without prior written authorization of the student. You can, however, receive information about your child if you submit proof that he/she is a dependent. Proof is considered to be a copy of the most recent year's federal tax form showing that you claimed your child as a dependent. In addition, you must also complete the Parental Affidavit for Academic Information form.

Who are some famous alumni?
Some of UWM's notable alumni are listed on the Alumni Association web site.

What is the campus policy for bad weather? 
The campus will close in the event of severe weather, although such closings are rare. Closures will be announced on the UWM home page and Weather/Closing page. Detailed information about the closure policy and procedure is available here.

Do you have a family weekend? 
Yes, we do. It is held during October, and further details will be posted soon.

My student forgot his or her ePanther ID/password! Who can give us that info? 
Your student can visit https://www-ssl.uwm.edu/IMT/ePanther/aa/ for assistance. Students can also visit any campus computer lab (bring photo identification) and ask to have your password re-set.

My student lost his or her PantherCard. How can he or she get a new one?
Have your student stop at the Enrollment Services Information Center in Mellencamp Hall, Room 274. Please note there is a $7 fee charged for all replacement cards.

Can I add money to my student's Gold (food) Account? 
If your student has a Gold Account Contract on file, then yes, you may add money to it by mailing a check to the PantherCard office (located in the UWM Union, PO Box 413, Milwaukee, WI, 53201-0413) or stopping in-person at the Panther Card office (Union Room 161), UWM Bookstore, or Sandburg Halls Main Desk.


SAFETY

How safe is the area? 
UWM is a safe campus and surrounding community under the watchful eyes of the Milwaukee Police Department, UWM Police Department, B.O.S.S. (Be on the Safe Side), COAST Leaders, and the Office of Neighborhood Relations. If a student would like a safe ride or walk home they can contact B.O.S.S. at (414)229-6503 or SAFE Walk/University Police Non-Emergency (414)229-4627. For campus crime statistics, please view the Annual Security Report.

Who can my student contact if they’re in an unsafe situation? 
The UWM Police Department is a great resource to utilize in the event of an emergency. If on campus, students can call 9911 from a campus phone or 229-9911 from a cell phone for emergency assistance. The non-emergency number is 229-4627. If something happens in an area outside the UWM campus, students can always call 911 for Milwaukee Police assistance.

TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

What transportation options are there for students around the area?
There are many methods of transportation that can be used to get around the area. B.O.S.S. (Be On the Safe Side) offers rides to UWM students from 7 p.m.-2 a.m. (414) 229-6503. Milwaukee County Transit has routes throughout Milwaukee County operating between 4:30 a.m. and 2 a.m., and riding is free when using U-Pass, which is included in your student's tuition & fees. If neither of those options works for your student, he or she can always call a cab.

Is there a ride board? How can my student get home (if from out of town)? 
There is a ride board located in the display case next to the Union Information desk. Many students have also made ride boards on social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Additionally, MegaBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, and Badger Bus are also options for students wanting to travel out of town.

Is parking available? 
Yes, parking is available in many different lots both on campus and near campus in U-Park parking lots. There are shuttles running from campus to all U-Parks. For lot locations and shuttle schedules, visit www4.uwm.edu/trans/.

Where can students that live off-campus park when they come to class?
UWM has multiple U-Park lots available with shuttle service to campus. On the campus itself, we have many parking structures and lots available to students. The city streets surrounding UWM also offer some limited parking options as well.