Fall 2025 Orientation
Below is the Fall 2025 Orientation schedule.
We are excited to welcome you to the University of Wisconsin Law School! Below is a schedule of Orientation events, which includes virtual Early Orientation sessions throughout August and in-person Orientation Week, from August 26 to August 29.
Logistics
Early Orientation sessions are virtual and available on Canvas. Some sessions are required.
Orientation Week sessions are in-person unless otherwise specified. Most sessions are required.
All times are in Central Daylight Time (CDT).
For more information about Orientation, visit Canvas.
Canvas Course
The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.
You must activate your NetID to access Canvas.
Early Orientation Schedule At-a-Glance
All Early Orientation sessions are virtual and available on Canvas. Required Early Orientation sessions are indicated below.
The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.
Orientation Kickoff: Road Map for the Month
- 12-1 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
Connecting with Peer Mentors
Peer Mentors will begin reaching out to all of their assigned new students around this time. Be sure to check your wisc.edu email!
Intro to Law School Resources
- 12-1 :30 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
- This session is required!
Intro to UW Law School Technology
- 12-1 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
Accommodations & Accessibility Panel
- 12-1 PM
- Virtual (see link in Canvas)
- Hosted by the Students for Accessibility, Disability, and Accommodation (a Law School registered student organization)
Orientation Week Schedule At-a-Glance
Unless otherwise specified, all events during Orientation Week are in-person. Required Orientation Week days are indicated below.
The full Orientation schedule, session descriptions, sign-up links, links for virtual sessions, and locations for in-person sessions are available on Canvas.
LEO Orientation
The Legal Education Opportunities (LEO) Program at University of Wisconsin Law School is a program to recruit and retain students with a diversity of identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and work to ensure their success. All students are welcome.
RSVP required (see email from Admissions).
Study Smart, Part III: Preparing for the Law Classroom -- An In-Depth Discussion
Students who do not attend LEO Orientation may sign up for one of the following timeslots via Canvas:
- 12-1:15 PM
- 1:30-2:45 PM
- 3-4:15 PM
Students who attend LEO Orientation need not attend this standalone Study Smart, Part III session, as this programming is covered during LEO Orientation.
Day One of 1L Orientation
- 9:00-10:30 AM: Check-In,Breakfast, and Optional Activities
- Sign up for some optional activities via Canvas
- 10:45-11:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction
- 12-1 PM: Lunch with Peer Mentors
- 1:15-4 PM: Simultaneous Programming (location and order will depend on your LAAW section; see Canvas)
- Law School Tour and law School Resources Meet & Greet
- Recess
- Professional Identity: How Do You Want to Lawyer?
- 4-5 PM: Reception
All Day One programming is required!
Day Two of 1L Orientation
- 9-10 AM: Light Breakfast and Optional Activities
- Sign up for some optional activities via Canvas
- 10 AM-4 PM: Simultaneous Programming (location and order will depend on your LAAW section; see Canvas)
- Standard 303 Session
- Mock Class
- Lunch with Legal Analysis, Advocacy & Writing Professor
- Student Organization Fair
- Intro to the Office of Career & Professional Development
- 5:30-8 PM: Post-Orientation event hosted by the Student Bar Association
All Day Two programming is required, except for the Optional Activities in the morning and the post-Orientation event!
Transfer Student Orientation
Required for transfer students only.
Day Three of 1L Orientation
- 9-10:30 AM: Drop-In Advising with various offices
- Academic Affairs
- Academic Enahancement Program
- Admissions & Financial Aid
- Bar Success
- Career & Professional Development
- Student Affairs
- Student Life & Engagement
- Student Success & Inclusive Excellence
- 10:30-11:45 AM or 12-1:15 PM: Study Smart, Part IV: Basics of Criminal Law and Procedure, Civil Procedure, and Contracts
- Sign up for a timeslot via Canvas
- 3:30-4:30 PM: UW-Madison Campus Tour
Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!
Additional Resources
