What can I expect from this course?
We have designed Saddle Up to be a comprehensive and exciting experience that helps prepare you for the adjustment to college coursework at UW. Students will be guided through a week-long course with plenty of opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and of course, the students who will be part of your college journey over the next several years.
Is the Saddle Up camp required?
Yes. Students will earn one credit hour which can also be counted towards a student's full-time status. Saddle Up is an accelerated yet exciting program that will give students the leg up they need to successfully navigate their time at UW as a student and community member.
Who is required to attend?
All incoming first-time, full-time students entering UW in the fall of 2025 will participate in Saddle Up. This is a required course for students. Students will be enrolled into the Saddle Up course by their academic advisor during New Student Days or online advising appointments completed over the summer. While transfer students are not required to participate in Saddle Up, they are welcome to do so, and we encourage their participation in either Saddle Up or Transfer Saddle Up!
Our attendance policy covers this requirement in more specific detail.
When will Saddle Up take place?
Saddle Up will allow our first-year students to arrive early to campus ahead of their first semester. That's right! You'll get to settle into the residence halls before the semester officially begins. Students will begin Saddle Up by moving into residence halls before beginning their week-long course. You won't want to miss it! Check out the full schedule for more details.
Transfer students bring unique perspectives, and questions to campus which is why Transfer Saddle Up has been developed. Transfer Saddle Up, as an optional, one-day program focuses specifically on the needs of transfer students. Programs like Transfer Saddle Up have been shown to have a positive impact on college graduation rates.
We're certain you're eager to learn more about the details of this program. We're so excited to get started, too! UW will be releasing details in spring 2025 to students about schedules, details about move-in, and much more. In the meantime, we welcome you to explore our FAQs.
Remember, this is a required course for all incoming students entering their first year. If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us and we'll be glad to assist you!
