Saddle Up is designed to be a comprehensive and immersive experience that will help
prepare you for the adjustment to college coursework at UW. This type of preparation
programming has been shown to have a positive effect on college graduation rates as
students transition from high school to a university setting. You will be guided through
a week-long schedule with plenty of opportunities to connect with faculty, staff,
advisors, and of course, the classmates who will be part of your college journey over
the next several years.
Schedule
Early Move-In | August 18
First-year students will arrive early to campus on Friday, August 18 - over one week before the fall semester begins on August 28. You'll check in at a Saddle Up station, be assigned to your Poke Pack group and receive all the details (and SWAG!) for the upcoming week.
Preparation Camp | August 19-25
Beginning August 19, students will partake in a week of skill-building, study sessions, and a course that will earn students one college credit toward their degree. These essential touchpoints are designed to help pave the way for a successful journey at UW. Your individualized schedule will be assigned to you at check-in.
Weekend Adventure | August 26-27
A week of immersive learning definitely calls for a weekend of fun! After sleeping in, of course. Weekend programming and events are great ways to meet other Pokes and get to know the Cowboy community prior to the start of the fall semester on August 28. Check out the full schedule for details.
Since Saddle Up is required for incoming first-year, full-time students, you will
earn one (1) college credit hour toward your degree after successfully completing
the Saddle Up program
Saddle Up will allow our first-year students to arrive to campus ahead of the fall
semester. That's right! You'll get to settle into the residence halls over one week
in advance of the fall semester. Students will arrive on August 18 to check in* and
move into the halls. Your housing assignments will be finalized at the end of July,
so if you haven't started your housing contract yet for fall, now is the time!
**First-year students who have received an exemption from living in the UW residence
halls will still be required to check in on campus on August 18 and participate during
the full week of Saddle Up. Housing exemption notifications are sent to students weekly.
You and a small group of classmates will be assigned to a Poke Pack led by one of
our student peer mentors called Poke Pack Leaders. Selected across various degree
programs and colleges, these 150 student peer mentors will guide students throughout
the week of Saddle Up.
