How to Get Involved - Mid-Year Edition

We all know the annual Fall Welcome events and rush can inspire a lot of students to get involved in our campus clubs and organizations, student government, and other communities across campus. However, not everyone was able to make it to the academic year kick-off back in September. But that does not mean it is too late to get involved!!

So whether you are a transfer student, first-time student, study abroad visitor, or even an individual who has been here for awhile but has just decided to get involved in some Panther activities, don't worry! The month of February has a lot of different fairs and events to spark your interest and give you the chance to grab an opportunity.

IN THE UNION: As the center of student life, the union is a great place to meet new friends and find out what is going on on campus.

Diversity Career Fair - February 5, 11-2 pm in the Wisconsin Room
Kickstart your professional development right on campus at this event that allows you to mingle and network with area professionals, employers and graduate schools so you can start to figure out post-graduation plans.
**If you are unable to make the career fair you can go to the Career Development Center (Mellencamp 128) for more advising or keep an eye out for their upcoming events throughout the semester.

Winter Involvement Fair - February 11, 11-2 pm in the Union Concourse
Student orgs will be gathering in the concourse to tell you all about their clubs, events, and leadership opportunities on campus and off.
**If you can't make it to this event, feel free to go to the third floor of the union and talk with the friendly staff in the Center for Student Involvement (Union 363).

Exploring Majors Fair - February 23, 10-2 pm in the Union Ballroom
This fair will give you an interactive experience where you can learn about all the different undergraduate and graduate paths UWM offers students, as well as career planning opportunities.
**If this date does not work with your schedule, call your academic advisor and set up an appointment to go in more depth about your future plan.

IN HOUSING: Creating that collegiate community in your residential community can be a great way to get involved

Panther's After Dark - Every Thursday night at 9:27pm
The kick off event this semester is with Mentalist Josh Spano in the Flicks, but other events include cooking classes, karaoke, glow zumba and more. Keep an eye out for these events because they are a great way to meet new people while having fun!


SHAC and Community Council's - Varying times every week
The Student Housing Administrative Council meets every Monday at 7:30pm for it's general body meetings and serve as a forum for all residents to talk about ideas for events and improvement in the halls as a whole. The Community Councils are more specific to your building. Both are great places to not only meet friends and share ideas, but also groups to get leadership experience!

Resident Assistant Events - Varying times throughout the semester
That awesome RA on your floor plans at least one event for you a semester so keep an eye out for posters on your doors and the doors of your friends. We've seen everything from scavenger hunts to mac and cheese days!

-Kenlei

Winter Welcome Events!

Hello panthers!

I hope you all had a wonderful winter break filled with Netflix binge watching and catching up with old friends, but winter break is coming to a close. Make sure you pack your backpack, check your schedule, and stock up on coffee because on January 26th your semester starts!

During your first week back (Jan. 26 - Feb. 1) we will have Winter Welcome Week! Make sure you visit the Winter Welcome Calendar to see all the free activities that will be available to our UWM students.  Here are a few of my personal favorite events going on next week!

Free Fun in the Union Recreation Center (Jan. 26th - Feb 1)

Looking for something fun to do without having to bare the freezing temperatures of Wisconsin? Come to the Union Recreation Center located in the Union for FREE bowling, billiards, ping pong, and video games. This is a great way to get to know your suite mates if you are joining us for your first semester at UWM or a great way to reconnect with your friends you haven't seen in a month!

Beyond the Wall Poster Sale (January 26- January 30th)

Start off the semester with a little redecorating by stopping at the Union Concourse to look at the amazing selection of posters of movies, musicians, celebrities, and much more! My personal favorites are posters of any movies directed by the talented Quentin Tarantino and inspirational Andy Warhol quotes.

 Panthers Men's Basketball Winterfest (January 29th 7pm)

Head down to support the Panthers Mens Basketball team against UIC at the UWM panther area! Doors open at 6pm, but shuttles to the arena will be available from Cambridge, Riverview, and Sandburg beginning at 5:30pm! Make sure to have your UWM student ID with you so you can get in for free and support our panthers from the student section. Keep an eye out for pounce and maybe you will get a picture with our mascot like I did with my wonderful sorority Alpha Omicron Pi. 

SHAC Snowball 2015

Enjoy our 2nd annual Snowball dance held at Kenilworth Art Building on the 6th floor brought to you by SHAC! Dance the night away with the DJ, visit the photo booth, and try out your luck at one of the casino tables. Also download Events at UWM app for free to be kept up to date with upcoming SHAC events.

Whichever events you decide to attend during Winter Welcome share your experience on twitter with us using #winterwelcome and #pantherpride. 

See you soon panthers!

-Valerie