First Year Experience

Family Resources

Welcome to the family!

As the parent or family member of a first year student at UW-Whitewater, we know this transition is an important time for both you and your student. We want to support you throughout this journey, which is why we a variety of resources to help you stay informed, connected, and engaged. From events to newsletters, Facebook groups to frequently asked questions, we’re here to ensure you have the information and support you need. Whether you're looking for updates on academic services, campus events, or student wellness, our family resources are designed to keep you in the loop and help you support your student’s success.

Family Resources

Warhawk Family Connections Facebook Group

 Warhawk Family Connections is a private Facebook group for parents and family members of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater students. The purpose of the group is to (a) serve as a resource for parents and families, (b) provide an outlet for parents and families to ask questions, share comments, etc., and (c) provide an affinity space for families. Come join us!.

Family Calendar

Stay up to date with what's happening at UW-Whitewater. Download the FYE Family Calendar today!

Family Newsletter

We periodically send an email newsletter to keep families updated on all that's happening at UW-Whitewater. Email WFN@uww.edu to sign up today!

Student Achievements

We can't talk enough about the success of UW-Whitewater students! The university employs a system called Merit to highlight the achievements of our students throughout their time as Warhawks. You can learn about student achievements here.

Student Awards

Each year, one freshman and one transfer student who have experienced UW-Whitewater to the fullest during their first year as a Warhawk are recognized with the Outstanding Student Award by the FYE Office. Meet our award winners here!

Frequently Asked Questions

We know there are many questions families of first year Warhawks may have. We answer them on our Family Frequently Asked Questions page. 

University Parent and Family Resources

In addition to our First Year Experience family resources, the university has compiled a list of resources just for Warhawk families. Find parent and family resources here.

Family Fest

Family Fest at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is a vibrant annual event that brings together students, families, and the community for a weekend of celebration and connection. The festivities typically include a variety of activities such as athletic events, entertainment, and family-friendly games, providing a perfect opportunity for families to experience the university's spirit and culture firsthand. This event not only strengthens the bond between students and their families but also showcases the supportive and engaging environment that UWW offers to its students.

Family Fest 2025

Help us celebrate our Warhawks and their families!

Join us October 3rd & 4th for Family Fest 2025. 

Download the Family Fest schedule.

Watch the Fun From 2024!

Family Fest Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend purchasing the football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price. Registration is not required for any events.

*Free Events

 

Friday, October 3, 2025

  • 4:00-7:30 p.m. | Family Feast | Esker Dining Hall
    • Come to the Eatery at Esker Dining Hall and enjoy a special dinner with outdoor games and other fun activities! Visit Warhawk Dining for more information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @WarhawkDining.
    • Entry fee is 1 meal swipe, 1 guest meal swipe, or the door rate can be paid with cash, tap pay, credit, or debit card.
  • * 1:00-10:00 p.m. | FamFest Friday: Billiards & Bowling, Warhawk Bingo, Movie, & more! | University Center
    • Stop by the Warhawk Alley for bowling, billiards, ping pong, yard games, and more. Cost applies (pay on site).
    • Warhawk Bingo begins at 7:30 p.m. in Hamilton Room (as space allows).
    • UC Live Movie (Lilo & Stitch - 2025) begins at 7:00 p.m. in Summers Auditorium.
      • Board Games available in the Down Under
  • 7:30 p.m. | Eurydice | Hicklin Studio Theatre

  Saturday, October 4, 2025

    • 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Kids Jr. Pom Pom Clinic (kids K-8th grade) | Dance Studio, Williams Center (1st floor)
      • Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the clinic begins at 10 a.m. Participants will perform at the halftime of the Warhawk Football game with the UW-Whitewater Dance team!
    • * 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Family Fest Information Station | 1st floor lobby, Williams Center
      • Stop by if you have any questions about the day? Need some assistance?
    • * 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Willie’s Fun Zone | David L. Kachel Fieldhouse, Williams Center (1st floor)
      • Stop by the Kachel Fieldhouse for a family photo with Willie Warhawk in the photo booth, play wheelchair basketball with the UW-Whitewater wheelchair basketball teams, and enjoy yard games, Warhawk temporary tattoos, inflatable games, DJ, and more!
    • 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Billiards and Bowling | Warhawk Alley, University Center
      • Stop by the Warhawk Alley for bowling, billiards, ping pong, yard games, and more. Cost applies to non-students only (pay on site).
    • 1 p.m. | UW-Whitewater Warhawks vs. UW-Lacrosse Eagles Football Game | Perkins Stadium (910 W. Schwager Dr.)
      • Cost applies (purchase in advance for best ticket price)
      • Tailgating begins at 10 a.m.
    • 2:00 p.m. | Eurydice | Hicklin Studio Theatre
      • Additional showing on Sunday, October 5th
    • * 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | UC Live Movie - Lilo & Stitch (2025) | Summers Auditorium, University Center
      • Seating is general admission — as space allows.
      • Sponsored by UC Live.

4 p.m. | Women’s Soccer Vs. UW-River Falls | Robert Fiskum Field

    7 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Vs. UW-Stevens Point | Robert Fiskum Field

      * 7 p.m. | A Night of Jazz | Young Auditorium

        • Come see your fellow Warhawks! Bring your friends and family for an evening of great music. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is a talented group of singers who bring a lively mix of vocal jazz and contemporary popular styles to the stage. Joining them is Jazz I, a high-energy big band featuring saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a dynamic rhythm section. Whether you're a fan of jazz or just love great music, you won't want to miss this dynamic performance!

      Registration and pre-purchased tickets are not required for Family Fest.

      All events that require a ticket entry will be purchased at the event with the exception of the football game and parking pass.  We recommend purchasing the Football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price.

      Free Events

      • Friday, October 3rd | 1:00-10:00 p.m. | Warhawk Bingo, Movie, & more! | UC
      • Saturday, October 4th | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Willie’s Fun Zone | David L. Kachel Fieldhouse
      • Saturday, October 4th | 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. |  Family Fest Information Station | Williams Center
      • Saturday, October 4th | 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. | UC Live Movie (TBD) | Summers Auditorium, UC
      • Saturday, October 4th | 7 p.m. | A Night of Jazz | Young Auditorium

      Paid Events (with Associated Costs)

      • Friday, October 3rd | 4:00-7:30 p.m. | Family Feast | Esker Dining Hall
        • Entry fee is 1 meal swipe, 1 guest meal swipe, or door rate can be paid with cash, tap pay, credit, or debit.
      • Friday | 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, & Sunday 2:00 p.m. | Eurydice | Hicklin Studio Theatre
        • Cost applies (purchase tickets at the door or online coming soon!)
      • Saturday, October 4th |9:30-11:30 a.m. | Kids Jr. Pom Pom Clinic (kids K-8th grade) | Dance Studio, Williams Center (1st floor)
        • Cost applies (pay on site; cash or check)
        • Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the clinic begins at 10 a.m. Participants will perform at the halftime of the Warhawk Football game with the UW-Whitewater Dance team!
        • Clinic cost is $25 (includes a ticket to the football game, t-shirt, and snack).
      • Saturday, October 4th |10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Billiards and Bowling | Warhawk Alley, University Center
        • Cost applies (pay on site)
        • $2 games bowling
        • $1 shoe rental
        • $2 Billiards (per person, per hour)
        • Students with valid Hawkcard ID: Free
        • Free items: Ping Pong, Video Games, Board Games, etc.
      • Saturday, October 4th |1:00 p.m. | UW-Whitewater Warhawks vs. UW-Lacrosse Eagles Football Game | Perkins Stadium (910W. Schwager Dr.)
        • Cost applies (purchase in advance for best ticket price)
      • Saturday, October 4th | 4:00 p.m. | Womens’s Soccer Vs. UW-River Falls | Robert Fiskum Field
        • Cost applies (purchase tickets at the door, cash only)
        • View Gameday Central for details on ticket pricing.
      • Saturday, October 4th | 7:00 p.m. | Men’s Soccer Vs. UW-Stevens Point | Robert Fiskum Field
        • Cost applies (purchase tickets at the door, cash only)
        • View Gameday Central for details on ticket pricing.

      We recommend purchasing the football game tickets and parking passes in advance for the best ticket price. For more parking details, visit Home Football Parking.

      Football Game Pre-Purchase Ticket Information
      Questions? Please reach out to the Athletics Department at 262-472-4661 or visit the Athletics website.
      Purchase Football tickets »

      Football Game Day Ticket Information:
      UWW Ticket Services will be open at Perkins Stadium 2 hours prior to game time. All tickets sold in person are cash only.  Tickets can also be purchased online until half-time, using your mobile device.  
      Ticket information »
      Carry-In Policy for Warhawk Football Games »

      Directions to Campus

      View directions to campus »

      Below are the key addresses for Family Fest events:

      • Young Auditorium: 930 W. Main St., Whitewater, WI 53190
      • Williams Center: 907 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190
      • Perkins Stadium: 910 W. Schwager Dr., Whitewater, WI 53190
      • University Center: 190 Hamilton Green Way, Whitewater, WI 53190

      Parking

      Family Fest coincides with a home football game, so it helps to prepare your parking plans in advance!

      • We recommend pre-purchasing your parking pass before your arrival for the best price.
      • Parking permits are available to purchase online by visiting UW-Whitewater Parking Services.   Permits will be sold up to kick off.
      • All resident parking lots will be closed to those without annual resident permits on game day, and all commuter lots will require a football permit, so any guests parking on campus will need a football permit regardless of whether they attend the game. (Select FOOTBALL as the event type)
      • There are two options for general parking:
        • $10 general permits which cover lots 2, 4, 7, 9, 14, 
        • $5 general permits that cover lots 1 and 12.
        • Once the football game concludes, the parking restrictions will end and free parking will resume through 11PM on Sunday.

      Home Football Parking information »

      All other parking questions »

      Whitewater

      Fort Atkinson

      Janesville

      • Family Feast in Esker Dining Hall on Friday, October 3rd
      • Bring your own food for tailgating on Saturday, October 4th
      • Perkins Stadium will have concessions

      Campus dining information and hours »

      Visit Campus

      We love our campus and we know you will too!

      Come visit us and and one of our friendly, knowledgeable Warhawks will show you all campus has to offer. Main campus tours are offered most weekdays and the occasional Saturday.

      Schedule a Campus Visit
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