University of Wisconsin–Madison

2026 L&S Transfer Student Academic Orientation

Gather with other new L&S students, connect with student support resources, get pro-tips from advisors and fellow students about starting the semester strong, hear a welcome address from L&S Dean Eschenfelder, and take photos with classmates.

Monday, August 31st

1. L&S T-Shirt Pickup

Pick up your free L&S t-shirt between 9:00 am – 3:00 pm at Allen Centennial Garden or between 1:00pm and 6:00pm at the Gordon Dining & Event Center lawn.

2. College of Letters & Science Transfer Orientation

Hear from experts about how your L&S degree and major choice align with your personal and academic goals.

Talk directly with academic advisors, career advisors, and peers to get your questions answered and start your first semester at UW-Madison with confidence.

Where: Room 19, Ingraham Hall (Please enter through the front entrance on Observatory Drive.)

When: 1:30pm – 2:30pm

Incoming first-year students wearing red "College of Letters & Science" shirts attend a Chancellor's luncheon on Library Mall ahead of the Chancellor's Convocation.

Tuesday, September 1st

1. L&S Dean Eschenfelder’s Welcome Address

Join other new L&S Badgers on the Terrace, listen to the UW Marching Band, hear welcome remarks from Dean Eschenfelder, and take a class photo.

Where: Memorial Union Terrace

When: 10:30am

Bascom Hall, Bascom Hill and the central University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are pictured in an aerial view during autumn on Oct. 12, 2013. Clockwise from the left, major campus facilities include South Hall, Birge Hall, Van Vleck Hall, Van Hise Hall, Carillon Tower and North Hall. In the background at right is Lake Mendota. The photograph was made from a helicopter looking west. (Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison)

2. Chancellor’s Welcome Lunch

Enjoy a free lunch with your new classmates!

Where: TBD

When: 11:15am – 1:00pm

New first-year students in the College of Letters & Science enjoying a free welcome lunch outside the Kohl Center.

3. UW-Madison Convocation

Chancellor Wilcots and others will welcome all new UW-Madison students. More details can be found on this UW Convocation webpage.

Where: Kohl Center

When: 1:30pm – 2:30pm. Doors open at 12:30pm.

First-year and transfer students listen to speakers during the Chancellor's Convocation for New Students, a Wisconsin Welcome event held at the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Sept. 3, 2019. The event, attended by thousands of first-year and transfer students, is part of Wisconsin Welcome programming.