Frequently Asked Questions

In Saddle Up, students gain real-world exposure to the pace, cadence, and expectations of learning in a college classroom. Along with an understanding of the rapid tempo of daily course attendance and work, students also learn time-management skills, study tips and tricks, and receive feedback on how to improve their performance.

With a focus on academic readiness, Saddle Up walks students through experiential learning and research opportunities that can enhance their time at the university. In the end, students are equipped with the ability to manage their time and course loads, be active and engaged learners, and gain preparation skills that will benefit them over the next four years and beyond.

As an incoming UW student, you will:

• Experience the demand and pace of a college course taught by UW faculty

• Receive one (1) college credit hour toward your degree

• Move into your dorm room early

• Become familiar with the university campus, its resources, and the UW community

• Get an experiential introduction to academic resources, such as Canvas, the STEP Tutoring Center, the Libraries, and the Writing Center Network with peers and faculty within your major

• Be ready for UW classes on day one of the fall semester!

UW's Saddle Up participants will be enrolled in the one-credit course by an advisor at New Student Days or during online summer advising appointments. Students will pay the $200 course fee. In addition to this fee, there is a $372 fee for meals and housing for the week of Saddle Up. Students living off-campus will be charged $204 for meals during the week regardless of use. Both are applied to the fall semester payment due on September 1, 2023. The one credit provided by this course applies to students' fall workloads for financial aid and block tuition purposes.

Other Contacts

• For additional questions about calculating tuition and fee costs or making payments, please contact Student Financial Services.  For additional questions about understanding financial aid, contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to Saddle Up costs, please contact saddleup@uwyo.edu.

Move-in for Saddle Up participants will take place on August 18. Please schedule your move-in time in advance to avoid parking congestion and waiting in line! More information about scheduling a time to move in will be available over the summer.

Saddle Up is intended for all incoming first-time, full-time students regardless of academic credentials. You will be enrolled in the course by an advisor at New Student Days or during online summer advising appointments.

You will participate in the camp run by the college corresponding to your major. Changes in major prior to arrival will be accommodated until August 1, 2023. Exploratory Studies and Undeclared students will participate in a college camp relevant to their exploratory track.

If you cannot attend, you must receive written approval from a Saddle Up program coordinator. Requests will be reviewed by the exemption committee on a case-by-case basis prior to reaching a decision. Please email the UW Saddle Up Team at saddleup@uwyo.edu as soon as possible to request an exemption, and include documentation related to your absence request. Exemptions are only offered in extreme circumstances. Students receiving a formal exemption will be enrolled in the semester-long alternative course.

Important No-Show Information: Students will receive an unsatisfactory grade in the course for non-attendance if they do not receive a formal exemption prior to the start of Saddle Up.

Exemption requests MUST be submitted by August 1, 2023.

Late or Partial Attendance Policy

If a circumstance arises that may cause you to be late arriving to UW's Saddle Up program, please email us at saddleup@uwyo.edu as soon as possible to request approval and arrange accommodation. The exemption committee will review the request prior to a decision. Likewise, if urgent circumstances arise during the week, you should contact saddleup@uwyo.edu for accommodations. Exemptions are only offered in extreme circumstances. A formal exemption, if approved, will mean you will be enrolled in an alternative course in the fall semester.

Exemption requests MUST be submitted by August 1, 2023.

Yes! As a transfer student, you are welcome to attend the full week-long program or an alternative experience designed for the specific needs of transfer students. The two-day transfer student Saddle Up program will run August 25-26. Additional details will be included as this program is finalized!

Please note that this program is not required for transfer students.

Saddle Up Housing Info

Saddle Up participants who sign a housing contract for the 2023-24 academic year will move in on August 18 during their scheduled move-in time. Saddle Up participants who will not live in the residence halls are responsible for arranging their own housing during the program.

Saddle Up Meal Information

Included in the $220 housing and dining fee, UW's Saddle Up participants will be provided with meals and snacks for the duration of the program. Students are encouraged to bring additional snacks and drinks. Off-campus students will be billed a lower fee of $150.00 for their meals and snacks throughout the week, regardless of use.

Official Saddle Up programming begins on Friday, August 18 and continues through Friday, August 25. There will be light required programming for students to attend on August 19-20. The weekend of August 26-27 will consist of optional campus and community-based programming.

View the camp schedule for additional details.